Career Day: Zookeeper/Detective

Magician and actor Jonathan Levit hosts this compilation from the Career Day series that takes youngsters behind-the-scenes to look at interesting professions. “Detective” finds Levit meeting up with Napa County Sheriff's Detective Chris Carlisle for a faux investigation—which points to Levit as a candy bar thief—along the way outlining various steps in the process: interviewing suspects, fingerprinting, mug shots, and relegation to a holding cell. The pair also search for evidence at a crime scene, use an ultralight, and dust for prints. In “Zookeeper,” viewers follow Oakland Zoo worker Elizabeth Abram as she demonstrates—with Levit's help—aspects of her job that entail feeding, cleanup, and training for animals including goats, pigs, and lemurs. Combining on-location footage, relevant vocabulary (such as “evidence” or “omnivore”), and goofy sound effects, both segments also feature the highlighted workers explaining the steps they took to land their jobs (including schooling and interning) and discussing what they like most about their careers. Geared towards ages 6-12, other titles in this series include Rescue Swimmer/Welder and Veterinarian/Airbrush Artist. Recommended. Aud: E, I, P. (J. Williams-Wood)