If You Lived Here: Houses of the World Hardcover – Picture Book, October 25, 2011

I have to say that I loved this book. Maybe it's my love for learning about other places and people, maybe it's the absolutely amazing illustrations, but this is a book that I will go back and reread many times just to learn new things every time. I appreciate the fact that all of the types of houses Laroche highlights actually exist. The illustrations are of actual houses. I was impressed with the sheer variety, everything from cave dwellings to tulous (my favorite type: could be round, square, oblong, octagonal and large like a whole town or small like a village). This book is perfect for just browsing or for hours of fascinated study. The illustrations provide an amazing amount of detail, the paper collage is stunning perfect for sharing. I'd love to see the original artwork. I highly recommend this book for introducing children to the many different types of houses available around the world.

Amazing artwork and a great way to introduce kids to the concept that life is different across the globe. Also, I need to reiterate that the art is AMAZING. I also love that there is a simple story, but a "parents" sub-section on each page/culture that you can read or explain to a child of any age. This book is great for kids about 4, but because there is so much additional cultural insight, you could give it to a much older child, even 10-12.

Intriguing book about homes around the world —from caves to stilt houses to Airstreams. Each page offers several layers — from inviting and colorful illustrations to clear descriptions to a section offering both historic and construction facts. I bought it with our eight-year old granddaughter in mind, who found it really interesting, however, our four-year old was equally intrigued by both the illustrations and the fact and figures section. In fact, this was the book she asked to keep. Score! Adults will find it fascinating as well. Highly recommend.

Was hoping this was a coffee table book, but it’s for children. Nicely illustrated.

I ordered this book to use in conjunction with an art lesson for my son's 1st grade class. It has wonderful graphics, informative text, and is really spot-on for kids ages 5 to 8. It really enhanced the lesson with information about variations in world culture, history, geography, and architecture. I let the teacher keep it in her classroom for a few weeks so that the kids can explore it further. I think all kids of this age would find this book really captivating!

Beautiful illustrations, lots of interesting and well written information. Probably best for middle or upper elementary grades.

So cute. Gave this to my niece and I’m so excited that we can explore the world and different cultures from home. Great practice for when we travel in the future.

Gorgeous artwork in this book— all of the illustrations are actually photos of intricately hand-cut layered paper collages or paper bas-relief scenes, which is why the people and animals have natural shadows. It’s a beautiful way of introducing different modes of living across the world to your children. The detailed scenes of buildings and people going about their day will hold the attention of an older toddler on up, and can be a platform for making up your own stories about what’s happening or trying to find some tiny detail. The selection of dwellings or countries is a bit random (perhaps from the artist/author’s personal experience?), but it’s not meant to be an atlas. Beautiful book and would make a nice gift as well.