Building Stories (PB)

Image of Building Stories
Author(s): 
Release Date: 
August 15, 2011
Publisher/Imprint: 
Star Bright Books
Pages: 
40
Reviewed by: 

“Who knew that buildings had so much to say? All we had to do was listen—and Isabel Hill absolutely speaks the mysterious language of buildings.”

Building Stories is a unique and unequaled book in a sea of ludicrous children’s storybooks. While most picture books aim to entertain and educate, most fail miserably, offering up instead nonsensical plots and silly characters that completely defile a book, making the learning part unpalatable—especially if adults are still reading aloud to their youngster.

Isabel Hill, on the other hand, gives young readers an adventure into what may at first glance sound a little boring: exploring the story behind a building and pointing out symbols on the outside that can be used as clues to what lies inside. Not only does the author have complete dedication and understanding in the field she is writing about, she makes it fun and accessible to the younger demographic.

Using catchy rhymes to express the story behind each building, Ms. Hill draws in the reader with interesting facts and a colorful array of photographs and pictures. She even chooses buildings that the audience reading the story can relate to, such as a school, an old movie theater, even a zoo.

Readers will delight in knowing the exciting history of some buildings or places they may even have visited before; and they will most definitely like the illustrations.

Adults reading the book to their children are sure to enjoy the experience as well, because the author has hit many notes in this type of story flawlessly: the setting, the ‘”characters,” the facts, and the pictures all work together seamlessly, making the clues intriguing and fun.

Building Stories is a book that arrives every once in a while, a book that effortlessly balances learning with fun. Teachers, parents, and children alike will surely use this book as a resource for both information and recreation.

The final two lines of Isabel Hill’s book get it just right:

“Reading a building is exciting and fun,

So start at the beginning and don’t stop ’til you’re done.”

Who knew that buildings had so much to say? All we had to do was listen—and Isabel Hill absolutely speaks the mysterious language of buildings.