Ready, Set, Build!

PreS-K—A blue dog sets out for a day of construction work. He begins with a plan before getting to work and uses a variety of tools and construction vehicles, with a little green bird as a coworker. The dog and bird take a short break for lunch and then are back to work, until finally they have completed their project for the day, a big blue "Dog and Bird House" with a green roof. The dog and bird head home to get some rest so they can return to work the next day, which promises to be "twice as fun." Fleming offers a sprightly picture book that will appeal to young readers, particularly those with an interest in construction. She writes in simple rhymes, and her text reflects the enthusiasm of the dog and the bird, both of whom truly enjoy their work. Jarvis's use of bold, solid colors pairs well with the energy and exuberance of Fleming's text. The blue dog is depicted with large, cartoonlike features, and the bird is drawn with simple circular shapes, and both are eye-catching. Fleming's short, bouncy rhymes coupled with Jarvis's big, bright illustrations make this an excellent choice for a read-aloud in a group setting.