Thursday, April 25, 2019

Picture Book Review: A Place to Start a Family: poems about creatures that build by David L. Harrison


A Place to Start a Family: poems about creatures that build by David L. Harrison. Illustrated by Giles LaRoche. unpgd. Charlesbridge, January, 2018. 9781580897488.

I have been a terrible librarian. Not only has this lovely book been unreviewed since I read it back in January, but I have totally neglected to post any poetry books in honor of Poetry Month! Time to remedy the situation.

A Place to Start a Family promises rich cross-curricular use. I'm talking language arts, science and art. Twelve animals (plus one bonus) are highlighted and grouped by where on Earth they construct their abodes - builders underground, on land, in water and in air. The brief, rhyming poems capture the essence of the homes each animal builds and backmatter provides additional facts as well as suggestions for further reading.

The collage illustrations are so detailed and textured, my fingers itched to touch them. They invite pausing to pore over them, so take your time reading and sharing. 

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