Museum Shop

As unpretentious but essential as its subject, this is a marvelous book—an utterly compelling read. Larissa Theule tells the story of concrete (not cement, but a composite material that uses cement), from ancient times to its rediscovery in the 18th century, and in pared-down style introduces readers to advanced vocabulary; architectural monuments (the Pantheon, King Lalibela’s Ethiopian rock churches, the Three Gorges Dam); professions (gladiator, emperor, civil engineer); social history (Göbekli Tepe, the building and demolition of the Berlin Wall); and more, with clarity, directness, and humor.  Everything is conversationally explained: when “plastic” is used to mean “moldable,” a brief speech balloon conveys that meaning.  The spare but lively ink and watercolor illustrations are a perfect match for the text: unassuming but amusing, rich in detail and meaning.  Iconic buildings in Sydney, Kobe, and Baku are depicted.  Publisher: Candlewick Press. Hardcover, 48 pages.  Ages 7-10.