Download high-resolution image Look inside
Listen to a clip from the audiobook
audio pause button
0:00
0:00

If I Built a Town

Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Look inside
Listen to a clip from the audiobook
audio pause button
0:00
0:00
Best Seller
Hardcover
$19.99 US
10.31"W x 10.31"H x 0.36"D  
On sale Sep 30, 2025 | 40 Pages | 9780593324981
Preschool - 3
Reading Level: Lexile AD840L | Fountas & Pinnell N

See Additional Formats
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A joyful and inventive read-aloud, part of the award-winning If I Built series! Join Jack and his larger-than-life imagination as he dreams up his ideal town, where everyone is welcome.

“Sunny, inclusive, and imaginary.”—Kirkus Reviews

"My town will be swanky! My town will be swell!
My town will be prized as the best place to dwell!"

Jack has some great ideas for improving the community he lives in. And who better to describe them to than Mayor McKay! As they walk through the park together, Jack eagerly tells the mayor his plans for improving their town.

And what a town he has dreamed up! The zoo is packed with fantastic, Jurassic, and mythical creatures, the mail is delivered by super-fast hover vans, the health clinic travels right to your door, and a parade passes through each and every week. And don't forget the robots! All of Jack's plans include the most exciting and useful serving machines. But best of all, everything is free!

Jack's over-the-top creativity and infectious enthusiasm will inspire budding young inventors. It's a story time romp that you'll want to return to again and again.
© Peter Luhr
Chris Van Dusen is the author and illustrator of several highly acclaimed picture books, including the hugely popular Mercy Watson series. His book, If I Built a Car won the 2006 E.B. White Read-Aloud Award presented by The Association of Bookesellers for Children. He and his family live in Camden, Maine. View titles by Chris Van Dusen

Classroom Activities for If I Built a Town

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

"Racially diverse populace enjoying all the benefits shown in the enticing illustrations. Sunny, inclusive, and imaginary." —Kirkus
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo

About

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A joyful and inventive read-aloud, part of the award-winning If I Built series! Join Jack and his larger-than-life imagination as he dreams up his ideal town, where everyone is welcome.

“Sunny, inclusive, and imaginary.”—Kirkus Reviews

"My town will be swanky! My town will be swell!
My town will be prized as the best place to dwell!"

Jack has some great ideas for improving the community he lives in. And who better to describe them to than Mayor McKay! As they walk through the park together, Jack eagerly tells the mayor his plans for improving their town.

And what a town he has dreamed up! The zoo is packed with fantastic, Jurassic, and mythical creatures, the mail is delivered by super-fast hover vans, the health clinic travels right to your door, and a parade passes through each and every week. And don't forget the robots! All of Jack's plans include the most exciting and useful serving machines. But best of all, everything is free!

Jack's over-the-top creativity and infectious enthusiasm will inspire budding young inventors. It's a story time romp that you'll want to return to again and again.

Author

© Peter Luhr
Chris Van Dusen is the author and illustrator of several highly acclaimed picture books, including the hugely popular Mercy Watson series. His book, If I Built a Car won the 2006 E.B. White Read-Aloud Award presented by The Association of Bookesellers for Children. He and his family live in Camden, Maine. View titles by Chris Van Dusen

Guides

Classroom Activities for If I Built a Town

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Praise

"Racially diverse populace enjoying all the benefits shown in the enticing illustrations. Sunny, inclusive, and imaginary." —Kirkus

Photos

additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo

Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and addressing student wellness and mental health is critical to help children learn how to manage emotions, develop healthy identities, empathize with peers, and pursue individual goals. We created thematic guides and book lists to help foster important conversations to build an inclusive environment where emotions matter. Explore our social emotional

Read more

Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. AANHPI Creators – Elementary School titles  

Read more