My House Is Singing

Rating:
Summary: Educators Recommend
Review: "It keeps me warmer than a coat,/ drier than an umbrella,/ and safer than a good luck charm," says the narrator, a small girl. "It's one giant hug,/ wrapping itself around me,/ no matter what./ It's my house." And so begins this lovely, lyrical celebration of one child's home.

As readers move through the home page after page, hour after hour, we see everyday objects in new ways. The refrigerator door is a "Magnetic Scrapbook" taking us on a tour from Niagra Falls to the Golden Gate . The smoke detector tattles on makers of crispy toast. And on cold days, one can "open the dryer's mouth/ to feel its warm breath . . .."

As day turns into night, inside, the little girl hears the house singing: "Blinds flapping./ Floors creaking./ Clocks ticking./ Faucet leaking." And wrapped in her cocoon in bed-an orange, flowered spread-she hums a gentle tune and drifts asleep.

Using a variety of printmaking techniques, Chodos-Irvine has done a superb job of evoking a sense of cheery comfort with her cozy, colorful illustrations.

The text is an excellent choice for beginning readers, as a read-aloud, or one-on-one sharing.

Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff