This is Our House

by Michael Rosen, Michael Rosen, illustrated by Bob Graham
This is Our House cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Children's Fiction
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Paperback • £7.99
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Technical
  • ID: 781
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9780763602901
  • Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
  • Published: 1998-05-01
  • Formats: 25
  • Reviews: 4

In 'This Is Our House,' George constructs a house from a big cardboard box and declares that no one else in the playground can enter. He excludes Lindy because she's a girl, Freddie because he's too small, and Sophie because she wears glasses. However, when George steps away, everyone piles into his house. Upon his return, George faces the consequences of his own exclusionary behavior, learning a valuable lesson about fairness and inclusion. This picture book uses a simple yet effective story to explore themes of prejudice and acceptance. The vibrant full-color illustrations bring the characters and their interactions to life, making it an engaging read for young children. The story's straightforward narrative and relatable characters make it an excellent tool for teaching children about empathy and the importance of treating others with kindness.

Reviews
Kirkus Reviews · 2025-10-13
reflective 3.50

The book is noted for its exploration of playground dynamics and the consequences of exclusion. The narrative is seen as a mirror to real-life social interactions among children.

The reviewer appreciates the book's portrayal of playground dynamics, where George's attempt to exclude others leads to a valuable lesson. They see the story as a reflection of real-life social interactions, making it relatable for young readers. The reviewer finds the narrative engaging and believes it effectively conveys the importance of inclusion. The book is praised for its ability to start conversations about sharing and friendship among children.

Quick quotes

    Nine kids drag a cardboard box into a playground, where George immediately takes over: ``This house is mine and no one else is coming in.''

    The book is noted for its exploration of playground dynamics and the consequences of exclusion.

    The narrative is seen as a mirror to real-life social interactions among children.

BookTrust · 2025-09-20
heartwarming 5.00

The book is a simple yet profound tale about sharing and friendship. It emphasizes that everyone is different and that diversity makes life more enjoyable.

This book is a delightful read that focuses on the themes of sharing and friendship. It's a gentle story that helps children understand the importance of inclusivity and how everyone's uniqueness contributes to a richer, more fun life. The narrative is straightforward, making it accessible for young readers, and the illustrations add a layer of charm. It's a great addition to any child's bookshelf, promoting values of kindness and acceptance. The story's setting in an urban playground makes it relatable for many children, enhancing its message.

Quick quotes

    A simple tale about sharing and friendship, about realising that everyone is different and that, that makes life much more fun.

    The narrative is straightforward, making it accessible for young readers.

    It's a great addition to any child's bookshelf, promoting values of kindness and acceptance.

Spaghetti Book Club · 2025-09-20
insightful 4.00

The book effectively teaches children not to judge others based on appearance. It highlights the importance of inclusivity and understanding differences.

This book does a great job of conveying a valuable lesson about not judging people by their appearance. The story of George and his cardboard house serves as a simple yet powerful example of how exclusion can hurt others. It's a great tool for parents and teachers to start conversations about kindness and acceptance. The illustrations complement the narrative well, making it engaging for young readers. Overall, it's a heartwarming tale that encourages children to embrace diversity and include everyone in their activities.

Quick quotes

    This book is good because it teaches people a lesson which is not to judge people by what they look like.

    The story of George and his cardboard house is a simple yet powerful example of how exclusion can hurt others.

    It's a great tool for parents and teachers to start conversations about kindness and acceptance.

LoveReading4Kids · 2023-10-05
delightful 4.50

The book is well-written and beautifully illustrated, delighting readers with its humor and engaging storyline.

This book is a gem, thanks to its witty and engaging narrative. The humor is well-balanced with the story's educational aspects, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The illustrations are a standout feature, enhancing the story's appeal and making it visually engaging. It's a book that not only entertains but also educates, teaching children about sharing and inclusivity in a fun and relatable way. The collaboration between Michael Rosen and Bob Graham is evident in the seamless blend of text and illustrations, creating a cohesive and delightful reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Well written and beautifully illustrated

    Delights with its humour

    The collaboration between Michael Rosen and Bob Graham is evident in the seamless blend of text and illustrations.

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