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Someone Builds the Dream
Buildings, bridges, and books don't exist without the laborers who are often invisible in the final product, as this picture book reveals.
All across this great big world, jobs are getting done
by many hands in many lands. It takes much more than ONE.
This is an exploration of the many types of work that go into building our world--from the making of a bridge to a wind farm, an amusement park, and even the very picture book that you are reading. An architect may dream up the plans for a house, but someone has to actually work the saws and pound the nails. This book is a thank-you to the skilled women and men who work tirelessly to see our dreams brought to life.
All across this great big world, jobs are getting done
by many hands in many lands. It takes much more than ONE.
This is an exploration of the many types of work that go into building our world--from the making of a bridge to a wind farm, an amusement park, and even the very picture book that you are reading. An architect may dream up the plans for a house, but someone has to actually work the saws and pound the nails. This book is a thank-you to the skilled women and men who work tirelessly to see our dreams brought to life.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published March 23, 2021
3 people are currently reading
670 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
September 23, 2021
Whenever I write a review I first ask myself a simple question: What does this book do that sets it apart from all the other books out there? That question goes tenfold for picture books. With hundreds and hundreds of picture books published in a given year, the dreck can far outweigh the good. That said, you could have the best picture book in the world, but unless it has a hook, something I can hang a review on, I won’t have boo to say about it. Now there are times when I read a picture book and the review comes instantly to me right then, so instantaneously that it’s all I can do to type fast enough. Other times I have the experience I had with Someone Builds the Dream. I read the book. I like the book. I sit on it for a few months. And then, slowly, like the petals of a flower unfurling, I realize how I can review the book. Lisa Wheeler and Loren Long have given us a title that is filled up to the brim with dignity. Dignity for the people who actually put their blood, sweat, and tears into making the places and objects we so desperately need to live. In an era where the term “essential workers” is commonplace but their stories are not, Someone Builds the Dream could not be better timed.
Who makes things? I mean, really? Sure an architect comes up with the idea for a building, but let us not forget that other people “guide the saws, plane the logs, lead the team.” An engineer knows how to use their skills to create a bridge but other people, “mine the ore, smelt the iron, pour the beam,” and make that beautiful structure rise. With care, different creators are paired alongside the workers that make their ideas real. Even the author and illustrator of this book are mentioned… right alongside the people who produce copies of the books, and the librarians that read them aloud. As the book says, “It takes a team to build a dream.”
Every Labor Day librarians across the country try to figure out what books to pull out and read to classes and groups of kids. If you want someone pro-union then Click Clack Moo, Cows That Type is a good choice. If you want something historical and catchy then Mother Jones and Her Army of Mill Children is a primo selection. And if you want something about workers doing necessary jobs you’ll usually only find books for very young children. There is a reason for this. Creators write books. When they write books, they tend to focus on other creators. That’s just the way of things. Like begets like. Which is not to say that they won’t also create books about skilled workers. Heck, some of the first books you ever hand a child will focus squarely on jobs and workers. A three-year-old is going to be bored to tears if you read them a book about a trust officer or hedge fund manager, but they’ll be over the moon with books about construction workers, plumbers, etc. Yet as kids get older, their books don’t really highlight those jobs anymore. Skilled laborers fade from view, only cropping up occasionally here and there. And yes, while Someone Builds the Dream isn’t exactly a YA novel, it’s important to remember that it is also not intended for babies or toddlers.
A lot of credit for the very idea of this book goes to author Lisa Wheeler. Coming from a family of steel workers and welders, and living within the proximity of Detroit, her deft author bio on the back bookflap succinctly states how, “she hopes that readers will share her deep respect for the nature of labor.” That respect just radiates from the pages. Amusingly, I did not notice that the book was written in rhyme until I started quoting it in this review. Instead, I noticed the nice use of repetition with the titular phrase. I noticed that the book goes far beyond the rule of threes, and that when the author gets to the people who physically make books, she uses them to sum up the story. I even noticed that the repeated beat in this book is teamwork. How it takes many hands to make the world in which we live. As beats go, that's a nice one.
