La Casa

PreS-Gr 1–A lyrical and poetic story about a house that becomes a home. Through a third-person character plot, readers learn about a house that is happy to have people ­living in it and to serve a purpose. When ­lightning strikes, and the structure is ­damaged, ­emptiness and solitude ensue. Luckily, the house is inhabited again but not by humans this time. The arresting watercolor and mixed-media illustrations accompany a poignant take on what it is to make a home. With a variety of full-page and spread-length illustrations, the pace of the tale will inspire children to slow down and not rush through the story. There is plentiful white and light green space, and the limited palette includes spots of bright ­magenta as well as vibrant teals and turquoise. This gentle picture book is ideal for one-on-one reading and bedtime. ­