The Mellons Build a House

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

'A cleverly architected book... perfect for children exploring the environment or anything to do with construction.' - Literacy Tree

The Mellon family have outgrown their flat. It's time to move, but none of the houses they look at are quite right, so they decide to build their own house. Masha is an architect. She designs a house that accommodates the Mellons' needs, their budget, and most importantly, the environment. It is an eco-house.

The Mellons Build a House is a hugely enjoyable picturebook that takes the reader step-by-step through house design and build. Heat pumps, solar panels, insulation and rainwater harvesting are all clearly explained and brought to life in Nik Neves's warm, inclusive illustrations. A timely and essential read for aspiring young architects and construction-enthusiasts.

Reviews

'This book follows the journey of designing and building a new house and how this can be done in a more ecological way thinking about each step and its impact on the environment making it stand out from the array of books about more traditional houses and homes. The book was enjoyable to discover and included interesting facts and lots of technical vocabulary with enough science to capture older children as well as younger primary pupils who will enjoy the visual information and narrative frame.' - Books for Topics - Best Books for Year 2
'A beautifully presented information book on architecture and construction which centres sustainability, within the frame narrative of a family seeking to build the most eco-friendly home possible.' - Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE)
'What an interesting and original subject for a picture book. I particularly liked the number of women involved in this construction project. Children are concerned with the environment and this is the perfect vehicle to get KS1 children (aged 5-7 years) discussing what changes might be made in their own homes and schools to be more sustainable.' - The English Association
'I would recommend The Mellons Build a House in the primary school library as a good one to pick up and will keep groups of children enthralled. I would also use it as part of a project in KS1 and lower KS2 around homes and housing or environmental work.' - Just Imagine Book Reviews

Author Bio

Robin Jacobs is a children's television and book writer. She is the author of Don't Hug the Pug and Earth-Shattering Events. She is an active environmentalist and has recently completed an eco-build of her own outside of Bristol.

Nik Neves is a prize-winning Brazilian artist and illustrator living and working in Berlin. He has worked with clients including: Moet, Printemps, Vogue, Facebook, Brooklyn Industries, National Geographic and Lonely Planet.