Scot Ritchie

This book introduces young readers to basic building construction concepts through the eyes of five friends keen on building a doghouse for their pet pooch, Max. To find out more about the task, Yulee, Martin, Nick, Sally and Pedro head to the library, where they learn about foundations, beams, frames and other building fundamentals. Fun facts, bright illustrations and comic-book-style discussions among the characters add to the mix. An activity at the end of the book invites readers to make show more their own mini doghouse out of marshmallows, paper, glue and craft sticks. show less

Scot Ritchie has followed up last year's Follow that Map! with a new nonfiction book for young readers and listeners on structures.

Beginning with foundations, each spread takes the group of friends through the parts of a building as they research buildings on their way to and at the library, planning to build a doghouse. The book finishes with instructions on building a house with marshmallows and popsicle sticks.

The text is easily understandable by young children and does a good job of show more explaining the basic elements in a building; foundation, frame, support beams, columns, roofs, etc.

However, I was disappointed by the pictures. The cartoon-style illustrations didn't give the amount of detail I would have liked to see and although each of the five children are identified by name at the beginning, it's difficult to remember which is which, especially because the featured child, shown in a small inset in the text, does not match the child being talked about in the text, whom you have to hunt for in the pictures.

Verdict: Not as good as Ritchie's first book, but still a solid explanation of structures for the very young.

ISBN: 9781554536962; Published September 2011 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by publisher through Raab Associates show less

This book offers a vivid interpretation of the first salmon ceremony celebrated by the Sts'ailes people 1000 years ago. The artwork is lively and fun as well as detailed and engaging. The story bas just the right tension and information to appeal to all. Good for ages 4+.

This book offers a vivid interpretation of the first salmon ceremony celebrated by the Sts'ailes people 1000 years ago. The artwork is lively and fun as well as detailed and engaging. The story bas just the right tension and information to appeal to all. Good for ages 4+.