A repressive teacher almost ruins second grade for a prodigy in this amusing, if overwritten, tale. Having shown a fascination with great buildings since constructing a model of the Leaning Tower of Pisa from used diapers at age two, Iggy sinks into boredom after Miss Greer announces, throwing an armload of histories and craft projects into the trash, that architecture will be a taboo subject in her class. Happily, she changes her views when the collapse of a footbridge leaves the picnicking class stranded on an island, whereupon Iggy enlists his mates to build a suspension bridge from string, rulers and fruit roll-ups. Familiar buildings and other structures, made with unusual materials or, on the closing pages, drawn on graph paper, decorate Roberts's faintly retro cartoon illustrations. They add an audience-broadening element of sophistication-as would Beaty's decision to cast the text into verse, if it did not result in such lines as "After twelve long days / that passed in a haze / of reading, writing and arithmetic, / Miss Greer took the class / to Blue River Pass / for a hike and an old-fashioned picnic." Another John Lithgow she is not, nor is Iggy another Remarkable Farkle McBride (2000), but it's always salutary to see young talent vindicated. (Picture book. 6-8)
Finding your creative spark can be challenging for an adult and it may be even harder for your little reader; which is why these ten lovely pictures books are perfect for helping to foster and develop creativity in children. Filled with unique ways to spark creativity in young readers these books are guaranteed to help […]
Some kids love building intricate towers with their LEGOs and are born with an eye for design and construction. If your young reader is already asking you questions about how bridges are built and had a proclivity for Eames chairs, here are six fabulous picture books that are sure to inspire your budding architect or […]
As someone raising both a son and a daughter, I’m always on the lookout for books that empower both of them to grow into strong, happy, healthy adults. That’s every parent’s dream, right? While my daughter went through a princess phase just like many other girls her age, she simultaneously expressed an interest in trains, […]
Whether your kids have an interest in architecture or simply marvel at engineering, these eight picture books feature something for everyone. From drawing historical structures to Frank Lloyd Wright, strong female architects to seeing buildings from above, each book is an excellent building block to your child’s understanding of architecture and the places we live, […]
When I was in elementary school I really wanted a job. Paperwork, answering phones, carrying a briefcase, having meetings, seemed really… fun. My friends and I would play office as much as we would play with our Barbies. Needless to say, one of my favorite school “holidays” was take your kids to work day. Not […]