Henkes, Kevin. Little Houses. Laura Dronzek, Illus. Picture Book. Greenwillow, 05/2022. [36]pp. $18.99. 978-0-06-296572-1. HIGH ADDITIONAL. GRADES K-3.
A young, tan, black-haired girl takes a walk on the beach while visiting grandparents. As she gathers the empty shells she thinks of as little houses, she explores many specific questions connected to the seashore. Who lived here? What’s under the water? What might wash up? How old is each rock? Soothing, painted illustrations in soft colors are full of simple shapes and child-friendly details. The story doesn’t answer any questions, but provides a model of what questions can be inspired by an outing, and how the awareness of all there is to know and learn can be both a comfort and a solace.
Melissa McAvoy, Retired
