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Look at That Building: A First Book of Structures
Learning about buildings and how they are constructed has never been so much fun. This gem of a book introduces young readers to basic 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 their own mini doghouse out of marshmallows, paper, glue and craft sticks.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 13, 2017
This is a great book for little kids (K-2) for learning about the basic shapes and parts of any building, and comes with a project in the back to build a doghouse out of marshmallows and toothpicks. I would bump it up another star if the project was a bit more age appropriate. Instead it has instructions like, "Have an adult cut out walls and a roof for your house from construction paper." Design a craft that can be done by the kids of the appropriate age for the book.
February 10, 2019
I feel like the content is pretty random. We have foundations and floors and beams, then talk about natural structures (like those built by wasps) before going back to walls and frames.
I think the story is aimed young, but the content/words aren't. Example: It says columns and beams are the same except one is horizontal and one is vertical. I thought those were unusual words to choose for a story that felt as young as this one.
I think the story is aimed young, but the content/words aren't. Example: It says columns and beams are the same except one is horizontal and one is vertical. I thought those were unusual words to choose for a story that felt as young as this one.
August 18, 2018
This book has great ariel images of the town. This book introduces the topic of structures with a known place, known objects of that place that help the reader to connect what they know to what they are learning. The ability for young readers to understand based on these key features is key, and makes this a great resource for learning.
February 20, 2024
This book shows kids how buildings are constructed and is so much fun to read. I think students would love this because the illustrations are fun and it is hard to grasp the concept of buildings built when you are young. This provides explanations in bright colors and even has activity ideas for students. These could be implemented in the classroom for a lesson.
November 1, 2021
Good basic intro to structural engineering. Geared toward smaller kids.
December 21, 2020
Good information but not very entertaining in the construction/build theme.
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April 2, 2013Reviewed by Sandra O’Brien
After Sally’s Dad builds her a tree house, her friends come over to check it out. When Max (the dog) can’t climb up to join them, Sally and her friends decide to build Max his own house. On their way to the library, the children discover that buildings have firm foundations, sturdy walls and long, wide beams. They also look at homes in nature, super shapes like arches, domes and triangles and the frame of a building that is still under construction. The children notice that columns are like beams, only vertical, and that doors and windows are also necessary when constructing a building. Finally, as it starts to rain, the children take shelter in the tree house and discover that the roof protects them from the elements. The book also includes the directions to build a mini doghouse with marshmallows and craft sticks, and an index of terms included in the story.
This is a wonderful introduction to structures and is appropriate for preschoolers to children in the early primary grades. Each spread contains a large illustration, which makes it easy to read aloud and show to a group but will also attract little ones who cannot yet read. The explanation of each term is brief and to the point. An interesting tidbit that pertains to the topic on the page is included beneath the main text in bold letters – a nice addition for reluctant readers who find the main text too long to read. Constructing the mini doghouse is a fun way to engage children – just be sure to buy extra marshmallows for those little builders who can’t resist eating a few.
Canadian Children's Book News (Fall 2011, Vol. 34, No. 4)
After Sally’s Dad builds her a tree house, her friends come over to check it out. When Max (the dog) can’t climb up to join them, Sally and her friends decide to build Max his own house. On their way to the library, the children discover that buildings have firm foundations, sturdy walls and long, wide beams. They also look at homes in nature, super shapes like arches, domes and triangles and the frame of a building that is still under construction. The children notice that columns are like beams, only vertical, and that doors and windows are also necessary when constructing a building. Finally, as it starts to rain, the children take shelter in the tree house and discover that the roof protects them from the elements. The book also includes the directions to build a mini doghouse with marshmallows and craft sticks, and an index of terms included in the story.
This is a wonderful introduction to structures and is appropriate for preschoolers to children in the early primary grades. Each spread contains a large illustration, which makes it easy to read aloud and show to a group but will also attract little ones who cannot yet read. The explanation of each term is brief and to the point. An interesting tidbit that pertains to the topic on the page is included beneath the main text in bold letters – a nice addition for reluctant readers who find the main text too long to read. Constructing the mini doghouse is a fun way to engage children – just be sure to buy extra marshmallows for those little builders who can’t resist eating a few.
Canadian Children's Book News (Fall 2011, Vol. 34, No. 4)
October 25, 2012
Follow five friends: Yulee, Martin, Nick, Sally, and Pedro as they discover the different parts a building is made of.
