Your House, My House

PreS-Gr 3–In a three-story apartment building with attic space and a cut-away front like a dollhouse, readers watch as the creatures living in the seven units go about their daily routines. Except today is special: It’s Little Rabbit’s birthday, a family of cats is moving into one of the apartments, Momma Fox is about to deliver a baby, and Mr. Bear is sick with a cold. As an owl beds down for the day, all the critters are busy, busy, busy. The rambunctious mice children are especially fun to watch as they make one mess after another with their active play. Even Red Riding Hood, Big Bad Wolf, Goldilocks, and the Three Little Pigs make an appearance (so it helps, but is not necessary, if the reader is familiar with those stories). A simple narrative enlists readers in the main events, but there is far more going on than just what’s in the the text; observant, patient viewers will be rewarded with details that amuse but also provide clues about how every family lives. The size of the illustrations, full of tiny details, make the book most appropriate for one or two to share, offering opportunities for rich discussion. There are numerous ways to enjoy the book: follow one character throughout the pages, check out the details in each apartment, notice the play and interactions of the children, or stick to the main events.