New House, New Home

From foundation pouring to appliance installation, two children observe the process of their new home being built in Saben’s architecture-centered story. “Let’s build our house!” begins loose rhymes that go on to describe the ventilation, electrical, and plumbing work that ensues (“The stairs climb up,/ the drain lets down./ Watch out—debris and dust around!”). As the kids bide their time, their play lightly echoes varied aspects of construction: they chase papers blown by a fan as air ducts get tweaked, and assemble a puzzle while windows are inserted. The Popes’ simplistic collage-style renderings present home-building as cheerfully chaotic. When at last it’s time to move in, a closing line observes a child simultaneously celebrating a birthday, underscoring the idea that home is a gift. The protagonists are portrayed with pale skin. Closing activities encourage interaction and reflection. Ages 3–5. (Jan.)