Someone Builds the Dream

Lisa Wheeler is the author of many picture books that are loved for their infectious read-aloud quality, such as Jazz Baby (a Geisel honor book), her Dino-Sports series, and The Christmas Boot, which won a Golden Kite Award for best picture book text. She lives near Detroit, Michigan.Loren Long is one of the most iconic and beloved illustrators of our time. He has collaborated with authors ranging from Angela Johnson, Julie Fogliano, and Matt de la Peña to Barack Obama, Frank McCourt, and Madonna. His bestselling Otis the Tractor series is in development as an animated TV show, and one of his most recent picture books, Love by Matt de la Peña, is a #1 New York Times Bestseller. Loren lives in Cincinnati with his wife, sons, and their pet Weimaraners.

A 2022 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books List Selection★ "Written in aptly propulsive verse and illustrated with aptly muscular art, this is a paean to people who work with their hands . . . Closing text exhorts children to appreciate all the 'someones' behind built/made things—but they won’t need much of a push after reading this inspirational, inclusive, and engaging book." —Horn Book, starred review★ "This is a gorgeous, respectful tribute, expressed in jaunty rhymes that read well, to the dignity and beauty of industry and the pride and pleasure derived from doing one’s best . . . Marvelous as a read-aloud and as a springboard to maker projects in classrooms and libraries." —Kirkus, starred review★ "Wheeler peeks behind the scenes, appreciating such workers as welders, plumbers, typesetters, and more. Long’s rich, light-filled illustrations, rendered in acrylics and colored pencil, paint an inclusive world of people of varying abilities, skin tones, hair textures, and religions. A powerful tribute to skilled tradespeople that emphasizes the teamwork necessary to make the world run." —Publishers Weekly, starred review"Wheeler makes her points clearly in rhyming stanzas that read aloud effortlessly. The rhythm of the verses changes from fluid lines about thecreative planners to shorter, more forceful phrases describing the builders. Using acrylics and colored pencils, Long offers a broad array of beautifully composed, colorful scenes." —Booklist"Young children will enjoy the details shown in the illustrations and the lyrical text. For older children, the book can be a great first title to read when beginning a study of the concept of labor. It also can be used as a mentor text for writing poetry. For everyone, it can help us remember to appreciate the many skilled people across a wide variety of trades who make the things we enjoy." —School Library Connection