Barbers (Pull Ahead Books ― Community Helpers) by Alison Behnke

This engaging early reader introduces young children to the important work of barbers in our neighborhoods, showing how these community helpers wash, cut, and style hair while making customers feel their best. Through clear photographs and accessible text, children discover the different types of barber shops and the various services provided, from simple haircuts to perms and color treatments. The book thoughtfully demonstrates how barbers work with all hair types—long, short, straight, and curly—helping children see themselves and others in these community spaces.

What makes this community helpers book particularly valuable is how it transforms a familiar experience into an educational opportunity, helping reduce any anxiety about haircuts while building appreciation for service workers. The straightforward narrative and realistic images provide excellent conversation starters for parents and teachers discussing careers and community roles. Young readers who enjoy seeing how things work or who feel curious about visits to the barber will find this both reassuring and informative, making it a wonderful addition to any early childhood bookshelf focused on social studies and community awareness.