TIME TO BUILD

A simple introduction to the functions of some basic tools: tape measure, saw, wrench, drill, screwdriver, and hammer.

Each double-page spread is devoted to a single tool and graced by a simple declarative sentence that explains what that tool does. Though most are straightforward, such as “A wrench bolts one part to another,” the explanation for the tape measure—“A tape measure counts how much to use”—is disappointingly opaque. Exquisitely detailed illustrations depict a large, close-up image of each tool spanning the entire page spread with an inset showing someone using that tool. Unfortunately, the design has the potential to frustrate readers, as it makes those insets, which occupy most of the space on the right-hand pages, appear to be liftable flaps, though they are not. Nonetheless, the realistic, watercolor-and–pen-and-ink images are appealing, and they feature people of various ages, genders, and skin tones all at work at building something, which the final page spread reveals to be a magnificent treehouse. Fair warning: caregivers sharing this title should be prepared to handle the inevitable clamoring for tools—and treehouses—that will follow.

This sturdy introduction to some basic construction equipment also highlights the value of cooperation, giving it wide appeal.