And So They Build

by Kitchen, Bert. (Candlewick, 1995 ISBN 156402217X. Paperback.) Picture Book, Nonfiction. 32 pages. Grades 1+.
This book was reviewed by Carol Otis Hurst in Teaching K-8 Magazine.

Review

This book presents us with two simultaneous levels of reading about 12 animal home and nest builders. One level is a simple, large print text that states what is going on in the detailed illustrations. Smaller print on the page explains in more detail about the behavior of that particular dwelling and its builder.

The illustrations of watercolor and gouache are very detailed and show the constructions within a natural landscape. The homes are fascinating: some are umbrella shaped; some tastefully decorated, some continually grow and others are self-heating or air conditioned. The text tells us not only how they are built but how their structure serves the builder.

Kitchen makes no generalizations from his diverse homes and their builders. That job is left for the reader.