If I Built a Town (If I Built Series)
#4 of 4 in If I Built ... Series
What’s inside...
Chris Van Dusen’s rhyming picture book follows Jack, the endlessly inventive boy from the If I Built series, as he dreams up the ultimate kid-designed town. Tired of the plain streets he sees, Jack sketches sky-tram transportation, a glow-in-the-dark library, edible gardens, and parks where robots scoop ice cream. Blending flights of fancy with subtle nods to engineering, sustainability, and community spirit, the story encourages readers to imagine how they might redesign the world around them while celebrating creativity and cooperation.
Character compass
Jack
Discussion points
What feature of Jack’s town would you visit first?
How does Jack make his town helpful to both people and nature?
Can you think of a real place that already uses one of Jack’s ideas?
How would you persuade neighbors to accept a new invention?
Tip: Role play these questions
Draw a family blueprint together.
Visit a local library or park and compare to Jack’s version.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Imagination fuels progress
Explanation: Jack’s ideas create exciting, helpful spaces.
Real-World Application: Kids brainstorm improvements for school or neighborhood.
Example Lesson: Environmental stewardship
Explanation: Edible gardens and recyclers reduce waste in Jack’s design.
Real-World Application: Start a small garden or recycling project at home.
Example Lesson: Teamwork amplifies creativity
Explanation: Jack invites others to help build the town.
Real-World Application: Collaborate on group art or building projects.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving through design
Explanation: Each invention addresses a town inconvenience.
Real-World Application: Encourage kids to sketch solutions for everyday hassles.