A HOT OFF THE PRESS CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL PICK
A picture book for families building a home, with illustrations by Twinkle Tots illustrators Liz and Kate Pope
In rhyming text by Megan Saben, two eager children watch step-by-step as their new home is built over the course of a year. With an adorable puppy to find on each page and a collection of boards, pipes, and wires, New House, New Home is the perfect gift for aspiring builders.
Praise
"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.)"
—Publishers Weekly
"There are many things that make a house a home, most importantly the people or family who live in it. For a young brother and sister the wait for a new house to be built is fraught with eager anticipation. The reader waits with the siblings as they witness the various elements that go into making the physical structure of a house. Unseen pipes will keep the family comfortable no matter what the elements are doing outside. Wires will bring electricity and light. More pipes will allow water to drain from sinks and tubs. Curious children will learn what happens after the excavator digs a hole for the foundation. Step by step we see the house being built, until the family—mom, dad, brother, sister, and pet dog move in making the house a home. The text is simple providing just enough verbiage for the young reader to understand the author's intent. The illustrations present the siblings in a relatable light. When the story ends children are invited to engage in activities that allow them to revisit the illustrations which at first glance look like not much is happening, but upon further inspection, readers notice quite a lot is occurring. A fun and informative read for early learners both in and out of school."
—Children's Literature
