Compare/Contrast: CYBILS Nominees About Buildings

 Two picture books nominated in the elementary category for a CYBILS Nonfiction Award this year deal with the remarkable and appealing topic of BUILDING! They are both superb examples of pairing informational text with illustrations that strengthen, expand, and explore the facts by reflecting the style, color, and intent of the writing. These two titles are distinctly different in purpose and patterns, yet both are enormously appealing and will spark curiosity and connections. Their contrasting approaches deserve a closer look.

NorthSouth Books, 2022

First, author Susan B. Katz and illustrator Linda Schwalbe created an eye-popping, heart-tugging     revelation of Spanish builder and innovator, GAUDI: ARCHITECT OF IMAGINATION. This is a  remarkably interpretive depiction of a genius builder/architect. Gaudi comes to life on the page from early childhood challenges with his "bent" and weak legs. This situation led to his close examination of the curving, flowing, colorful complexities of nature, in matter and in creatures. He gradually celebrated and appreciated those patterns and life-embracing vibrancies. He explored ways that he could build structures as an architect who embraced life and design in new ways, with passion and vision.

The text is direct but sensitive, addressing the ways in which Gaudi impressed and also appalled observers, making some wonder if he might be "crazy". Even so, throughout Barcelona his structures attract tourists, bringing smiles and appreciation for his imagination, skill, and ability to build beauty from the pieces and bits that others might consider useless or unattractive. His most astonishing structure is, perhaps, the unfinished Cathedral of the Sacred Family, which is continually being debated and extended.

The illustrations throughout, from the cover and end pages through Saudi's childhood and schooling, and on into his lifetime of creations, is interpretive, vibrantly abstract, and as fluid as Gaudi's structures. Page after page calls out to the reader to follow Gaudi's lead, to try new things and build beauty from nature and objects in new ways. I followed my first reading by searching for photographic examples of these buildings and then reading more about his amazing life. 

BLOOMSBURY BOOKS FOR CHILDREN, 2022

The second nominee is entirely different in its approach. Rather than profiling a creative genius who challenged standards of planning and design, HOW WAS THAT BUILT? The Stories Behind Some Structures is analytical and instructive. Written by a structural engineer, Roma Agrawal, and illustrated by Katie Hickey, this is a dream of a book for kids (or their parents) who see built environments and ask, "How did they do that?"

Agrawal is as intentional and solid in her writing as these structures are in their design and execution, resulting in beautiful products. She uses direct address to readers throughout, but in an accessible, conversational approach that makes complex concepts seem very simple. (Try demonstrating how carbon makes steel stronger using malted milk balls and raisins.) There is enormous power in that style. From the introduction through the foundational pages (literally- everything is built on a foundation and there is SO MUCH to know about that!) this eighty-page illustrated book explores some of the most iconic and treasured structures on the globe, most of which boggle the mind as to how they could possibly have been built and how they continue to stand, safely.

This book offers conventions including table of contents, a glossary, and an "engineer's gallery" to allow readers to dip in and out. I recommend reading cover to cover, even if that means a chapter a day (or night). Aspects and examples of buildings span centuries, continents, materials, functions, climates, and even the future. The oversized format showcases illustrations that richly detail the stated examples and building concepts, also placing them in geographic and cultural contexts. Short passages are placed throughout the spreads where they will most clearly make sense and build on prior descriptions or explanations. My only concern about this fantastic book is that the size and color choices for font can be challenging. Very small print, always black, appears over dark-toned portions of the illustrations. Text might be missed, or this could make it hard to sustain focus and attention for young reeders (or their parents or teachers). Not a word of this text should be missed, and I fear some could be with this format design. 

Whether taking a block-by-block approach or a freelance, found-object tower attempt, kids of all ages are drawn to create and construct. These two titles might be the just-right choice for kids in your lives who could find, as I did, that they made me want to learn more, do more, and try more ways to view and appreciate my built environment. 

This recommendation holds true regardless of genders, by the way. The "E" in STEM is engineering, and these examples are perfect choices for STEM activities and inspiration. As a long-ago kindergarten kid, I was shocked and angered to see that the girls' and boys' "play corners" had such different elements. Girls were given toy versions of household items and some dress-up clothes and dolls, while the boys had mechanical toys, building materials, and even the art easel! These were the roots of my lifelong feminism! A wish from me: include everyone when you consider possible audiences for these books!