The House I Live in: At Home in America

In a succession of appealing spreads, this unusual picture book surveys the astonishing conglomeration of residential architecture across America. The upbeat and consistently informative narrative frames each dwelling with myriad facts on its historic, geographic and environmental contexts. Youngsters will be especially intrigued by the ways in which photographic images of children (ostensibly the inhabitants of each house) and a cat or dog have been incorporated in each of the bright, detailed paintings. The residences depicted include pueblos, log cabins, stone houses, frame and brick structures, houseboats, trailers, beach homes and art deco apartment buildings. Though the information is engrossing, the design striking and the artwork involving, it's difficult to predict an audience for this book. It may find its niche in the classrooms of innovative teachers who want beautiful trade books to use when teaching ``shelter.'' Ages 6-10. (Apr.)