Learning the Trades with Whose Tools?

For STEM Friday we are excited to be participating on the blog tour for the interactive board book, Whose Tools? by Toni Buzzeo and illustrated by Jim Datz.

Many different specialized workers, or trades, use many different tools to build a house:

• Masons
• Carpenters
• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Roofers
• Painters

While exploring Whose Tools? youngsters learn to identify 24 different tools from cartoon illustrations and figure out which tradespeople might use them based on the clues provided. Readers then lift a gatefold page to see workers using those tools.

Toni Buzzeo is a librarian at heart and has published a number of children’s books. Her expertise is evident as this book is entirely age appropriate. It is short, interactive, and clever.

Although the book has been released right in time to share for Father’s Day, it would also work for Mother’s Day, as evidenced by the illustrations which show a diversity of workers, including female carpenters, roofers, etc. Coming from a family where my mom was a carpenter (she built her own horse barn almost single-handedly), I applaud illustrator Jim Datz!

Whose Tools? is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who are interested in adult tools, but is also sure to intrigue most young readers. Be prepared to read this one again and again!

Related Activities:

1. Be sure to check Toni Buzzeo’s webpage for awesome (and free!) .pdf teaching guides and activity sheets to accompany the book (scroll down).
2. Tara Lazar has a lively interview with Toni Buzzeo and a Whose Tools? book giveaway (until end of June 2015).
3. Gather some toy plastic tools and set up this shape matching activity for toddlers. Then let the children free play with the tools.
4. Look for kid project workshops/clinics at your local home center (Home Depot, Lowe’s etc.) They are usually on Saturday mornings, are free, and the projects are fun. Check for recommended ages. They often have construction project kits to purchase, as well.

Age Range: 2 – 4 years
Board book: 16 pages
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; Ltf Brdbk edition (May 5, 2015)
ISBN-10: 1419714317
ISBN-13: 978-1419714313

Note: Tony Buzzeo is also the author of the Caldecott winner, One Cool Friend, illustrated by David Small.

 

 

Disclosures: This book was provided for review purposes. Also, I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at no extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.

Come visit the STEM Friday blog each week to find more great Science, Technology, Engineering and Math books.