New House, New Home - by Megan Saben (Hardcover)

About the Book

Two eager children watch step-by-step as their new home is built over the course of a year.

Book Synopsis

A HOT OFF THE PRESS CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL PICK

A picture book for families building a home, with illustrations by Twinkle Tots illustrators Liz and Kate Pope

In rhyming text by Megan Saben, two eager children watch step-by-step as their new home is built over the course of a year. With an adorable puppy to find on each page and a collection of boards, pipes, and wires, New House, New Home is the perfect gift for aspiring builders.

Review Quotes

"From foundation pouring to appliance installation, two children observe the process of their new home being built in Saben's architecture-centered story. 'Let's build our house!' begins loose rhymes that go on to describe the ventilation, electrical, and plumbing work that ensues ('The stairs climb up, / the drain lets down./ Watch out--debris and dust around!'). As the kids bide their time, their play lightly echoes varied aspects of construction: they chase papers blown by a fan as air ducts get tweaked, and assemble a puzzle while windows are inserted. The Popes' simplistic collage-style renderings present home-building as cheerfully chaotic. When at last it's time to move in, a closing line observes a child simultaneously celebrating a birthday, underscoring the idea that home is a gift. The protagonists are portrayed with pale skin. Closing activities encourage interaction and reflection. Ages 3-5. (Jan.)"-- "Publishers Weekly" (10/25/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"There are many things that make a house a home, most importantly the people or family who live in it. For a young brother and sister the wait for a new house to be built is fraught with eager anticipation. The reader waits with the siblings as they witness the various elements that go into making the physical structure of a house. Unseen pipes will keep the family comfortable no matter what the elements are doing outside. Wires will bring electricity and light. More pipes will allow water to drain from sinks and tubs. Curious children will learn what happens after the excavator digs a hole for the foundation. Step by step we see the house being built, until the family--mom, dad, brother, sister, and pet dog move in making the house a home. The text is simple providing just enough verbiage for the young reader to understand the author's intent. The illustrations present the siblings in a relatable light. When the story ends children are invited to engage in activities that allow them to revisit the illustrations which at first glance look like not much is happening, but upon further inspection, readers notice quite a lot is occurring. A fun and informative read for early learners both in and out of school."-- "Children's Literature" (1/30/2025 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Megan Saben holds master's degrees in children's literature from Hollins University and in library science from University of Iowa, and applied them as a children's librarian for four years. She writes for Redeemed Reader, is the author of Something Better Coming, and has served on children's book award committees for WORLD magazine and the Virginia Library Association. Saben and her husband live in south central Virginia, where she drinks lattes, homeschools their five boys, and knits when she isn't reading or writing. The Pope twins, Liz and Kate Pope, born and raised in Derbyshire, now live on opposite sides of Chesterfield. After both gaining first-class degrees in surface pattern from Staffordshire University, Liz and Kate began their careers as professional greeting card and book illustrators, working together to create their signature colorful and collaged style. Liz describes herself as the illustrator of the team, sketching out designs which she then gives to Kate to work up in paint, collage, and patterned paper. This mixture of illustration and design gives their charming artwork a sense of vibrancy, movement, and eclecticism. When they're not drawing, Liz and Kate like to scour charity shops for bargains, ensuring their personal styles are just as individual as their artwork!