This is Our House [Paperback]

Michael Rosen (Author), Bob Graham (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

"Playground dynamics become testy as a willful child attempts to exclude everyone else in this simple, humorous lesson in human relations. . . . Deft and funny." —THE HORN BOOK

George has a house made from a big cardboard box, and he says that no one else at the playground can come in. Not Lindy, because George's house "isn't for girls," nor Freddie, because it "isn't for small people." Sophie can't come in because, George says, "This house isn't for people with glasses." But when George leaves his house for a moment, everyone piles in, and on his return, George gets a taste of his own medicine. Aided by Bob Graham's striking illustrations of an urban playground, Michael Rosen tells the tale of a little boy who makes a big discovery — that letting everyone into his playhouse is a lot more fun than keeping them out.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

George guards his cardboard box house against all his friends; he won't let them in no matter how cleverly they try to invite themselvesAuntil he has to go to the bathroom. "Every word of the trenchant text rings true," said PW. Ages 3-6.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2?A cardboard box on an urban playground is the setting for this exploration of discrimination. George is in a cardboard "house" and declares that "This house is all for me!" As the other kids try to join him, he gives them his reasons why they cannot enter: no girls, no small people, etc. Race is not mentioned. The children try different approaches to soften George, but nothing works. Finally he has to use the bathroom, and when he returns the house is full. Charlene tells him, "This house isn't for people with red hair," and he shouts, cries, stamps, and punches. Then he realizes what the others have known all along: "This house is for everyone!" The playground setting helps keep the book from being weighed down by the important, but obvious, message. Graham uses watercolors and crayons to highlight the main action on each page, while gray-shaded drawings fill out the backgrounds. There are no lectures in the text; the kids work out the problem on their own using actions rather than speeches. The solution is not completely satisfying, as George learns his lesson only when he is given the same treatment he gave others. More important, though, is the children's unerring confidence that they do belong in the house, and their willing inclusion of George in the end. There are obvious opportunities for discussion and sharing here, but the book speaks for itself in a clear and engaging manner.?Steven Engelfried, West Linn Public Library,
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (July 12, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763628166
• ISBN-13: 978-0763628161
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 0.2 x 9.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #789,363 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael Rosen, an English poet, scriptwriter, broadcaster, and performer, has been writing for children since 1970. He lives in London with his wife and five children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A place for everyone, April 30, 2000

By 

saliero (NSW Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: This Is Our House (Paperback)

This is a very fine children's book. It has a "message" without being saccharine-preachy. It is so evidently set in a multicultural, inner city area with the sort of kids my son mixes with at school everyday. Bob Graham is a terrific illustrator, and this one is not a let-down.

The children who are originally excluded by the "bully" take action to reclaim their place, and then teach George his lesson, before showing him that their more inclusive way is better than his selfishness.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book about sharing., April 4, 2000

By 

Michel LaFantano (Newfane, VT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: This Is Our House (Paperback)

This Is Our House by Michael Rosen

George tries to keep girls, small people, twins, people with glasses, people who like tunnels, and everyone else on the playground out of the cardboard house they used to share, but when he leaves to go to the bathroom, he returns to discover that everyone else is now on the inside and he is left alone on the outside. "This house isn't for people with red hair" says Charlene to George. After a tantrum or two, George learns his lesson and declares that the house is indeed "for everyone." George's conversion and the easy acceptance of his friends teaches an important lesson about inclusion and not being selfish. The urban setting and children of many cultures are also nice touches that are not overdone. The text is well-written and the cartoon like illustrations are detailed and fun. This is certainly a good read and teaches kids important lessons about sharing and getting along. I have been looking for books that deal with these issues and this one does so without being didactic or heavy handed. If you like this book, you may also want to check out Junk Pile! by Lady Borton.

5.0 out of 5 stars PEYC Book Club voted This is OUr House their Number 1 chocie book for February 2009, March 23, 2008

By 

Jill Griffin "teacher" (Boston, Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: This is Our House (Paperback)

Parents and Educators of Young Children (PEYC) Book Club voted, This is Our House, their number 1 book choice for February of 2009. Most members of PEYC are early childhood educators, or parents of toddler or preschool age children, who are commited to promoting early childhood literacy. Members come together, once a month, to select quality children's literature to read and discuss with their children. The following month, members come together again, to discuss their chldren's responses to each of the prior month's chosen books and to select new books for the following month. The subject matter in, This is Our House, invites parents and educators to discuss the important concepts of bullying, sharing, and fairness. Through the guided discussions children are able to analyze the inappropriate behavior of one child in the story and think critically about their own behavior. This book is a must read.