October 22, 2012
Launching the David Macaulay Studio imprint (along with Jet Plane: How It Works, simultaneously available), this handsome leveled reader aims "to stimulate both verbal and visual literacy," Macaulay writes in an introduction. Well-targeted to independent readers not yet ready to tackle Macaulay's more comprehensive 1977 classic, Castle, the engaging narrative addresses readers directly, first inviting them inside a castle as a "friend," and then imagining how they'd attempt to gain access to the structure as "foe." In the first guise, they're introduced to snippets of quotidian castle life: the blacksmith forges a horseshoe while his children chase chickens in the courtyard, servants prepare the great hall for a meal, and a guard uses a rudimentary toilet. Things get more exciting in the second half, as readers receive a crash course in storming the castle as an enemyâbattering rams and "germy dead animals" are involved, which should easily pique interest. Macaulay's illustrations are rich in architectural and period detail (and who would expect otherwise?), skillfully partnering with the text to create quality nonfiction. Ages 7â8.
January 1, 2014
Gr 3-8-Macaulay's Cathedral (1973) and Castle (1977, both Houghton) were landmark titles for children, appealing to both those interested in history and architecture, as well as to some who found the pictures fascinating in and of themselves. Reissued with the pictures in color, they remain timeless staples for the architectural crowd. The fluid and informative texts remain basically unchanged except for some subtle clarifications and updates, with the stories of the building of the fictitious Cathedral of Chutreaux and Lord Kevin le Strange's Castle at Aberwyvern still maintaining dramatic tension even as they serve as vehicles for explaining building techniques and features. The illustrations have been extensively reworked, with cross sections replaced by dramatic three-dimensional views. The use of color is muted, employing mostly the greens, browns, grays, and blues of nature; and it is certainly effective. The older editions are enriched by viewing alongside the new ones, and vice versa. Clearly labeled diagrams; a detailed, complete, and informative glossary; and the use of full-color spreads to bring the buildings and their inhabitants or parishioners to life make these excellent additions.-Ann Welton, Grant Elementary School, Tacoma, WA
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