The Building Boy
What’s inside...
All at once, it was as if the stars leapt closer. Grandma grabbed the boy, raising him high above the rooftiles on her head. She was alive! The boy's grandma was a famous architect. Her garden is still full of old building materials. Unwilling to accept she has gone, the boy builds a giant structure from the bricks and girders he finds. And then ... Grandma comes to life! The boy is whisked away on an epic adventure across fields, through oceans and atop roofs. But where is Grandma taking him? Beautiful, thrilling and extremely moving: the extraordinary debut picture book from much-loved author, Ross Montgomery.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the boy felt when he built his grandma? Can you share a time when you created something special?
What do you think the main message of the story is?
If you could build anything, what would it be and why?
How do the illustrations help tell the story? Which picture is your favorite?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child to predict what the book might be about based on the cover.
Pause at key moments to let your child absorb the artwork and ask what they notice about the colors and expressions.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their interpretation of the Building Boy or to build something inspired by the story using blocks or crafts.
Link the theme of the book to personal experiences, like times your child felt accomplished after building or creating something on their own.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Creativity
Explanation: In 'The Building Boy', the young protagonist uses his architectural skills and imagination to build a grandmother figure, showcasing persistence and creativity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity to solve problems and not be discouraged by setbacks, fostering resilience.
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: The story deals with the boy’s feelings of loss after his grandmother's passing, teaching children about grief and healing.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand and express their feelings of loss, offering a way to cope with the emotions surrounding the death of a loved one.
Example Lesson: Importance of Memories
Explanation: The boy's project to build a statue in memory of his grandmother underlines the importance of cherishing memories of loved ones.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of preserving memories and celebrating the lives of those who have passed, contributing to emotional development.