The Home Builders

This vibrantly illustrated picture book celebrates a variety of woodland creatures as they make their homes and prepare for their young.

Welcome to a serene woodland where lots of expectant animal parents are in their nesting phase–that is, busy preparing safe, cozy homes for their growing families. As they dig, tunnel, gnaw, and gather, they create dens, burrows, lodges, and, of course, nests. Soon the woods are full of new little ones peeping, crawling, romping, and snuggling–and with artwork so gorgeous that it feels like an invitation into the scenery it’s depicting, readers will be eager to join them in their beautiful home.

Varsha Bajaj also wrote This Is Our Baby, Born Today, a Bank Street Best Book. She grew up in Mumbai, India, and when she came to the United States to obtain her master’s degree, her adjustment to the country was aided by her awareness of the culture through books. In addition to her previous picture books, she wrote the middle-grade novel Abby Spencer Goes to Bollywood, which was shortlisted for the Cybils Award and included on the Spirit of Texas Reading Program. She lives in Houston, Texas.

Simona Mulazzani also illustrated Rock-a-Bye Romp, by Linda Ashman, and has illustrated over one hundred adult and children’s books for international publishers, as well. She received silver medals from the Society of Illustrators in 2005 and 2013. She was born in Milan, Italy, and now lives in Pesaro, Italy.