A Place to Start a Family Poems About Creatures That Build

A poetry collection introducing animal architects that build remarkable structures in order to attract a mate and have babies.

Many animals build something--a nest, tunnel, or web--in order to pair up, lay eggs, give birth, and otherwise perpetuate their species. Organized based on where creatures live--underground, in the water, on land, or in the air--twelve poems bring fish, insects, reptiles, mammals, and birds to life. Back matter includes more information about each animal.

"A fine synthesis of poetry and science" — Kirkus Reviews

"An inviting introduction to a dozen industrious creatures" — Publishers Weekly


"A natural for classroom use, with eye-catching art that will lure little ones in" — Booklist


ILA Teachers' Choices

David L. Harrison has published more than eighty books, has been a keynote speaker or presenter at 265 state, regional, and national conferences in 30 states and has an elementary school named after him. David's first book for children, The Boy with a Drum (Golden Press), was released in 1969 and has sold two million copies.

Giles Laroche has illustrated many children's books and both wrote and illustrated If You Lived Here: Houses of the World (Houghton Mifflin). Every illustration he makes involves drawing, cutting, painting, and gluing--and often has seven or eight layers. www.gileslaroche.com