This Is Our City

PreS-K–A group of children in a suburban neighborhood, through imaginative play, transform their backyard into a bustling city. Willow branches become a car wash, an overturned plastic pool transforms into a trendy cafe, and a jump rope tied to a pine cone becomes a pet on a leash. Conrad uses simple text to tell her story. Her illustrations depict the objective reality of the children’s play, allowing readers to project their own visions onto the story. Their imaginary city is enhanced by collage artwork, in which mundane shapes compose delightful scenes. The children’s faces are simple circles with friendly U-shaped mouths; their clothes display an array of fun patterns; different races and hairstyles are represented. Conrad’s compositions effortlessly convey a sense of movement and play.