One of my issues with princesses has always been this. The role is not a career aspiration. I live in an actual monarchy, where there really are princesses, and there is even a possibility of our daughters becoming one. But I think we can all agree it’s a fairly narrow life path to target.
I suppose it’s a more realistic aspiration than being a superhero, but at least most of them have real jobs as journalists, lawyers, wealthy industrialists, Amazon princesses… er, where was I…?
Anyway, of the many characters aimed at children, male ones tend to be the only ones tied to a profession. Think Postman Pat, or Fireman Sam. Female characters are far more likely to be more fantastical.
In a clever twist, tying the two together, is the Tara Binns series. Created by Lisa Rajan and illustrated by Eerika Omiyale, these books have the tagline of “Giving Little Girls Big Ideas”. The format of each tale involves our eponymous girl hero playing dress ups in her attic, and being magically transported into a fantasy (or is it?) involving the profession one of her outfits.
In Tara Binns – Eagle-Eyed Pilot, she suddenly becomes a jumbo jet pilot – in mid-flight – and quickly has to learn not only how the cockpit works, but also has to navigate a storm and wrestle with a moral dilemma involving old pirate treasure.
The next book is Tara Binns – Crash Test Genius, where she becomes an engineer who quickly learns how the application of science benefits us all, and is inspired to invent a new concept of her own.
Coming soon is Tara Binns – Double Choc Doc, where she has to deal with everyone’s winter nemesis – the common cold!
My 3-year-old daughter loves being read these books, and requests we revisit them regularly. She is full of questions about the professions themselves as well as the way Tara deals with the dilemmas and opportunities presented to her. She’ll often ask questions about them out of the blue, when we’re not even reading one. They have clearly made an impression, and an immensely positive one at that.
The prose is bright and snappy, and the illustrations whimsically delightful. Tara, as both herself and when she’s exploring her various professions, is a great role model. One that is thankfully a world away from fairy princesses.
These books would be terrific for any child – but parents of girls in particular may find these to be essential bookshelf additions.
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This giveaway is over, but these books can still be purchased on Amazon (and other retailers)
Keep up to date with all the latest news about Tara Binns on Facebook and Twitter.
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Disclaimer: While I was not paid to write this review, we did receive these books free of charge.
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These look brilliant, my 5 year old would love them. I’d like to see her be either a marine biologist, explorer/wildlife conservationist (small loves octonauts and deadly 60) or some kind of astronomer. (Small is fascinated with space too).
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Those are great suggestions 🙂
Thanks! Astronaut is the book I’m currently working on, so great suggestion! The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
A Football referee!
Thanks! My son wants me to make Tara Binns a footballer, so that’s definitely on the list. The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
I would like to see a paleontology one
Fantastic idea – I often get that suggestion when I read the books to school children – dinosaurs are soooo popular! The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
a scientist researching cures for tropical bugs
Fantastic idea! It’s not quite tropical diseases, but Tara Binns does find a cure for the common cold in the latest book – Double Choc Doc – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/ Might make a nice stocking filler if your little one likes stories about doctors. Also, the pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about!
The manager of a big professional sports team.
Great idea – I have plans for a book with her becoming a footballer… may have to make her the manager instead! The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, came out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
maybe a rally driver
Great idea – lots of kids have suggested different sports and rally driver would make a great adventure – plenty of twists and turns. The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, came out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
Olympic Archer
Great idea – lots of kids have suggested different sports and archer would make a great adventure. The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, came out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
A chef!
Great idea – I’ll put that on the list – I’ve had so many great suggestions I need to get writing! The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, came out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
Tara Binns- Extreme Engineer!
She does have an adventure as an engineer in Crash Test Genius and there’s a jetpack, so it does get a bit extreme! The book has just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Crash-Test-Genius/dp/0993008216/
I’d like to see her as a Systems Analyst or Project Manager. Would it be a challenge to make those jobs exciting?
I’ll give it a go! Have to work out what the costume looks like first! So many great suggestions… I’d better get writing. The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, came out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
I’d love to see her be a scientist!
That’s definitely on my list – already thinking about how she can be the first to perform cold fusion! You might want to check out Double Choc Doc, her newest adventure, in which she finds a cure for the common cold. So she’s already making brilliant discoveries! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
An architect
Great idea – I think she would Tara would design something very inspirational and it’s definitely a field we need to inspire girls to go into. She’s already shown she has a technical brain in Crash Test Genius, which has just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal – I’d better get thinking about other things she could design! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Crash-Test-Genius/dp/0993008216/
A zoo vet!
Fantastic idea! It’s not quite zoo animals, but she does find a cure for the common cold in the latest book – Double Choc Doc – so she’s definitely got what it takes to make things better! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/ Might make a nice stocking filler if your little one likes stories about helping others. Also, the pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about!
Love the idea of these books – am spending a lot of time persuading my daughter that ‘princess’ is not a career to aspire too! So think it would be great if Tara was a deep sea diver, the MD of a huge multi national corporation or a UN Peace Envoy!
Thanks! The idea started because I wanted my own daughter to aspire to be something real… no one can actually be a princess when they grow up anyway! I’m trying to let little girls know that there are so many other amazing things you can be, and two of the books just got nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which I’m absolutely thrilled about. Deep sea diver has been suggested by several of the school children I’ve read to – so that one definitely makes the shortlist! The latest adventure – Double Choc Doc – came out at the beginning of the month. Might make a nice stocking filler if your little one likes stories about helping others! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
These books look great! My daughter is mad about space and dinosaurs, so I’d love to see an astronaut or paleontologist one!
