Castles, Caves, and Honeycombs

by Linda Ashman, Lauren Stringer (Illustrator)

Many places can make a home--a silent cave, a secret den, a silky web, even a sticky honeycomb. Each one is safe and snug and just right for the families who live there. Linda Ashman's spare, lyrical text and Lauren Stringer's sumptuous paintings invite you to explore some of these wonderful homes and see how different--yet alike--they can be.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Storytime, Nature, Realistic Fiction, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

Linda Ashman is the author of more than 40 picture books and The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books . Her books have been included on the "best of the year" lists of the New York Times, IRA/CBC Children's Choices, the New York Public Library and others, and have been translated into many languages. Linda lives with her family in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book has simple text and inviting, mostly realistic illustrations. The rhyme scheme is even and consistent, and I like how the book introduces different types of animal homes and the universal elements of what a home means to someone. The book ends with children snug in their beds, emphasizing that home is a place where we are cozy and safe.

I usually gravitate towards books with more story to them, but I enjoyed reading this one for a homes-themed storytime today. It was simple enough for the younger children in the group, and the rhymes and educational elements were pleasing enough that this didn't need a plot.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for a story time about houses this week, and the kids really had fun naming all the animals in the book. A few of them were kind of difficult, but most of them they got right away. The illustrations are pretty, and the text is simple. It's a nice book that can be quiet, but also more interactive than you might expect.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful picture book about home! Very lovely and peaceful! An excellent bedtime read.

[Savannah Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully book with rhyming text describing the many types of homes in the world between people and animals; showing the differences and the similarities. Lauren Stringer adds rich color to the text with her illustrations. I think its interesting how the picture on each page is rounded and surrounded by white- it gives a unified feel to the many different examples showed.

[Belinda Grimbeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book very quietly because that is what it demanded from me: CASTLES CAVES AND HONEYCOMBS by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Lauren Stringer

The illustrations whisper with soft edges and smooth scenes,
The words soothe with quiet rhymes.

The illustrations pull you in to ponder,
The words entice you to linger longer.

Poignant poetry and comforting collages. Beautiful!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great variety of animals, good vocabulary and rhythmic structure throughout. Textured, cozy illustrations that put the reader in the mind of snuggle time with loved ones. Good to pair with Ashman's new human-home book, "Outside My Window."

[E & E’s Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Animal homes on each page, from a warm cocoon (caterpillar), to a busy town underground (gophers), a sloping cliff above a shore (sea gull), a hole beneath the kitchen floor (mouse), and so many more. Great for toddler and up

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ashman Burns #11
Rhythmic book telling of places where animals dwell - somewhat interesting and could be utilised to think about discuss and maybe draw or make models of different places animals live. It could spark some real creativity.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rich illustrations elevate this book to 4 stars. Great as a primary classroom read aloud.

[Kiersten · Rating 4 out of 5]

We loved this book

[Lesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great picture book about different types of habitats.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice rhymes about animal homes. The art is nice too.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great picture book on habitats and what makes a home.

[Laura Bradham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet book, written in rhyme, that extols the beauty of home, whatever form that home takes. No matter what form your home takes, it's a place of love, adventure, and safety.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, soothing, and satisfying.

[Earth&Silver · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friendly, rhyming exploration of all kinds of homes, human and animal.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful rhyming narrative and brightly illustrated depictions of animals in their homes work wonderfully together to create an educational, yet fun book. And the ending is so sweet and soothing that it's perfect to read aloud while snuggling up at bedtime.

[Raven Grider · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has wonderful illustrations! They bring you right into the story immediately. I would use this in my classroom to teach about rhyming, adjectives (there are lots of describing words throughout the story), and it could even be linked into science activities.

[Elizabeth]

Not one I might usually pick out, but worked well for "Caves, Camping, & Secret Spaces" story time during our "Dig into Reading" summer. We talked some about the various animals in each picture, but I had to admit that I do not know what the butterfly says.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like it. Simple and provides an introduction to natural home while relating it back to a child's own home -- lots of opportunities for further discussion. Fairly good stuff, though it's not necessarily gorgeous or anything.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite picture book.

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the simplicity of this rhyming picture book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book about homes of all kinds. Illustrations are soft and inviting.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations. Simple text. What more could you ask for? My storytime babies loved it! I always use this book when my theme is "homes".

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://librarianosnark.blogspot.com/2...

[Amy Rhilinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun toddler book on all kinds of homes. Makes me miss storytime!

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learn a few new names for various animal abodes with your kids. And teach them the difference between and house and a home. I love the illustrations in this one. They are very well done.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrations are simply lovely and the soft wording throughout the book make this especially good for early readers.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to animal homes and what a home means.

[Tara L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a good repetitious book with a sweet ending. As usual, her books are always fun to read aloud.