Iggy Peck, Architect; Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts

Iggy Peck loves to build. He has been building things since he was two and he will build using absolutely anything he can find. Diapers, mud, fruit, clay, food, chalk - you name it, Iggy could build something out of it. But when he starts second grade he finds a teacher in Miss. Greer who doesn’t share his passion for building and she will have none of it going on in her classroom. However, when disaster strikes on a school trip and the class find themselves stranded on an island separated from the mainland after a bridge collapses, it is Iggy and his building skills that are going to be needed to save the day…

Iggy Peck, Architect is an inspiring story that encourages children to dream big even if grumpy teachers come along and try and get in the way. Whilst the teacher may try and curb young Iggy’s talents, his parents can only see the joy that it brings him and they embrace and celebrate each new creation that he builds. Iggy’s parents are brilliant, they allow Iggy to express his creative side and do not stand in the way of his dreams.

Andrea Beaty and David Roberts have done a great job in bringing the ‘cool’ to architecture. I’m sure it will have children digging up the garden, raiding the fruit bowls and demanding pancakes for breakfast just so they have some more creative things to build with. I mean, who doesn’t want to build a pancake arch?

The story is told in rhyming prose and the colourful illustrations are detailed and engaging. It is a lovely read that is a celebration of a young child’s talent and should inspire other children to follow their passions and interests.

Recommended for 6+.