What group of kids doesn’t want a clubhouse? I know I did when I was younger, but I sure didn’t know the first thing about making one. “Let’s Build a Clubhouse” by Marilyn Singer takes the desire one step further – let’s also talk about how to actually pull it off.
Our main character calls all his friends on the phone and tells them his idea – to build a clubhouse where they can all hang out. They think it’s a great idea, and Daniel has even drawn up some plans. We’re then told what a plan is, and why it’s needed.
Julia has the ruler, and she’s going to bring it with her. It’s then explained what a ruler is, and why we’ll need one today.
Lola is going to bring the saw, and with the help of a grown-up, she’ll cut the wood to the right length. We’re shown several different kinds of saw, and it’s explained what each is good for.
Kevin is donating the use of a level. We’re given the definition of level, as a tool, and taught how to use one correctly.
Claire is bringing a square, and Billy has the wrench. We are shown pictures of different varieties of wrench and are told how to use one, as well as the square.
On we go, through every kind of tool we could ever want to build this clubhouse. The explanations are easy to read and to understand, and will increase the knowledge base of any young listener. We even learn about drill bits of different dimensions and how to use a plane.
In the end, it’s explained that the house is finished, using the best tool of all – teamwork!
I enjoyed this picture book for the way it showed boys and girls both using tools, not making it a male-dominated project. I also liked the illustrations and the friendly narrative voice.
(This book was published in 2006 by Houghton Mifflin and was illustrated by Timothy Bush.)
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