From Mud Huts to Skyscrapers: Architecture for Children

Gr 4–6—Budding architects are likely to spend hours poring over the gorgeous drawings and fascinating trivia in this large-format title. Beginning with the first man-made huts 400,000 years ago, the book takes readers on a journey through time, exploring well-known structures such as the pyramids, Hagia Sophia, Versailles, and the Guggenheim Museum. Each spread is dedicated to a single building; in addition to a detailed illustration of the structure, it also includes information about the architect, the architectural style, and/or definitions of particular details. For example, readers learn that Westminster Palace was made from limestone, which is easy to carve into elaborate, decorative formations, but it is also highly susceptible to air-pollution damage. Readers also learn about porticos, Doric columns, and other assorted aspects of a building's facade. The bullet-point style of the writing and detailed artwork invite browsing and repeated viewings; readers will also be inspired to look up photos of the actual buildings depicted in the illustrations. The back matter includes a detailed time line and an excellent glossary; the latter is especially important as there are a lot of unfamiliar terms here for young researchers. This title will pair nicely with David Macaulay's Castle (1977) and Cathedral (1973, both Houghton Mifflin), as well as Andrea Beaty's Iggy Peck, Architect (Abrams, 2007).—Laura Lutz, Pratt Institute, New York City