The Building Boy

The Building Boy follows a child architect who lives with his grandmother, a renowned builder. Together they share a deep connection through their love of design and construction, spending their days drafting plans and discussing architecture. When his grandmother falls ill, the boy channels his grief into an ambitious building project, pushing the boundaries of what seems possible. His determination to create something extraordinary leads him on an unexpected journey. This illustrated story merges reality with elements of magic as it explores themes of loss, legacy, and the power of creativity. The book demonstrates how art and imagination can help process difficult emotions and honor meaningful relationships.

According to reader reviews, The Building Boy resonates with children and adults who have experienced loss. Parents appreciate the gentle handling of grief and the architectural motifs woven throughout. Likes: - David Litchfield's illustrations combine technical drawings with emotional depth - The metaphors about processing grief feel natural rather than heavy-handed - The fantastical elements balance the serious themes - Length works well for both bedtime reading and classroom use Dislikes: - Some found the ending too abrupt - A few parents noted the story might be too sad for sensitive children - The architectural terms require explanation for younger readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (157 ratings) Amazon UK: 4.8/5 (47 ratings) BookTrust: Featured as a "Book We Like" Sample review: "The delicate balance between loss and hope, reality and imagination makes this a standout picture book for talking about difficult emotions with children." - Primary school teacher on Goodreads

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🏗️ Ross Montgomery wrote this touching story after being inspired by his grandmother, who was also an architect, making the tale particularly personal to him. 🎨 The book's illustrator, David Litchfield, spent countless hours studying architectural drawings and building designs to create the book's detailed and imaginative artwork. 🏛️ The giant grandmother in the story is reminiscent of ancient architectural traditions where buildings were designed to look like human figures, known as caryatids in Greek architecture. 🌟 The Building Boy combines themes of grief and loss with magical realism, helping young readers process difficult emotions through the lens of wonder and adventure. 🏆 The book was shortlisted for the UKLA Book Award 2018, celebrating its unique approach to exploring architecture, family relationships, and emotional resilience.