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

Have you ever walked into a barbershop and felt the hum of conversation, the crisp snip of scissors, and the sense of community that fills the air? Barbers (Pull Ahead Books ― Community Helpers) by Alison Behnke captures that very essence in a way that’s both educational and engaging for young readers. Part of the Pull Ahead Books ― Community Helpers series, this book is a delightful exploration of the role barbers play in our neighborhoods—far beyond just giving haircuts.

Whether you're a parent looking for a book to introduce your child to community helpers, a teacher searching for classroom material, or simply a curious reader, this review will break down why Barbers is a cut above the rest.

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Barbers doesn’t follow a traditional narrative plot but instead offers a structured, informative look at the daily tasks and importance of barbers. Behnke takes readers through:

• The barbershop environment – Describing the tools, the atmosphere, and the interactions between barbers and customers.
• The process of a haircut – From consultation to styling, with clear, step-by-step explanations.
• The social role of barbers – How they serve as listeners, advisors, and pillars of the community.

The book balances factual information with engaging visuals, making it accessible for early readers while still providing depth for older kids.

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Since Barbers is a nonfiction book, the "characters" are real-life barbers and their clients. Behnke does an excellent job humanizing these figures by:

• Highlighting barbers’ skills – She emphasizes the precision, patience, and creativity required in the profession.
• Showcasing diverse barbershop experiences – The book subtly touches on how barbershops differ across cultures, making it relatable to a wide audience.
• Featuring interactions between barbers and customers – These moments add warmth, showing how barbershops are social hubs.

While there’s no singular protagonist, the collective portrayal of barbers makes them feel like everyday heroes.

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Behnke’s writing is straightforward yet engaging—perfect for its target audience (ages 5-9). Key strengths include:

• Simple, direct language – Easy for early readers to follow.
• Effective use of visuals – Photographs and illustrations complement the text, reinforcing learning.
• Interactive elements – Questions like "Have you ever been to a barbershop?" encourage reader participation.

The book avoids overwhelming details while still providing enough substance to be informative.

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Beyond just describing a profession, Barbers subtly explores deeper themes:

• Community bonding – Barbershops are more than businesses; they’re gathering places where people share stories.
• Trust and professionalism – A good haircut requires skill, but also trust between the barber and client.
• Cultural significance – The book hints at how barbershops have historically been safe spaces in many communities.

These themes make the book more than just an occupational guide—it’s a celebration of human connection.

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As someone who grew up frequenting barbershops, this book brought back nostalgic memories. The way Behnke captures the rhythm of a barbershop—the banter, the careful snipping, the satisfaction of a fresh cut—felt authentic.

What stood out most was how the book normalizes visiting a barber, making it less intimidating for kids who might be nervous about haircuts. The inclusion of real-life photos (rather than just illustrations) added a layer of realism that I appreciated.

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Compared to other Community Helpers books, Barbers holds its own by:

• Focusing on a less commonly covered profession – Many books highlight firefighters or doctors, but barbers are just as essential.
• Balancing education with warmth – Some similar books feel dry, but Behnke keeps it lively.

If you enjoyed Helpers in Your Neighborhood or Whose Tools Are These?, this is a great addition.

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✅ Perfect for early readers – Simple sentences and helpful visuals.
✅ Encourages curiosity – Sparks questions about different jobs.
✅ Diverse representation – Shows barbers and clients of various backgrounds.

❌ Could delve deeper – Some readers might want more historical context.
❌ Limited narrative – Since it’s nonfiction, it lacks a story arc (though this isn’t necessarily a flaw).

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• Ages 5-9 – Ideal for early readers and classroom use.
• Parents & educators – Great for teaching about community roles.
• Kids nervous about haircuts – Helps demystify the experience.

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While the book doesn’t have traditional "quotable" lines, one standout passage is:

"A barber’s job isn’t just about cutting hair—it’s about making people feel good."

This simple yet powerful sentence encapsulates the book’s heart.

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Barbershops have long been cultural landmarks, especially in Black and Latino communities. While Barbers doesn’t dive deep into history, it nods to this legacy by showing diverse barbershop settings. A deeper historical section could have been interesting, but the book succeeds in its primary goal—introducing the profession to kids.

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Barbers is a well-crafted, engaging book that does exactly what it sets out to do—educate young readers about an important community role in a fun, accessible way. Whether you’re buying it for a child, a classroom, or just to appreciate the craft of barbering, this book is a solid choice.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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• Did this book change how you see barbershops?
• What other community helper jobs would you like to see covered in a book?
• Do you have a favorite memory from a barbershop or salon?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear them!

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