Charlie Builds

January 1, 2018
Charlie and his dad build sand castles, bridges, towers, and more together.The duo, both of whom are white, live in the suburbs and build a variety of structures, from Lego garages for toy cars to play "igloos" in winter to a doghouse for pet Rocky, both indoors and out. Charlie's friends, who also appear to be white, get in on the action and jump into a pile of autumn leaves his dad has collected. Each double-page spread offers one-half of a serviceable, rhymed couplet describing Charlie's constructions. The standout here is Bianchini's cheerfully retro, thick-lined art, done in muted greens, blues, and reds. Charlie clearly loves all his projects, and his dad obviously dotes on the boy. The final spread shows the pair enjoying their "favorite building," a blanket/pillow fort where they can share a book (appropriately titled Big Buildings) together.Father/son construction projects have never been more tender. (Board book. 2-4)

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