A child is never too young to begin learning about buildings and design. Written for preschoolers and beginning readers, these picture books and simple storybooks lay the foundation for understanding and appreciating the world of architecture. For older children, be sure to check out the resources listed at the end of this article.
1. How a House Is Built
Author Gail Gibbons combines bright pictures with easy text to describe the construction of a house. Small tots will learn about the important role of the surveyor, the heavy machinery operators, the carpenters, the plumbers, and other workers. ISBN: 0823412326
2. Houses and Homes
From the "Around the World Series," this 32-page photo-essay lets beginning readers visit all types of homes, from a simple straw hut to the Buckingham Palace. A map and an index encourage further learning. ISBN: 06881357813. Architects Make Zigzags: Looking at Architecture A to Z
For younger children, a delightful alphabet book with twenty-six line drawings of architectural details such as brackets, columns, dormers, eaves, and, yes, zigzags. Simple definitions accompany each illustration. ISBN: 047114357X4. Building a House
Simple words and color drawings by Byron Barton let children follow, step by step, the construction of a house. ISBN: 0688842917