If I Built a Town

Welcome to Jack’s imagination—where hover vans zip through the streets, dinosaurs roam the zoo, and every week brings a brand-new parade! This New York Times Bestseller from beloved author-illustrator Chris Van Dusen invites young dreamers to envision a town where creativity knows no bounds and everyone belongs.

As Jack strolls through the park with Mayor McKay, he shares his wonderfully wild plans for the perfect community. Picture a traveling health clinic that comes right to your door, helpful robots lending a hand at every turn, and mythical creatures living alongside the Jurassic giants at the zoo. And the best part? In Jack’s town, everything is absolutely free!

Van Dusen’s signature rhyming text bounces off the page with infectious energy, making this a read-aloud treasure that children will request again and again. The vibrant illustrations burst with whimsical details that reward repeated readings—there’s always something new to discover in Jack’s fantastical vision.

This charming addition to the award-winning If I Built series celebrates big thinking, community spirit, and the power of imagination. Kirkus Reviews calls it “sunny, inclusive, and imaginary”—perfect words for a book that encourages young readers to dream big and think creatively about the world around them.

Whether you’re looking for an engaging story time selection or a gift that sparks conversation about community and innovation, Jack’s boundless enthusiasm will inspire the budding inventors and town planners in your life.

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