BUILDING WITH DAD

Stunning, photo-realistic paintings entice the reader to pore over the vertical pages in this father-and-son construction venture. The paintings are so illuminative that the rhythmic text seems somewhat redundant. Over several months, son, Dad and the other builders work their way through the assemblage of what is revealed to be a new elementary school. It begins as the youngster rides astride his father’s shoulders, the winter sun gleaming coolly on the snow dusting the earth. “Let’s go for a ride,” says father. “We’ll check the construction to make sure it’s right.” Breaking ground, bulldozers descend, seemingly from a dizzying height. Trenches are dug, Dad’s giant grader smoothes, cement is poured and pipes are welded. While father works the site, his son observes, lending the occasional hand. At last the project is complete, the floors are waxed and it’s the first day of school. The story is engrossing on many levels to young builders, and the inspiring perspectives and sheer beauty of the artwork will captivate children and adults alike. (Picture book. 3-6)