backonthealex's review against another edition
4.0
Remember how in the book Madhattan Mystery by John J. Bonk, Lexi and her brother Kevin were introduced to the Whispering Arch in Grand Central Terminal? Well, that arch is just one of the curious constructions found in this book that is chock full of construction oddities found around the world. Other curious constructions you will discover are cathedral termite mounds. These mounds are made of mud, plant matter, termite saliva, and feces, and can be over 13 feet tall - all done to allow the cathedral termite to live a cool life underground, far from the hot sun in northern Australia. Or how about the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculptures every January. Harbin is in northern China and it’s a pretty cold place (right now, it’s -6° F, and 53 in NYC). My Kiddo wanted to teach in Harbin until she found out how cold it is, but she did go see the ice sculptures and said they are breathtaking. Of course, there is Stonehenge in England, one of the oldest and still most mysterious of constructions in the world. How did they ever get those heavy rocks on top of the heavy rocks to long ago. If these are kinds of things that fascinate your young readers, this is an ideal book for them, particularly if you have a budding engineer or even a Legos aficionado (as I have). All the curious constructions are illustrated in a flat, nostalgic color palette that adds to their mystery.
bibliokris's review against another edition
4.0
Great funny kids' book about different constructions--bridges, tunnels, buildings. Good for adults too.
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