I’ve followed the artistic career of Loren Long for years. He’s such an interesting creator. In his early days he had this elongated style that really pulled and warped his characters in interesting ways. Otis the Tractor is an excellent example of this, though he’d do it to a certain extent with Madonna’s Mr. Peabody’s Apples too. Then, as time went on, he started work on more realistic titles. Books like President Obama’s Of Thee I Sing or Amanda Gorman’s Change Sings. With this book he mentions on the book’s flap that he, “called upon his love of 1930s WPA murals.” This makes utter and complete sense, once you hear it. Utilizing acrylics, colored pencils “and whatever dust and dog hair happened to be floating around the studio” (his words, man, not mine) his workers are created in a distinct Social Realism style. In fact, the longer I looked at this art, the more interesting I found his choices. Do you notice how the architect, engineer, artist, park designer, author, and illustrator are all featured alone? The workers, in contrast, are almost always pictured together or alongside other people. Indeed the first words of the book are, “All across this great big world / jobs are getting done / by many hands in many lands. / It takes much more than one.” This stark contrast between the creators and the workers is very interesting. It sets up a visual call and response, where someone comes up with a vision but others are the ones to bring it to life.
I appreciate that Long creates a before and after effect in this book that stands in stark contrast to some titles. At the beginning of Someone Builds the Dream a group of three construction workers, excavator at their backs, look down on a part of the river that has dilapidated developments falling to pieces on its banks. When you get to the last two-page spread at the end of the book it’s the same river, but now there’s a gazebo, soccer fields, and more. Long has cleverly avoided the trap of showing these workers bulldozing pristine wildlife and hitherto untouched land. The strip of property they are considering was developed and had fallen into ruin a long time ago. I found this a smart solution to a potential problem.
Best of all, the art is riddled with little details worth peeking at. Sometimes it might be as mundane as the hole in the heel of one of the workers’ socks as he reads his son this very book at night. I was gratified to see the tattoo on the back of the dad’s hand too, since one of the mild criticisms I might level at this art is how tattoo-free the bulk of the people, workers and creators, are. There are other tiny things to spot as well. In the two-page sequence where Loren has painted both the author, Lisa Wheeler, and himself. I enjoyed reading the handwritten notes on her desk (“Dream, Bridge, Fountain,” etc.) and spotting the toy excavator on a shelf up above. There are even cameos. Librarian Alia Jones appears as the children's librarian in this book, beautifully rendered right smack dab in the middle of the page. A wonderful little treat to those who know her or her work.
The world is a different place than it was when I was a kid. These days, a bit more thought goes into what kids should do after high school. Should they go right into a job, or should they go to college? The answers aren’t the same for everyone. Part of what makes this book so impressive to me is that while we live in an America that fairly thrums with the joy of setting people up against one another, this isn’t a book about blame. It’s not saying that tradesmen and skilled workers are any better or worse than the people that create “the dream”. It’s saying that maybe we should stop for a moment and actually acknowledge our workers. In doing so, this book both feels like an answer to the pandemic, and a book that can live on long after the pandemic has (hopefully) shuffled off into the past. A book for all times then.
Who makes things? I mean, really? Sure an architect comes up with the idea for a building, but let us not forget that other people “guide the saws, plane the logs, lead the team.” An engineer knows how to use their skills to create a bridge but other people, “mine the ore, smelt the iron, pour the beam,” and make that beautiful structure rise. With care, different creators are paired alongside the workers that make their ideas real. Even the author and illustrator of this book are mentioned… right alongside the people who produce copies of the books, and the librarians that read them aloud. As the book says, “It takes a team to build a dream.”
