Meserve, Jessica. House That Love Built, The. Jessica Meserve, Illus. Tiger Tales, 08/2026. [28]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-66430-095-8. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
This cumulative story begins with “This is the raindrop that fell to the ground. This is the storm that raced and chased the raindrop that fell to the ground.” After their homes are wiped out during a storm, the forest animals rebuild, working together to restore their nests, dens, burrows, and dams. The text is patterned after the classic “The House That Jack Built,” although it is not as repetitive. Still, the story will inspire audience participation when read at storytime or in classrooms. The dramatic watercolor illustrations show the devastation of the storm and depict the animals with expressive eyes. The hand-lettered text is placed on the page in waves that will draw in the reader and add to the movement of the storm, and is well-matched to the artwork. A relatable story about working together.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool