The House Baba Built

Bibliography

Young, Ed. The House Baba Built: An Artist’s Childhood in China. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2011. ISBN 9780316076289

Plot Summary

The autobiographical storybook depicts the story of the author, Ed Young, and his childhood while living in China with his siblings and parents. Ed describes his life as he grows up during World War II. Due to the war being a safety concern in Shanghai, Baba (the father) makes a decision to relocate his family near an embassy. In order to do so, Baba creates a deal with a landowner in which he builds a large safe haven which will be free in return of seeking refuge for 20 years. Baba builds a courtyard, a garden, and even a pool in which his family, friends, and even strangers move in to escape war. Will Baba keep his promise to the land owner of returning the house amidst war?

  

Critical Analysis

The autobiographical storybook created by Young was established in a chronological order based on Youngs’ memory as well as small pieces of artifacts. Young and his sister, Fifi, were able to return in 1990 in which they were able to collect photographs and maps. The chronology along with providing a timeline, author’s notes, and a floor plan of his house assist in creating an accurate story of his memories while dealing with war.  Young includes a foreword which sets the stage for his story. To enhance the accuracy of the story, Young utilizes front and back pages to provide description to the maps, personal photographs, and includes an explanation of Babas’ logo.

Youngs’ multimedia illustrations consist of collages, vintage photographs, water colors, and fold outs. The illustrations develop childhood memories and each photo represents a meaning in Ed’s life ranging from family, the pool, and the courtyard. Young utilizes illustrations to appeal to young readers while exposing us to the culture and fear occurring around him. The relationship between the text and illustrations create a unique experience for the reader while delving into history, culture, and family amidst war.

Review Excerpts and Awards

2011 Booklists Editors’ Choice: Books for Youth

2012 ALA Notable Children’s Book 2012 for Older Readers

2012 Picture Book Award for APALA

From Publishers Weekly: “Young’s creation, shaped with help from author Libby Koponen, is as complex and labyrinthine as Baba’s house, with foldout pages that open to reveal drawings, photos, maps, and memories.”

From School Library Journal: “Young’s father builds a house for his growing family and for others who join them. Against the background of World War II, the author shares childhood memories of changing seasons, raising silkworms, and picnicking by the pool. This oversize book with foldout pages is illustrated with photos, drawings, and collage. Includes a time line and a diagram of the house.”

From Kirkus Reviews: “Flashes of multi-media brilliance illuminate this darkly colored, leisurely paced memoir of childhood in Shanghai."

Connections

Other books by Ed Young

Lon Po Po

The Cat from Hunger Mountain

My Mei Mei

Donkey Trouble

Connections in the classroom

·      Study the story of Ed Young in The House Baba Built. Students can create their own autobiographical storybook with a memory they have from their childhood.

·      Explore the history of World War II and the history of the countries involved.

·      Create timelines of their childhood to present time using years and key memories from each year.