Every Labor Day librarians across the country try to figure out what books to pull out and read to classes and groups of kids. If you want someone pro-union then Click Clack Moo, Cows That Type is a good choice. If you want something historical and catchy then Mother Jones and Her Army of Mill Children is a primo selection. And if you want something about workers doing necessary jobs you’ll usually only find books for very young children. There is a reason for this. Creators write books. When they write books, they tend to focus on other creators. That’s just the way of things. Like begets like. Which is not to say that they won’t also create books about skilled workers. Heck, some of the first books you ever hand a child will focus squarely on jobs and workers. A three-year-old is going to be bored to tears if you read them a book about a trust officer or hedge fund manager, but they’ll be over the moon with books about construction workers, plumbers, etc. Yet as kids get older, their books don’t really highlight those jobs anymore. Skilled laborers fade from view, only cropping up occasionally here and there. And yes, while Someone Builds the Dream isn’t exactly a YA novel, it’s important to remember that it is also not intended for babies or toddlers.
A lot of credit for the very idea of this book goes to author Lisa Wheeler. Coming from a family of steel workers and welders, and living within the proximity of Detroit, her deft author bio on the back bookflap succinctly states how, “she hopes that readers will share her deep respect for the nature of labor.” That respect just radiates from the pages. Amusingly, I did not notice that the book was written in rhyme until I started quoting it in this review. Instead, I noticed the nice use of repetition with the titular phrase. I noticed that the book goes far beyond the rule of threes, and that when the author gets to the people who physically make books, she uses them to sum up the story. I even noticed that the repeated beat in this book is teamwork. How it takes many hands to make the world in which we live. As beats go, that's a nice one.
I’ve followed the artistic career of Loren Long for years. He’s such an interesting creator. In his early days he had this elongated style that really pulled and warped his characters in interesting ways. Otis the Tractor is an excellent example of this, though he’d do it to a certain extent with Madonna’s Mr. Peabody’s Apples too. Then, as time went on, he started work on more realistic titles. Books like President Obama’s Of Thee I Sing or Amanda Gorman’s Change Sings. With this book he mentions on the book’s flap that he, “called upon his love of 1930s WPA murals.” This makes utter and complete sense, once you hear it. Utilizing acrylics, colored pencils “and whatever dust and dog hair happened to be floating around the studio” (his words, man, not mine) his workers are created in a distinct Social Realism style. In fact, the longer I looked at this art, the more interesting I found his choices. Do you notice how the architect, engineer, artist, park designer, author, and illustrator are all featured alone? The workers, in contrast, are almost always pictured together or alongside other people. Indeed the first words of the book are, “All across this great big world / jobs are getting done / by many hands in many lands. / It takes much more than one.” This stark contrast between the creators and the workers is very interesting. It sets up a visual call and response, where someone comes up with a vision but others are the ones to bring it to life.
I appreciate that Long creates a before and after effect in this book that stands in stark contrast to some titles. At the beginning of Someone Builds the Dream a group of three construction workers, excavator at their backs, look down on a part of the river that has dilapidated developments falling to pieces on its banks. When you get to the last two-page spread at the end of the book it’s the same river, but now there’s a gazebo, soccer fields, and more. Long has cleverly avoided the trap of showing these workers bulldozing pristine wildlife and hitherto untouched land. The strip of property they are considering was developed and had fallen into ruin a long time ago. I found this a smart solution to a potential problem.
Best of all, the art is riddled with little details worth peeking at. Sometimes it might be as mundane as the hole in the heel of one of the workers’ socks as he reads his son this very book at night. I was gratified to see the tattoo on the back of the dad’s hand too, since one of the mild criticisms I might level at this art is how tattoo-free the bulk of the people, workers and creators, are. There are other tiny things to spot as well. In the two-page sequence where Loren has painted both the author, Lisa Wheeler, and himself. I enjoyed reading the handwritten notes on her desk (“Dream, Bridge, Fountain,” etc.) and spotting the toy excavator on a shelf up above. There are even cameos. Librarian Alia Jones appears as the children's librarian in this book, beautifully rendered right smack dab in the middle of the page. A wonderful little treat to those who know her or her work.
