Home

Home written and illustrated by Carson Ellis. Candlewick Press, 2014. ISBN 978-0-7636-6529-6

Reader's Annotation: What do pirates, the old woman who lived in a shoe, and a raccoon have in common? Homes! Carson Ellis has captured the unique character of each of the residences highlighted in this compendium, which are simply perfect for those who live in them.

Summary: From country to city, land to sea, and the Earth to the Moon, Ellis has compiled a wonderfully imaginative selection of homes, which are depicted with charm. Beginning with a dove leaving its nest, each two-page spread illustrates a certain home, whether it be a home for people, animals, a mysterious small creature, or a space dweller.

Some of the homes are familiar, or are drawn from nursery rhymes, while others introduce new concepts such as the lost city or Atlantis, or a Russian Babushka.The simple text is gently paced, and often is phrased to provide clues about the home pictured. In some instances, open ended questions, such as "Whose home is this?" invite the reader to fully engage their imaginations. 

Children will enjoy following the dove from scene to scene, and one of the final illustrations shows Ellis in her studio, which includes artifacts and knick-knacks representing items from each of the previous homes. These clever details transform the simple tale into an interactive search and find. 

Critical Evaluation: The interactive capabilities inherent in the questions posed, the repeated use of the dove in each spread, and the combining of items from each illustration in the artist's studio serve to expand the levels of possible engagement between children and the work.

Ellis' illustrations are naive in style, with a flat look, but this does not detract from this book. Instead, the style of her illustrations adds an appealing quaintness that allows the fine details of the images to shine. The restrained and muted palette serves to connect the diverse homes and characters, and gives a feeling of continuity through the work.

This would be an ideal choice to introduce a unit or storytime on homes, both local and around the world, to preschool through Grade 2 students. Children could then be encouraged to create a picture showing their own homes, or the home of their dreams.

Age or Interest Level: Ages 3 to 7

Why Included? I loved Ellis' illustrations for the middle-grade series Wildwood, and am equally impressed with this work for younger readers.