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“High voltage fun for early elementary children. Zippy illustrations full of color and energy capture the evolving nature of a friendship between two boys. The kids connect through their enthusiasm for building. Their constructions fall apart more spectacularly each time, and they develop a close bond as they prepare for an ultimate project that will “stand the test of time.” At the conclusion of this heartwarming story, what really is built to last is an enduring friendship.”

– School Library Journal, Starred Review

Built to Last

Written by Minh Lê
Illustrated by Dan Santat
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Meet two friends who think they’re building imaginative worlds with blocks but come to realize they’ve been building something far greater—a sturdy, solid friendship—in this picturebook by award-winning creators.

Two kids build entire worlds out of blocks, cardboard, and imagination. From boats attacked by a sea creature to a castle crumbling into the ocean. And they don’t mind when these creations break apart and CRASH to the floor. In fact, they think it’s pretty funny! Every time, a creation falls apart, they pick up the pieces and keep building bigger and better.

But when their latest masterpiece tumbles down in spectacular fashion, the boys aren’t laughing anymore. Have these two friends reached their breaking point?

Playful text by wordsmith Minh Le and dazzling illustrations by artisan Dan Santat showcase their close collaboration in their latest picture book. As merry as it is moving, here is a story that recognizes the friendships in life that are truly built to last.

Primary ISBN: 9780593569177
Publication Date: April 2024
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 03 or older

Community Represented:

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Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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