The world is a different place than it was when I was a kid. These days, a bit more thought goes into what kids should do after high school. Should they go right into a job, or should they go to college? The answers aren’t the same for everyone. Part of what makes this book so impressive to me is that while we live in an America that fairly thrums with the joy of setting people up against one another, this isn’t a book about blame. It’s not saying that tradesmen and skilled workers are any better or worse than the people that create “the dream”. It’s saying that maybe we should stop for a moment and actually acknowledge our workers. In doing so, this book both feels like an answer to the pandemic, and a book that can live on long after the pandemic has (hopefully) shuffled off into the past. A book for all times then.
September 26, 2023
Such a cute and special ode to those that are responsible for building all of the amazing things that we see around the world from houses to bridges to sculptures to book binding. I’m so happy that the author and illustrator worked together to illustrate the importance of every role at every level when it comes to construction. The artwork was absolutely brilliant with rich colors and the most perfect details in everyone represented.
March 15, 2021
All across this great big world
there's lots of work to do.
It takes a team to build a dream,
a skilled hard-working crew.
So when you see a bicycle,
a playground, house, or shoe,
remember all the someones who
helped make a dream come true.
A new picture book to remind us of the many hands that improve our world in so many ways. Great minds design bridges, amusement parks, green energy systems, etc. Those designs don't come to life unless workers use their hands, feet, and muscle to build them. I am a big fan of Loren Long's illustrations and his detailed designs with diverse figures are just right and bring the informative and uplifting narrative to life. Highly recommended!
there's lots of work to do.
It takes a team to build a dream,
a skilled hard-working crew.
So when you see a bicycle,
a playground, house, or shoe,
remember all the someones who
helped make a dream come true.
A new picture book to remind us of the many hands that improve our world in so many ways. Great minds design bridges, amusement parks, green energy systems, etc. Those designs don't come to life unless workers use their hands, feet, and muscle to build them. I am a big fan of Loren Long's illustrations and his detailed designs with diverse figures are just right and bring the informative and uplifting narrative to life. Highly recommended!
July 2, 2021
I have long been irritated at the general educational focus of getting kids into college. Learning to function as a productive member of society gets lost on the way, as does the importance of the trades. (My cousin's friend once remarked that if a job wasn't featured in Richard Scarry's "What Do People Do All Day?" then they wondered if it was truly necessary.)
This celebration of the people who do the hard physical work of building and creating is refreshing. It takes a team; nobody is more important than anyone else. Everyone's job has value. And Long's illustrations are fantastic.
This celebration of the people who do the hard physical work of building and creating is refreshing. It takes a team; nobody is more important than anyone else. Everyone's job has value. And Long's illustrations are fantastic.
January 23, 2022
A well-deserved ode to the hard-hat and blue-collar workers who put concrete form to the plans of designers, architects and writers.
(Another project! I'm reading all the picture books and graphic novels from NPR's Books We Love 2021: Kids’ Books list.)
(Another project! I'm reading all the picture books and graphic novels from NPR's Books We Love 2021: Kids’ Books list.)
November 16, 2021
A celebration of a variety of careers, this is an ode to those in the trades and laborers.
July 29, 2021
A fabulous rhyming picture book that showcases all of the tradespeople behind the scenes that actually build the dreams to make the architect's, artist's, designer's visions & plans come to life. Appreciate this viewpoint of focusing on those who are often behind-the-scenes and don't get the recognition as well as the variety of people shown in the trades roles. As always, Long's illustration style comes to life on the pages.
December 17, 2024
A fascinating look at how blue collar work and support staff are often how big ideas materialize into anything.
Conjuring up grand plans in our minds is a piece of the puzzle, and often requires a lot of technical skill, but we need people who work with their hands. This is how blueprints and storyboards become a real bridge people and cars can safely use, or a real book people can buy or checkout at the library.
Hands-on laborers deserve credit for their titular role and impact. These professions should never be looked down on, and in fact should be recognized a whole lot more. The author being from Detroit could not make more sense.