In order to build a dog house for Sally's dog Max, this group of friends decided they must do some research. They started at the library where they learned about foundations and beams. Then they took their exploration to the streets: the gang checked out places such as their school, a firehouse, and skyscrapers. At each stop, they took an opportunity to notice things they would normally walk right by. They made predictions as well as connections to its purpose.
I would recommend this book to grades 1st-2nd. This would be appropriate because they are learning about communities. It may make it easier to learn about what each type of building found in an urban, rural, and suburban community would need. Houses found in a suburb require different things than a house in the city.
An activity I would plan to go along with this book is a Venn diagram. Students could then compare and contrast the different buildings found in urban, suburban, and rural communities. I would also want to make a point of how many houses, stores, and people are in each. This would hopefully help the students to better understand their differences.
Ritchie, Scot. 2011. Look at That Building: A First Book of Structures. Kids Can Press.
In order to build a dog house for Sally's dog Max, this group of friends decided they must do some research. They started at the library where they learned about foundations and beams. Then they took their exploration to the streets: the gang checked out places such as their school, a firehouse, and skyscrapers. At each stop, they took an opportunity to notice things they would normally walk right by. They made predictions as well as connections to its purpose.
I would recommend this book to grades 1st-2nd. This would be appropriate because they are learning about communities. It may make it easier to learn about what each type of building found in an urban, rural, and suburban community would need. Houses found in a suburb require different things than a house in the city.
An activity I would plan to go along with this book is a Venn diagram. Students could then compare and contrast the different buildings found in urban, suburban, and rural communities. I would also want to make a point of how many houses, stores, and people are in each. This would hopefully help the students to better understand their differences.
Ritchie, Scot. 2011. Look at That Building: A First Book of Structures. Kids Can Press.
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September 6, 2016Five friends set out to build a doghouse for their dog, Max, but before they can start, they need to learn all they can about buildings. They head to the library (the perfect place to start! :)) and learn all about how buildings are made, what makes them strong, and what keeps them standing. Now they are ready to build Max an amazing doghouse!
Great beginning book about structures because there is a perfect ratio of text to pictures. Younger students wouldn't be intimidated by the text, which is sometimes in comic-book-style discussion format, and would enjoy the illustrations as well. Each page includes interesting facts about buildings that are bolded on each page. The most fun thing about the book is that the last page teaches you how to make your own mini doghouse. Great non-fiction book for intermediate grades.
Great beginning book about structures because there is a perfect ratio of text to pictures. Younger students wouldn't be intimidated by the text, which is sometimes in comic-book-style discussion format, and would enjoy the illustrations as well. Each page includes interesting facts about buildings that are bolded on each page. The most fun thing about the book is that the last page teaches you how to make your own mini doghouse. Great non-fiction book for intermediate grades.
August 22, 2015
A nice, accessible introduction to buildings and structures, highlighting such features as foundations, walls, roofs, beams, columns, arches and domes. Young readers are invited to follow a group of friends to the library where they are researching how to build a doghouse for their dog, Max, who can't get up into their tree house. My only reservation is about some of the illustrations. I like the fact that they're large and mostly complement the text; however, they are often too vague. For instance, when the kids stop by a construction site to see a foundation being laid, there is no clear evidence of the workers actually pouring concrete. There are cement trucks, but these are far above the foundation hole. It's not clear how the cement gets down into the foundation.
February 4, 2012
A simple but clear introduction to architecture. The text is simple enough for students in grades 3 and 4 to read, but the pictures and ideas are more appropriate for students in K - 2. The book will appeal to young readers interested in architecture; older elementary school students will likely be put off by the young feel.
Recommended for elementary school collections. The final pages of the text suggest a simple model house (toothpicks, marshmallow) building exercise.
Recommended for elementary school collections. The final pages of the text suggest a simple model house (toothpicks, marshmallow) building exercise.
February 7, 2016
A group of kids set out to build a dog house for a beloved pet. They examine a variety of buildings, from the ground up and the inside out to determine what would work best for them.
Lovely illustrations.
Lovely illustrations.
September 26, 2012
Fantastic book for little one that explains building concepts and simple architectural elements. Perfect for the little Bob the Builder in your home!
August 22, 2016
A great book for budding architects and engineers. Could go with the summer reading club theme for next year.
January 27, 2023
Not a great introduction to structures. Some misinformation and pictures don't always support the text.
September 10, 2011
Good introduction to architecture for young readers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews