The Busy Building Book

by Sue Tarsky, Alex Ayliffe (Illustrator)

Bold, labeled illustrations and a simple narration throughout describe and explain the various stages, equipment, tools, and people involved in constructing a building from the foundation upward.

Genres: Construction, Childrens, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 23, 1998

Reviews

[The Book Box]

Mama got this for me at the library and read it to me the other night.

[Shanna Gonzalez]

A very nice portrayal of the construction process. Construction workers with their equipment, vehicles, and building materials are depicted in collage-style art, with important elements of the construction scene clearly labeled. The reader follows the building from the pouring of its foundation through the opening speech as workers wait to enter.

The Busy Building Book book provides a look into the fascinating process of construction, and provides the names for tools, building materials, and other objects within a context where they are actually used. The only thing I would change would be to make the illustrations more realistic and detailed, but for younger children it is a great choice. Those who wish to pursue a more detailed study of construction might enjoy David Macaulay’s Unbuilding when they are older.

[Charlie Beck]

The building of a tall office building is explained.

[Rommel Sison]

6-year-old daughter: 5 stars
5-year-old daughter: 3 stars