In Every House on Every Street

PreS-Gr 2—Houses may appear different on the outside, but what happens inside matters a lot. The child narrating the story tells readers about the various rooms in her house and the way her family uses them. For example, a kitchen is not just for baking. It's also a great place to sing into spoons and get covered in cake batter. While the family has fun, the children are learning to bake and to work as a team. Their living room isn't just for resting or watching TV. They spend time singing together (and to the cat!) and play silly games. It's also a nice place to talk about your day and work on solving problems. The book continues with different rooms and how they are utilized for more than what their name implies. The end of the book shows children how some houses can be the similar on the inside. The artwork is colorful and entertaining. Not only are the children having a good time but so are the parents. Each page provides opportunities for discussion. The house may not be perfect or spotless, but it's a warm home. The story is told in rhyme, which makes it a great read-aloud choice. Families of all shapes and sizes are portrayed at the end of the book. At the end of the day, the family members clean up, learn to say they are sorry, and tears are wiped away—which is a good lesson to convey. Maybe not every house is like this particular one. We can only hope that there are some out there that are similar. VERDICT This book tells a sweet story and is a good addition to a collection. Unfortunately, not all homes are like this on the inside. It helps to know one's audience prior to reading it to a large group.—Barbara Spiri, Southborough Library, MA