Kaethe

Probably most people don't think about architecture or urban planning on a daily basis. Most kids certainly don't. And yet, never are we more aware of the impact these things have on us than when we're traveling around a strange city. Is it easy to find where you're going? Can you get there by public transportation? Are the streets not only safe for strolling, but pleasing? Is the streetscape an interesting mix of old and new, or does it stick to a familiar style that makes it hard to case the age of buildings? What will you see, walking down the street, especially if you're looking from a position closer to the ground, much of your view blocked by adults?

I have no idea which of these questions Rubbino might have asked himself before starting such a book. But this is way cool: an older adult and a child walk around Paris, looking around, seeing some tourist sites, but also just taking in the daily activity. There's a map on the endpapers, and a fold-out Eiffel Tower, and the art is evocative, informative, and engaging. It'll make you want to go outside and walk around your hometown, whether or not it attracts a lot of tourism.

I can't wait to read the rest of these. I hope he does every major city in the world. And also, this weekend, I'm looking forward to walking around my old town, maybe even visit some thing I never have before. Or maybe just the farmer's market, the bookstore, and the chocolate shop. Nummy.

Library copy.