TOUCH AND EXPLORE CONSTRUCTION

This “hands-on” primer on construction methods and equipment is rich in information and a real vocabulary-builder, as well.

Young hard hats everywhere should appreciate this detailed introduction for kids to some of the basic concepts and tasks involved in constructing the buildings, homes, and cities in which we live. The book is organized in two-page set pieces; the topics covered are “Setting up,” “Demolition,” “Building a house,” “Almost done!,” “Building apartments,” Building a road,” and “Construction sites are everywhere!” A multiracial cast of male- and female-presenting workers employ a variety of trucks, heavy equipment, and safety gear to perform each operation. Tactile elements should help maintain the interest of younger readers; slightly older children will be rewarded with broadened vocabularies and a basic sense of the elements, gear, and teamwork required to create a home. Tactile elements include safety cones with textured stripes, a gritty pile of rubble, heavy-duty dump-truck tires, lumber, sticky wet paint and cement, and more. The artwork, though not particularly stylish, is easily read. Expository text appears in one- and two-sentence increments, scattered around the pages near the action it explains. Vocabulary words appear in boldface. Tradespeople and areas of specialization include masons, electricians, plumbers, and painters. Safety is a recurring theme.

Babin and Bécue lay a solid foundation in building concepts with this detailed but not overwhelming book, a French import.