If You Lived Here: Houses of the World

Laroche, Giles. If You Lived Here: Houses of the World. Illustrated by Giles Laroche Houghton Mifflin, 2011. 32 pages. $16.99. ISBN 9780547238920.

Summary:

In three-dimensional paper collage, Laroche depicts homes throughout history and various cultures. Each narrative paragraph begins “If you lived here…” and is then followed by facts: house type, materials, location, date, and fascinating facts. The narrative style will engage readers of all ages, hooking them by allowing them to imagine themselves in that particular home. Coupled with the facts that follow, this is an engaging title for a wide range of readers and listeners.

Curriculum Connections:

Houses and homes of the world are a common theme in social studies in primary grades, linking to the related themes of biomes and human adaptations to the natural world. Source notes and a map with a legend for each house are included on the copyright page. Additionally, the narrative paragraphs would make excellent writing prompts.

Personal Reflections:

The paper collages in this text are remarkable, conveying depth and three-dimensionality. Readers and listeners will enjoy selecting their favorite houses.

Awards:

Age/Interest Range:

Pre-K-10.

Genre/Themes:

Nonfiction, Houses, Social Studies

Read-Alikes:

Another book on this theme is Houses and Homes (Morris), illustrated with photographs.