Synopsis
Simple text and photographs compare some of the structures that people build to those built by animals.Editorials
Children's Literature
AGERANGE: Ages 3 to 5.People and animals have a lot in common: they build structures to help them live. To make this point, the author moves back and forth comparing human and animal builders at work. The construction of a set of bird nests closely resembles that of an apartment building in the city. A spider's web functions like a man-made bridge. A termite's tower in a forest spirals upward much like Big Ben does in London. Bright color photographs complement the simple message in this little book with large print. Aimed at very young children, the author does not delve into more specific reasons for the building of these structures. Undoubtedly, one can expect a curious child to inquire, for example, why do termites and humans build towers or beavers and humans build dams? These unanswered questions in the text may inspire the child to seek additional answers and thus may serve as an impetus to read more. In addition the book helps to develop vocabulary skills. Part of the Spanish edition of the "Yellow Umbrella Books" series, it also contains a glossary and an index which may be helpful for adults readers to help explain new vocabulary. Reviewer: Lilliam Oliva Collmann