Demolition by Sally Sutton, illustrated by Brian Lovelock. Candlewick Press, 2012. ISBN 978-0-7636-5830-4
Summary: The day begins with the work crew putting on their gear and getting right to work preparing a derelict high rise for demolition. With rhyming text that includes plenty of sound effects at every stage of the project, readers can follow along with the de-construction project from beginning to end. Once the wrecking ball and excavators have done their work, site clean-up can begin. But what will the crew build once they have a clear lot to work with?
Sutton has included a useful "Machine Facts" illustrated glossary at the end of the narrative, which includes the names of each piece of equipment featured in the story, and a description of exactly what it does. Readers will enjoy every stage of this demolition project, and will reach the final page with a feeling of satisfaction for a job well done.
Critical Evaluation: Sutton's rhythmic, highly descriptive text, which is full of action words, sets a mood suitable the busy de-construction site. Her frequent use of onomatopoeias in a larger typeface will allow early readers to more easily participate in a read-aloud of the narrative.
There are plenty of details to examine in Lovelock's illustrations, which complement the narrative at each step of the demolition project. The equipment itself figures prominently in the artwork, and the dusty, speckled look of the illustration backgrounds is just what would be expected at a job site of this type in real-life.
This work would serve to satisfy the curiosity of children who want to know how things are put together, as well as how they are taken apart. Sutton and Lovelock have also collaborated on two similar picture books, Roadwork and Construction.
Age or Interest Level: Ages 2 to 6
Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book
Why Included? This title could really engage the full attention of young fans of heavy equipment. The action sound effects would be great fun in a story time to encourage audience participation.