A House in the Sky: And Other Uncommon Animal Homes

PreS-Gr 3--A thoughtful picture book about where we live and why we live there. What are houses used for--to shelter, to impress, to protect? The text raises these and other questions, and each spread includes a whimsical watercolor illustration of an animal's home. Gourley balances muted tones with bright swipes of color to direct readers' attentions to specific elements of the structures. The examinations of creatures going about daily life are striking. Ants work, adult birds guard babies in the nest, whales bear barnacle colonies on their backs, the tree-kangaroo sleeps, the badger burrows; houses in the sky, houses on land, and houses underwater--each scene is depicted with care and includes more detailed information in a smaller font beneath the main text. Young ones can playfully enjoy Jenkins's warm prose and Gourley's delicate art, while older readers can engage in exploratory learning. More robust explanations of the different species at the end of the book make it an excellent STEM offering. VERDICT Purchase for its jeu d'esprit, its attention to detail, and its respect for the intelligence of its young audience.--Chelsea Woods, New Brunswick Free Public Library, NJ