Thanks! Astronaut is the book I’m currently working on, so great suggestion! The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
How about a Ski Instructor
Great idea – lots of kids have suggested different sports and skier would make a great adventure – plenty of twists and turns. The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, came out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
An Architect would be great x
Great idea – I think she would Tara would design something very inspirational and it’s definitely a field we need to inspire girls to go into. She’s already shown she has a technical brain in Crash Test Genius, which has just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal – I’d better get thinking about other things she could design! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Crash-Test-Genius/dp/0993008216/
a gymnastic xx
Great idea – lots of kids have suggested different sports and Tara as a gymnast would make a great role model. The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, came out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
These sound great – I love the illustrations too! I’d love to see her try out being an astronaut or an archaeologist.
Thanks! Astronaut is the book I’m currently working on, so great suggestion! The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
Geologist
Thanks! That’s a new suggestion – I would love to write an adventure with her as a scientist and hadn’t thought of making her a geologist before. The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
Racing car driver
Great idea – lots of kids have suggested different sports and racing driver would make a great adventure – plenty of twists and turns. The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, came out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
A vet
Fantastic idea! It’s not quite animals, but she does find a cure for the common cold in the latest book – Double Choc Doc – so she’s definitely got what it takes to make things better! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/ Might make a nice stocking filler if your little one likes stories about helping others. Also, the pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about!
Dentist
Fantastic idea! It’s not quite beating toothache, but she does find a cure for the common cold in the latest book – Double Choc Doc – so she’s definitely got what it takes to make things better! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/ Might make a nice stocking filler if your little one likes stories about helping others. Also, the pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about!
A bungee jump instructor
Thanks! Great suggestion… I’ll have to get my thinking cap on as I’m sure kids would love seeing Tara bungee jump. The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
An astronaut xxx
Thanks! Astronaut is the book I’m currently working on, so great suggestion! The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
An engineer (chemical or electrical)
She does have an adventure as an engineer in Crash Test Genius – more mechanical though! The book has just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Crash-Test-Genius/dp/0993008216/
Jet Pilot
She does have an adventure as a pilot in Eagle-Eyed Pilot, but it is a commercial liner… The book has just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Eagle-Eyed-Pilot-1/dp/0993008208/
Great recommendations. My daughter is only 3 months and I will be steering her towards these books (and all reading in general) I fear I have been sucked in to pinkification but will strive to avoid princess ambitiondom. #weekendblogshare
Thanks! The idea started because I wanted my own daughter to aspire to be something real… no one can actually be a princess when they grow up anyway! I’m trying to let little girls know that there are so many other amazing things you can be, and two of the books just got nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which I’m absolutely thrilled about. The latest adventure – Double Choc Doc – came out at the beginning of the month. Might make a nice stocking filler if your little one likes stories about helping others! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
Astronaut
Thanks! Astronaut is the book I’m currently working on, so great suggestion! The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
Oceanography x
Thanks! Great suggestion… I’ll have to get my thinking cap on as I’m sure kids would love seeing Tara as an oceanographer. The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
A newspaper editor.
Thanks! Great suggestion… I’ll have to get my thinking cap on as I’m sure kids would love seeing Tara edit the news. The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
astronaut 🙂
Thanks! Astronaut is the book I’m currently working on, so great suggestion! The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/
Airplane pilot
She does have an adventure as a pilot in Eagle-Eyed Pilot, and in avoiding a terrible storm finds what might be an old pirate treasure map. The book has just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Eagle-Eyed-Pilot-1/dp/0993008208/ Would love to know what you think!
These are great! Have already added them to my wish list for my little one. Would be great to see something like sports coach, research scientist or engineer.
Great suggestions – I will add them to my list. She does have an adventure as an engineer in Crash Test Genius and invents something all children will love! The book has just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Crash-Test-Genius/dp/0993008216/ I would love to hear what you think!
a vet or veterinary nurse, working with and helping all those lovely animals.
Fantastic idea! It’s not quite animals, but she does find a cure for the common cold in the latest book – Double Choc Doc – so she’s definitely got what it takes to make things better! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/ Might make a nice stocking filler if your little one likes stories about helping others. Also, the pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about! Would love to hear what you think!
How about a scientist at Cern or something like that
Scientist is definitely on my list – already thinking about how she can be the first to perform cold fusion! You might want to check out Double Choc Doc, her newest adventure, in which she finds a cure for the common cold. So she’s already making brilliant discoveries! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/ Would love to hear wwhat you think!
a biochemist
Scientist is definitely on my list – already thinking about how she can be the first to perform cold fusion! You might want to check out Double Choc Doc, her newest adventure, in which she finds a cure for the common cold. So she’s already making brilliant discoveries! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/ Would love to hear wwhat you think!
Astronaut or scientist
Thanks! Astronaut is the book I’m currently working on, so great suggestion! The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/ Would love to hear what you think!
I’d love to see her be an archaeologist.
Astronaut / Aeronautical scientist 😀 Im working hard on persuading my youngest niece this is something she can do lol
A scientist working in the lab
Thanks! Astronaut is the book I’m currently working on, so great suggestion! The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/ Would love to hear what you and your niece think!
Thanks! Astronaut is the book I’m currently working on, so great suggestion! Scientist is on the list too… The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/ Would love to hear what you and your niece think!
Thanks! Great suggestion… I’ll have to get my thinking cap on as I’m sure kids would love seeing Tara digging up a piece of history. The pilot and engineer books have just been nominated for the 2016 Carnegie Medal, which we’re really thrilled about. And the new book, in which Tara Binns becomes a doctor, was out on the 1st November if you’re thinking of stocking fillers! http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tara-Binns-Double-Choc-Doc/dp/0993008224/ Would love to know what you think!