When I saw the cover of today’s Perfect Picture Book on Deborah Freedman’s website, I wasn’t sure what this book was about. But that title intrigued me, and I couldn’t resist that dreamy cover art. Enjoy!
Title: Welcome to the Wonder House
Poems By: Rebecca Kai Dotlich & Georgia Heard
Illustrations By: Deborah Freedman
Publisher/Date: Wordsong, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers/2023
Suitable for Ages: 7 and up (per the publisher; I think all ages will enjoy it)
Themes/Topics: poetry, imagination, curiosity, nonfiction
Opening:
Room of Curiosity
Why do diamonds wink and shine?
What is quartz?
What is lime?
Brief Synopsis: A collection of 29 poems about curiosity arranged topically in 12 rooms of a house of wonder.
Links to Resources:
- Check out the Authors’ Note with its suggestions of finding wonder by beginning a poem, telling a story, sharing discoveries with a friend, etc.
- Find more activities in the Discussion Guide.
Why I Like this Book:
A house filled with wonder? And I’m welcome to visit? Yes! Please!
Any child will be enchanted by this collection of poems about curiosity, arranged into 12 rooms by topic. What a wonderful way to introduce children to poetry and pique their curiosity.
The collection begins with a spread laying out the Contents, to make it easier for readers to choose the order of rooms they visit depending on their mood. Craving Nature? There’s a room for that. Thinking about Time? Read about tree rings and “a cracked iguanodon tooth.”
Because each room in the collection stands on its own, there’s no right or wrong way to read Welcome to the Wonder House – Do you have loads of time and you want to visit the rooms in order? That works. Studying different types of scientists? Head to the room of Science. Searching for a few quick stanzas before your little one nods off to sleep? Explore the room of Imagination to foster vivid dreams.
Although wonder connects all of the rooms, as well as a few ladders and staircases sprinkled about, the rooms are also distinct, which broadens this collection’s appeal. And if the thought of entering wonder-filled rooms isn’t enough to get you reading, Freedman’s detailed, gorgeous mixed media illustrations should.
Welcome to the Wonder House belongs in every home and school.
A Note about Craft:
Two poets and an editor go for a ride. Really! Check out the book launch interview with Betsy Bird to discover the genesis of this awesome picture book. And maybe schedule a trip with a few potential collaborators.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 