Construction by Sally Sutton and Brian Lovelock
I live near what is currently a pretty massive building site and I don’t think there is anything particularly magical about the noise and mess that a bunch of huge vehicles make, but try telling that to a three-year-old. The bright yellow colours and the obvious power of these machines can spark a child’s imagination. So, a book that evokes all this building and construction is hypnotically powerful to the right child.
| Construction by Sally Sutton and Brian Lovelock | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Sam Tyler
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| Summary: Ever taken a toddler past a building site? You may have noticed their fascination with the bright yellow vehicle and powerful machinery. Now you can watch all this from the safety of your own house in this colourful and fun book all about construction. | |
| Buy? Maybe | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 32 | Date: January 2015 |
| Publisher: Walker Books | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 9781922077301 | |
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As the simple name suggests Construction is all about the use of machines and vehicles to build something, but what is it? There is no particular narrative to the story and is more of a visual Gant Chart following each stage of the building process from the foundations all the way to fitting the furniture. On the surface, the book should be pretty dull, but for the non-fiction loving child, it really holds their attention.
The words on the page are easy to follow; they will briefly explain what is happening and then reflect an action on the page, such as hammering a nail. You can then follow the actions with the written sound; thonk, thonk, thonk. The interaction between the words and the pictures works well, although some of the sounds are a little abstract.
Although the story may be non-existent, this does not mean that the book does not capture the eye. Brian Lovelock’s illustrations are a brilliant mix of bright colours, accessible imagery, but also authentic design. Lovelock has not produced something that is abstract or cartoony, but an approachable version of what actually happens on a building site. When this includes the use of JCBs and cranes, the pictures are bound to be fun.
Construction is the type of simple sharing book that works wonderfully to attract a more reluctant reader and get them engaged. If they are not one for following stories, they may just be the type of kid that likes to watch the world pass by and get involved; this is what the book simulates. There is also a nice twist at the end of the book as we learn what type of building was built; drifting into the realms of fantasy when you find out it’s a new library! The hardback version of the book is great quality and the paper is thick enough to last. You may just need this as Construction is the type of book that can easily become a child’s favourite.
Interested in the building industry, then you may want to read some of the masterworks; Bob's Great Green Book. Or perhaps you are looking to build something completely different? Max and Molly's Guide to Trouble: How to Build an Abominable Snowman by Dominic Barker and Hannah Shaw. You might also enjoy Beep Beep Beep Time for Sleep by Claire Freedman and Richard Smythe.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Construction by Sally Sutton and Brian Lovelock at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Construction by Sally Sutton and Brian Lovelock at Amazon.com.
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