I like how the author included a page about clean energy, to show that trade work is not synonymous with regressive policies. I also like how it got meta at the end, paying homage to tradespeople in the publishing and book industries. The repetition and rhyming kept my attention, too (although if I am being REALLY persnickety, I did not love “someone has to build the dream” phrasing) It’s like baby’s first Bullshit Jobs.
Conjuring up grand plans in our minds is a piece of the puzzle, and often requires a lot of technical skill, but we need people who work with their hands. This is how blueprints and storyboards become a real bridge people and cars can safely use, or a real book people can buy or checkout at the library.
Hands-on laborers deserve credit for their titular role and impact. These professions should never be looked down on, and in fact should be recognized a whole lot more. The author being from Detroit could not make more sense.
I like how the author included a page about clean energy, to show that trade work is not synonymous with regressive policies. I also like how it got meta at the end, paying homage to tradespeople in the publishing and book industries. The repetition and rhyming kept my attention, too (although if I am being REALLY persnickety, I did not love “someone has to build the dream” phrasing) It’s like baby’s first Bullshit Jobs.
March 31, 2021
I love how this book is an ode to the builders that we often forget about or write off. This book puts a spotlight on the laborers and makes the reader realize how important they are. I just wish that the connection between the first jobs (architect, scientist, etc.) and the builders were connected with an AND instead of a BUT. The BUT makes the first job mentioned seem trivial.
The illustrations for this book are gorgeous!
The illustrations for this book are gorgeous!
June 8, 2021
There's so much to like about this book. It shows women workers in a variety of professions including engineer, architect, carpenter, and scientist. The workers are also from diverse cultures and abilities. Then there is the purpose of the book, showing children that it takes a team of people to build things like a bridge, a park, a fountain, a tower, and a book. The illustrations? Definitely distinguished.
June 27, 2021
This is a rare instance where I loved the text and illustrations equally and SEPARATELY. They work well together and build off of each other, but I loved them both for different reasons. The verse rhymes, which I adore, and I felt emotional upon reading the message. The paintings are beautiful and interesting and convey the message excellently. I loved that they included book-making at the end. Nothing like pointing out the thing someone is holding in their hands to make it relatable.
May 9, 2021
I loved this book! So many reasons! Values and honors everyone’s contribution to our world. Lovely artwork as well.
June 26, 2021
A beautiful, respectful tribute to the people who design and labor featuring a diverse group of characters.
February 17, 2022
LOVE LOVE LOVE. I was researching picture books for a STEM reading list for my school library. This came up as a suggested one on a list somewhere. I adore that it acknowledges the skill and talent of architects and engineers and designers AND recognizes the labor and expertise that the actual physical work takes, and that without those with that technical know-how, such amazing places and inventions could not exist. I am always awed by people with the ability to build and assemble things - I am a thinker, but the actual DOING is difficult for me. It takes a different kind of talent to build the dream. We are all needed.
March 29, 2021
This was a beautiful and inclusive picture book❤️❤️❤️
December 7, 2021
"It takes a TEAM to build the DREAM." One person cannot do it all. Inspiring!
May 24, 2021
A look behind the scenes of the physical and manual labor behind who makes the dreams come to fruition after the plans are made and presented to build something.
March 15, 2025
A quick picture book read that gives a nod to the construction and blue collar workers that build the dreams of architects, authors, and engineers. Lots of detailed illustrations of workers at work.
March 21, 2022
A very timely book that reminds us that nothing is accomplished in a vacuum. It takes lots of skills and lots of work to build all kinds of dreams.
July 14, 2021
I loved this book! A wonderful story that demonstrates the importance of each member of a team. We need builders as well as creators and visionaries.
