In rhyming text, you see thee different second graders and how their curiosity changes the world around them. The reason you know they are in the same class is the hints of the teacher and other markers of the illustrator. The other fun part of each book is you can tell the era by the clothing the adults are wearing. And watch how things crossover in each of the three books.
In Rosie, she is shy and does not want to speak out. Why? Because a favorite uncle laughed at one of her experiments. It is not until her aunt gives her the confidence of knowing that the best thing you can do is to fail and why. Ada is curious. She is so curious her parents are not always sure what to do with her, as her curiosity can cause some troubles. Everyone, in the end, does figure out almost everything out (except for what IS that smell?) Iggy Peck is someone who wants to build…. even if he must use dirty diapers to do it. It is not until on a school trip that everyone truly appreciates the talents of our hero Iggy.
Iggy Peck, Architect does not have any historical information in the back as the other two do explaining the inspiration behind their stories, but one can assume that Iggy is based on an architect or style of architecture as Rosie is based on the women of World War Two and Ada Twist is based on Marie Curie and Ada Lovelace.
I am always finding it hard to get to work with books like these on our shelves. I am thrilled to work in an independent bookstore and promote fantastic books like these by Andrea Beatty and David Roberts. Stories that are fun for all ages.