Home Construction by Anne Blanchard, illustrated by Didier Balicevic. Twirl, 2024, c2023. 9791027612208
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Format: Hardcover picture book
What did you like about the book? Kids who love all aspects of building construction will be delighted by this book on building a house. Each of the five two-page spreads covers a step in the process, from preparing the building site to landscaping as the house nears completion. Sturdy cardboard pages with flaps, pull tabs, wheels to turn and other interactive elements enrich the reader’s understand of all the moving parts to the building process. Included in the bright, pleasing artwork are names for building materials, vehicles and equipment, the workers’ safety gear, and how the plumbing, electricity and other systems are planned. It was gratifying to see that the workers are racially diverse and include men and women. As this is a French translation, the finished house looks like it would fit in in the south of France, with its curved roof tiles. Although this is different from the majority of house construction in the U.S., it shouldn’t make a difference to kids.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? For ages 4-8.
Who should buy this book? Elementary school and public libraries
Where would you shelve it? 690.8
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: February 4, 2024
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