What a cute way to teach a little history about the building of the White House. The House that George Built is a take on the old song/poem The House that Jack Built. It follows the steps that it took to build the White House starting with the finding the land, drawing the plans, digging the hole, etc. Along with that it gives history of exactly what building was like back then. It also tells about the fact that George Washington was finished his term as President before the house was even finished. At the end there are some resources and facts to enhance the story. A good book for younger children to learn some history.

I love how this book is for two ages. Younger students can read “The House That Jack Built” style rhymes on one side of the page. When they’re older, they can enjoy the facts on the other side of the page. Fun and educational!

Written by Ben, age 10:
This is book is a shorter picture history book. The story is talking about all the people who came together to build the White House. It is told in a poem format, that would be really good for preschool or kindergarten kids especially. It is modeled after the poem "This is the House that Jack Built."

I really liked how it is a cool rhyming story that could work as a song. I liked how the pictures helped explain the story a bit better with the different steps. I think it was a fun way to learn historical things and it makes it easier for kids to learn history when it is fun.

The House That George Built is a lovely picture book about George Washington. I thought, when I saw the title, that it would be about the building of Mount Vernon, but to my surprise, it was about building the White House! I had not realized, before, that he had such a large part to play in designing that building. My 3- and 6-year-olds came over to me about the time I started looking at this story on my computer, so I read it aloud to them. They really enjoyed it (although there are few stories they don’t enjoy!). Each two-page spread has a large color picture done in watercolor of various stages of building the White House. Did you know it was built of bricks made from the clay in the hill on which it was built? I didn’t either! There are two levels to the story. One is fairly detailed, giving specific information about the project; the other is patterned after The House That Jack Built, with more added to the rhyme each time it is repeated. This makes it a lovely story for very little children as well as older ones. I’m glad I found it!
I received a free ecopy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had never given any thought to the story behind the White House before. I found this book interesting, and it’s presented in such a non-didactic way that the kids will really enjoy it as well. George Washington always fascinates the kids. This will be good for Presidents Day.