Everyday House

The Everyday Books

by Cynthia Rylant

A carefully cadenced text featuring the plain-speaking poetry of the author of the "Henry and Mudge" series of books rejoice in the perfection of an ordinary home. By the author of The Relatives Came.

Genres: Picture Books

14 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1993

About the author

An author of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children and young adults as well as an author and author/illustrator of picture books for children, Cynthia Rylant is recognized as a gifted writer who has contributed memorably to several genres of juvenile literature. A prolific author who often bases her works on her own background, especially on her childhood in the West Virginia mountains, she is the creator of contemporary novels and historical fiction for young adults, middle-grade fiction and fantasy, lyrical prose poems, beginning readers, collections of short stories, volumes of poetry and verse, books of prayers and blessings, two autobiographies, and a biography of three well-known children's writers; several volumes of the author's fiction and picture books are published in series, including the popular "Henry and Mudge" easy readers about a small boy and his very large dog.

Rylant is perhaps most well known as a novelist. Characteristically, she portrays introspective, compassionate young people who live in rural settings or in small towns and who tend to be set apart from their peers.

from bookrags.com

Reviews

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illustration of this book is made up for photos of paper crafts. Might interest children in remaking their favourite scenes for a fun project.

[Ruth Covington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots to point and talk about in this book and I liked the rhyming scheme.

[Emily Griswold Bunty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are bold and simple; the rhyming and meter of the words are melodic. A perfect little book.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple rhyme takes young readers through the features of a typical house. Cut paper illustrations break down the objects into their most basic shapes. I think this would be a great book to use with kids, having them name the various objects on the page and identify their colors. I do have to admit, the picture of the porch swing doesn't work for me; if it weren't for the narration, I probably wouldn't be able to tell what I'm looking at! The book's small size makes it difficult to use for a large storytime group. It would probably work best for one-on-one reading. The closing line "and a family makes it all just right" ties up the book nicely.