April 19, 2021
UM, this is beautiful. I may actually have to buy this picture book. The art is stunning; the illustrator called upon his love of 1930's WPA murals in this work and it really shows. The illustrations cover all the topics the book describes beautifully with such vibrant colors. There's great representation in here, no default all men construction workers, just a beautiful range of genders, appearances and abilities doing all different things, with lovely little pieces of detail just added in on the side. I love the prose and the value this book places on all types of work. So often does society view jobs such as architects, scientists and other "white collar" jobs as esteemed, whereas builders, plumbers, and other "blue collar" jobs are deemed lower value. This book emphasizes you cannot have one without the other and all are valuable and worthy because of what they build. The book covers building homes, fountains, wind turbines, roller coasters and more. 10/10! If you have a little one, I'd recommend this, particularly if they love construction or engineering or related topics.
October 19, 2021
The book was illustrated very well, and jam packed with machines, tools and workers; all very appealing to children. I really appreciate the use of varied language for construction steps, tools and workers, which builds a child's vocabulary. I do not like the use of the word "But" in ever sequence. It needlessly sets up some jobs in opposition to others, it assumes a bias on the part of the reader that may not be there, and puts workers whose jobs are all important in some weird competition for who is valued more or less. I was raised in a household paid for and fed by a labor job but I certainly don't feel resentment for the architects and engineers that were also a part of the building process, and I find the assumption that I might feel that way a bit weird.
February 12, 2022
Whether it is the architecture, the book you're reading, or your favorite amusement park...
Somebody designed it...But....someone else ALWAYS builds the Dream!
Featuring dozens of illustrations and wonderful simple text praising the work of engineers EVERY day! It really sends a strong message, whether you want to be a designer or you want to build things, we're all in this together and while we may have those who conceive the dream, there is a huge world of people out there who build and put it together.
Somebody designed it...But....someone else ALWAYS builds the Dream!
Featuring dozens of illustrations and wonderful simple text praising the work of engineers EVERY day! It really sends a strong message, whether you want to be a designer or you want to build things, we're all in this together and while we may have those who conceive the dream, there is a huge world of people out there who build and put it together.
January 6, 2023
I liked this book a lot! Teamwork, skills, shared goals, and how they all come together are the takeaway. Yes, the reader will use all those collaborative skills that they learn in class after they grow up. So many possibilities for readers to explore, but the extensive cooperation needed to make things work and make them better is the unseen magic of it all. The brilliant illustrations hitch it together.
September 2, 2021
Reading for the Mock Caldecott Awards to be held in January 2022. This is a fun book that talks about all the different people that are needed to make a vision come true. We need people who can visualize what needs to be built from bridges to amusement parks but we need folks who can put everything together with their hammers and drills to create the final physical outcome.
March 25, 2021
A joyous celebration of teamwork. Spotlights those who may not get credit for a job well done.
October 7, 2021
I absolutely loved the message in this book: the things you see around you and the things you use were designed and built by someone. And I absolutely loved the diversity depicted in the artwork - awesome balance of men and women working side by side both as the designers and construction workers (I especially loved seeing some men with long hair and some women with short hair and big muscles - well done to Loren Long!), with all ethnic groups depicted, and a nod to disabled workers, too. And I loved how construction workers were depicted positively, building good things to make life better, and often doing it in envrinmentally-friendly ways.
But, as much as I loved the message, this was lacking that special spark that makes great picture books great.
This book will be wonderful for kids who love reading about construction equipment, and it will be great in classrooms to talk about design and construction, or to discuss different jobs that adults have. But I don't see a lot of re-read value for most kids. The words were clear and factual, but lacked a pleasing rhythm.
The breakdown:
* an architect designs a house, and construction workers build it (I was surprised to see it had no basement! Long is from Ohio, I thought all homes had basements there.)
* an engineer designs a bridge, and construction workers build it (it's truss bridge, and that is spelled out in the art, too - nice touch)
* an artist designs a fountain, and construction workers build it (I liked how they show the plumbing has to be run and the foundation built up)
* a scientist scopes out a good spot for windmills, and construction workers build them
* a designer (I think really this should also be an engineer, but I guess Wheeler was trying to use different terms) designs a roller coaster, and construction workers build it (and the theme park is full of DINOSAURS - that roller coaster looks cool!)
