The New House

As American as apple pie and Norman Rockwell, this book tells about a new house being built next door to a boy named Andy, who befriends the builder, Red, and the construction workers. Andy watches them construct the house and collects their scraps, so he can build his own treehouse overlooking the site. Red explains house-building procedures, and at noon Andy brings his lunch box so he can eat with and be just like the big guys. He wonders if the new family will have a boy his age, someone who will share his treehouse. The new family does have a boy, and they become fast friends. Andy decides to become a builder when he grows up. Bethel's paintings of rural scenes evoke nostalgia for the good old days, and Maynard's narrative is a refreshing look at a simpler time and place. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

PreSchool-Grade 2 Learning by observing the construction of a new house, nine-year-old Andy builds his own treehouse from scrap material. This quiet story, enhanced by acrylic paintings that highlight some of construction's more difficult concepts, adequately explains the building process. The full-page illustrations have an endearingly wholesome and homey feel which encourages contemplation. More detailed than Building a House (Greenwillow, 1981) by Byron Barton and more entertaining than Harriet Sobol's Pete's House (Macmillan, 1978; o.p.), New House will be a good selection for both storytime and curriculum use. Jeannette Larson, North Branch Mesquite Public Library, Tex.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.