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Playhouse
Rene asks her father and mother to build her a playhouse, a play barn, a play cow, and more, until finally her parents decide that they'd like to have a play Rene.
28 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2003
2 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Robert Munsch
289 books1,673 followersRobert Munsch was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Fordham University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and from Boston University in 1971 with a Master of Arts degree in anthropology.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
He studied to become a Jesuit priest, but decided he would rather work with children after jobs at orphanages and daycare centers. In 1973, he received a Master of Education in Child Studies from Tufts University. In 1975 he moved to Canada to work at the preschool at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario. He also taught in the Department of Family Studies at the University of Guelph as a lecturer and as an assistant professor. In Guelph he was encouraged to publish the many stories he made up for the children he worked with.
Munsch's wife delivered two stillborn babies in 1979 and 1980. Out of the tragedy, he produced one of his best-known books, Love You Forever. This book was listed fourth on the 2001 Publishers Weekly All-Time Best selling Children's Books list for paperbacks at 6,970,000 copies (not including the 1,049,000 hardcover copies). The Munsches have since become adoptive parents of Julie, Andrew and Tyya (see them all in Something Good!)
Munsch has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has also suffered from manic depression. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak in normal sentences. He has recovered enough that he is able to perform live, but has put his writing career on hold until he is fully recovered.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 21, 2020
In Playhouse , Robert Munsch tells the story of Rene, a young girl who doesn't have any friends in her neighbourhood to play with and asks her dad to build her a playhouse. Her dad builds her a playhouse and Rene decorates it just like her real room and house. Soon she gets board, and asks her mom to build her a replica barn and she does. Then she makes a replica family. Soon, the lines between real and play are blurred. Rene finally goes back home and decides to spend time with her real family in her real home.
I first read this book in my youth however, if I'm honest, and I didn't remember it all. The story is cute and Rene is a nice, polite and appreciate young lady with a wild imagination. The illustrator, Michael Martchenko, does a great job in using illustrations to add to the story and create opportunities for giggles.
I first read this book in my youth however, if I'm honest, and I didn't remember it all. The story is cute and Rene is a nice, polite and appreciate young lady with a wild imagination. The illustrator, Michael Martchenko, does a great job in using illustrations to add to the story and create opportunities for giggles.
December 30, 2018
Another cute story from Robert Munsch.
Rene is lonely so her parents build her the best playhouse and play barn and other playthings that she could imagine.
It's a silly little book with the parents playing little tricks on Rene because she's quite bossy, but they're cute tricks.
The ending is hilarious; the illustrations are on point; this is a delightful book.
Rene is lonely so her parents build her the best playhouse and play barn and other playthings that she could imagine.
It's a silly little book with the parents playing little tricks on Rene because she's quite bossy, but they're cute tricks.
The ending is hilarious; the illustrations are on point; this is a delightful book.
September 6, 2024
I didn't understand the point of this. A girl makes demands of her parents, and I feel they go a little too far in acquiescing her. She doesn't really seem to learn a lesson because at the end of the book she still proclaims she and her parents are bossy.
January 6, 2025
We love Robert Munsch in this house however this one was a little much... the little girl is spoiled and demanding. Now the part I liked was that my own son who can be demanding said mom she asks for a lot and doesn't say please or thank you 🤣
November 16, 2017
This book teaches students to be happy with what they have.
January 26, 2018
Another fun read. I never read many of the Robert Munsch's books during my childhood. Now I can see what I've been missing out.
March 9, 2018
This is okay, not as great as the old Munsch books. I like that the mom helps with construction.
April 20, 2018
A classic in the Robert Munsch storytelling formula with brilliant illustrations by Michael Martchenko, kids will enjoy this tale of Rene and her dream to make her overactive imagination a reality
October 24, 2018
Very funny. I like the way the mother and father handle the situation with humour.
June 4, 2025
Definitely relate to wanting my own child version of adult things
July 2, 2025
WD in WI
November 3, 2020
After reading The Paper Bag Princess you can see how much both Robert Munsch as an author and Michael Martchenko as an Illustrator grew. Keeping nostalgia away I really like this book.The art is awesome! The little details are awesome. I love how every character is just bursting with character. From the Fox, Rooster, Goat, and Pterodactyl, to the family and tractors. The story is cute and creative and the even the cover is happy and welcoming. Almost feels like the cover is welcoming me into a new house. (A Playhouse.)
Great, love it, always enjoyed this book.
Great, love it, always enjoyed this book.
November 7, 2019
Yo this book was so damn adorable and of course I'm always in love and obsessed with Michael Martchenko's illustrations, I'd like to go on climb and say I'm obsessed with his work.
This book is the coolest but also wild! I mean she gets her own house and stuff which I'm like how?? but I realize she just comes home to to do most thins then comes and plays, her parents are so kind an dedicated. I enjoyed it, wished they could come and build me a tiny home pls.
This book is the coolest but also wild! I mean she gets her own house and stuff which I'm like how?? but I realize she just comes home to to do most thins then comes and plays, her parents are so kind an dedicated. I enjoyed it, wished they could come and build me a tiny home pls.
April 2, 2016
Playhouse was another creative story by Robert Munsch. This story is about a girl and a very creative dad. Together, they build an awesome playhouse. This book was another favourite of mine when I was younger.
September 30, 2008
Rene asks her dad to build her a play house on their farm and then asks for one thing after another until her mother finally has enough and turns the table on her. Cute story!
October 29, 2008
Who doesn't want a playhouse like this girl? I loved the illutrator's silliness in the background of the story. Especially the Rooster that's wooing a chicken.
March 20, 2011
Rated and reviewed by Dylan, age 7
My favorite part of the book was at the end, when she had play food. I listened to the story too. Robert Munsch read it. It made me laugh and laugh.
My favorite part of the book was at the end, when she had play food. I listened to the story too. Robert Munsch read it. It made me laugh and laugh.
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July 25, 2011Very good for a certain age .
September 17, 2021
This was cute but no one of my favourite Munsch books.
November 14, 2012
42 months - we always enjoy a good Munsch book. :).
September 14, 2020
Love the way the mom thinks!
April 20, 2013
A cute and funny book teaching kids that real life is much better than a life you construct from your imagination. Real family cannot be replaced by material objects and play things.
November 4, 2015
text to text: If you give a mouse a cookie
Moral: Possessions can't satisfy
Moral: Possessions can't satisfy
February 1, 2017
I loved this book when I was younger because I was just like Rene and I wanted my own playhouse too!
July 28, 2011
My 7 year old daughter enjoyed this story immensely.
February 21, 2012
Made me smile :-)
October 27, 2015
Just read it with my nephew! I think I loved it more than him.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews