A picture book for families building a home, with illustrations by Liz and Kate Pope
In rhyming text by Megan Saben, two eager children watch step-by-step as their new home is built over the course of a year. With an adorable puppy to find on each page and a collection of boards, pipes, and wires, New House, New Home is the perfect gift for aspiring builders. (from the publisher)
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Review
“From foundation pouring to appliance installation, two children observe the process of their new home being built in Saben’s architecture-centered story. ‘Let’s build our house!’ begins loose rhymes that go on to describe the ventilation, electrical, and plumbing work that ensues (‘The stairs climb up,/ the drain lets down./ Watch out—debris and dust around!’). As the kids bide their time, their play lightly echoes varied aspects of construction: they chase papers blown by a fan as air ducts get tweaked, and assemble a puzzle while windows are inserted. The Popes’ simplistic collage-style renderings present home-building as cheerfully chaotic. When at last it’s time to move in, a closing line observes a child simultaneously celebrating a birthday, underscoring the idea that home is a gift. The protagonists are portrayed with pale skin. Closing activities encourage interaction and reflection. Ages 3–5. (Jan.)”―Publishers Weekly
What readers are saying on NetGalley:
What a fantastic book for children about the process of building a new home. It takes children through step by step with short, easy to read phrases. So it is a wonderful storybook with fun pictures, but helps explain what is happening. Moving, and especially building a new house can be such an abstract idea for young children, especially if they can only remember having one home. This book would be a great tool for families going through this process with young children! – Sara, reviewer
I was a preschool teacher for five years, and I wish I had this book [by] Megan Saben. She wrote the most beautiful words and created such a darling children’s book! It was adorable. My four kids and I cherished every minute of it. Well done! – Kelsey, reviewer
As a realtor, this would be such a fun “congrats” gift to give to clients who are moving and have kids. Very fun and cute read. – Kaylee, reviewer
What a great book for littles to learn about a new home being built and the changes it brings. – Tina, librarian
‘New House, New Home’ fits the bill for helping children acclimate to the dramatic change of moving into a new home. The pastel hued, welcoming illustrations bring some exploration into the process of creating a new home in all of its complexities. There’s so much fun to have when entering a new space and I think that this book will allow kids a better chance at doing so in a positive light. – Katherine, reviewer