What could be more perfect for an author/illustrator who has continually stripped away the mystique of architectural structures that have long fascinated modern man? With typical zest and wry sense of humor punctuating his drawings, David Macaulay traces the step-by-step planning and construction of both castle and town. The word 'castle' itself conjures up mystery, romance, intrigue, and grandeur.

None for this book but the author has won several, including having many of his books made into PBS specials.With wonderful detailed drawings and an interesting and informative text, this is a first rate history story for children and parents alike. There is a wonderful glossary in the back of the words to know, and a reference and index typical for non-fiction. The author uses humor and detail to make the story enjoyable - as simple as explaining about the bathroom and using hay as toilet paper! Using thick slices of stale bread for plates! He writes the story from the viewpoint of a friend or a foe and how the castle is meant for both. This book is about castles which is a favorite topic for young children, especially boys. In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience? The illustrations clearly support the text with great detail. The sentences are short and the vocabulary is simple. One characteristic of this genre is reduced vocabulary. Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book. Five of these titles have been made into popular PBS television programs.Ĭategories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: Non-fiction, easy-readerĮstimate of reading level: Dewey: 728.8 Int Lvl: K-3 Rd Lvl: 3.1 From the pyramids of Egypt to the skyscrapers of New York City, the human race’s great architectural and engineering accomplishments have been demystified through Macaulay's elaborate show-and-tells. Following in this tradition, Macaulay created other books-including City, Castle, Pyramid, Mill, Underground, Unbuilding, and Mosque-that have provided the explanations of the how and the why in a way that is both accessible and entertaining.

He published his first book, Cathedral, in 1973. After working as an interior designer, a junior high school teacher, and a teacher at RISD, Macaulay began to experiment with creating books. After spending his fifth year at RISD in Rome on the European Honors Program, he received a bachelor’s degree in architecture and vowed never to practice. During this time he began to draw seriously, and after graduating from high school he enrolled in the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

He found himself having to adjust from an idyllic English childhood to life in a fast paced American city. David Macaulay, born in 1946, was eleven when his parents moved from England to Bloomfield, New Jersey.

Castle book by david macaulay