* finally, an author and an illustrator create this book, and printers print it. I always enjoy the meta reference.
But, as much as I loved the message, this was lacking that special spark that makes great picture books great.
This book will be wonderful for kids who love reading about construction equipment, and it will be great in classrooms to talk about design and construction, or to discuss different jobs that adults have. But I don't see a lot of re-read value for most kids. The words were clear and factual, but lacked a pleasing rhythm.
The breakdown:
* an architect designs a house, and construction workers build it (I was surprised to see it had no basement! Long is from Ohio, I thought all homes had basements there.)
* an engineer designs a bridge, and construction workers build it (it's truss bridge, and that is spelled out in the art, too - nice touch)
* an artist designs a fountain, and construction workers build it (I liked how they show the plumbing has to be run and the foundation built up)
* a scientist scopes out a good spot for windmills, and construction workers build them
* a designer (I think really this should also be an engineer, but I guess Wheeler was trying to use different terms) designs a roller coaster, and construction workers build it (and the theme park is full of DINOSAURS - that roller coaster looks cool!)
* finally, an author and an illustrator create this book, and printers print it. I always enjoy the meta reference.
September 8, 2022
A look at the people behind the scenes that make the dreams and plans of architects, engineers, sculptors, ride designers, and authors into a reality. An ode to the ones who build the dreams and often get forgotten, the construction workers, welders, electricians, etc.
I like that this book highlights all the people that go into a final product, but also highlights some very unsung occupations. It's a beautifully illustrated book that helps make readers more appreciative of all that goes into the buildings, bridges, amusement parks, fountains, and books we see in front of us. A great pick for occupation units that would also make a good Thanksgiving or Labor Day read, and is perfect for those curious readers who want "behind the scenes" info on everyday objects.
I like that this book highlights all the people that go into a final product, but also highlights some very unsung occupations. It's a beautifully illustrated book that helps make readers more appreciative of all that goes into the buildings, bridges, amusement parks, fountains, and books we see in front of us. A great pick for occupation units that would also make a good Thanksgiving or Labor Day read, and is perfect for those curious readers who want "behind the scenes" info on everyday objects.
August 20, 2021
Featured in a grandma reads session.
Grand, bright, detailed illustrations carry this author's presentation of process, skills, and innovations that rise from a simple idea to need served, from an up-spark twinkle to a full-on dream, from a quavering question to an intrepid answer. This is a good book, showing processes of all kinds - bridge building, book making, pouring steel bars. My group was interested and wanted extra time to drink in all the details.
It's one of those books that open doors and little cupboards in the mind. Peels back the that last bit covering genuine interest. . .ah! that's what I really want to know, learn, do, be. . . . .
Grand, bright, detailed illustrations carry this author's presentation of process, skills, and innovations that rise from a simple idea to need served, from an up-spark twinkle to a full-on dream, from a quavering question to an intrepid answer. This is a good book, showing processes of all kinds - bridge building, book making, pouring steel bars. My group was interested and wanted extra time to drink in all the details.
It's one of those books that open doors and little cupboards in the mind. Peels back the that last bit covering genuine interest. . .ah! that's what I really want to know, learn, do, be. . . . .
April 26, 2021
One person may dream of a project - a book, a bridge, or a building; a fountain or an amusement park; but it takes many people to bring that dream to life. This book honors both the visionaries and the folks that turn those visions into reality. Inspiring text and lovely, inclusive illustrations make this a needed addition to any collection.
This would be a perfect book to read for a STEM club or a book club - there's a lot to discuss and any number of activities that could be done in conjunction with reading the book. I would pair it with Chris Van Dusen's If I Built A School.
This would be a perfect book to read for a STEM club or a book club - there's a lot to discuss and any number of activities that could be done in conjunction with reading the book. I would pair it with Chris Van Dusen's If I Built A School.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews