Review: Where’s the Architect?

Review:

Where’s the Architect? From Pyramids to Skyscrapers: An Architecture Look and Find Book

Written by Susanne Rebscher

Illustrated by Annabelle von Sperber

Publisher: Prestel, 2018

Ben and Mia are on a journey to find the greatest structures ever built and readers are invited along on the journey. There is much more than just pyramids and skyscrapers, too. We explore the Tower of London, the Eiffel Tower, the Moscow Metro, the Colosseum, the Forbidden City, the Taj Mahal, the Empire State Building, the Hagia Sophia, Neuschwanstein Castle, Tõdai-ji Temple, and Sydney’s opera house.

The book starts with the “finding” illustrations. For example, the first location depicted is the Tower of London. We can search for Ben and Mia, count the ravens in the picture, and look for a man who is holding newly minted money (the Tower of London was where money was minted). My first thought was, “That’s it? It’s a great picture, but it has whet my appetite for more information.” I was being impatient. Readers do get to learn more but the informational section is at the end of the book.

The informational section gives important details about the location. Each section is also a fascinating mini history lesson. (And you can find the answers to the puzzles in this section.) There is a timeline that includes the construction dates and a glossary. Don’t forget to check out the end papers, which include a travel route. One last note: this book is oversized. It measures 15” x 11”, which gives the illustrations room to soar!

There are kids out there who really like this type of book. They might like the puzzles, but some kids just love architecture. This is an exceptional choice to add to their library.

 

*Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.