13 Architects Children Should Know

13 Things Children Should Know

by Florian Heine

This lively and engaging volume in Prestel’s successful "Children Should Know" series opens a door into the fascinating world of architecture. Buildings of every shape and size, and from all corners of the world, populate this colorful and beautifully produced book that introduces children to history’s most iconic architectural feats and the people behind them. In lively illustrated spreads, young readers will learn how Christopher Wren reconstructed an 11th-century cathedral after London’s great fire of 1666 to become the St Paul’s Cathedral that we know today, and how its dome survived the Blitz. They will find out how Thomas Jefferson, in building his plantation, Monticello, created a new architecture for a new nation. They will be introduced to the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Zaha Hadid and can examine in detail the wonders of the Eiffel Tower, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, and Rome’s most beautiful museum. The book proceeds chronologically, accompanied by a timeline to offer helpful historical context. Each architect’s entry includes a concise biography, illustrations of major works, and lively texts that speak directly to young readers. Additional information about the buildings pictured, suggestions for further reading, and online resources will satisfy the most curious minds.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Picture Books, Architecture, Childrens, History

48 pages, Hardcover

First published October 25, 2014

Reviews

[Bina · Rating 1 out of 5]

The one star is for the racist comments about Arabs in the book. I am shocked to find that the Arabs in Spain are referred to as 'Plague' in the book. I double checked all historical reference to find out if this is true but apparently the author and the publishing were only giving went to their hate. Strongly condem sowing hatred in children and telling them that Arabs in Muslim Spain were 'plague'.

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really interesting and detailed book.

In modern time, it seems like people build concrete houses and concrete buildings quickly and cheaply and don’t put as much care or details into them. It was impressive to see examples in this book of the complete opposite of that. For example, Antoni Gaudi spent so much time on his La Sagrada Familia to make it perfect that they are still building it today a hundred years later!

I've been to some of the places mentioned in the book, and they are even more interesting to me now that I know something about the person behind designing the structures. I like that the author gave enough details given that I can almost see and feel what the architect was thinking. I also like that the author puts a historical timeline across each page. It helps the reader understand what else was going on during the same time period the architect was working in.
My favorite part of the book was being introduced to Zaha Hadid, the best female architect in the world. People thought her ideas were crummy and not build-able, but she ignored the criticism, followed her dreams, and was the architect for amazing places. That helps inspire me and makes me believe in myself.

I would give this book 5 stars. I think other kids my age would enjoy this book a lot, read it many times, and even use it as a reference for school projects.

Review by Young Mensan Summer H., age 9, Tampa Bay Mensa

[pati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just the basics in this book; the most notable building by each architect and a bit of history about them.

[Joan Arbogast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series about the arts. It's a great introduction to architects of note through the ages. Perfect for middle graders. Great photos too.

[Clara Baker Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Checked this out for grandchild and decided to read through it. Actually leaned a lot and made notes for future travel.
Love books for kids!