Welcome to the Wonder House

Welcome to the Wonder House

This collection of poems, creatively presented in the format of an allegorical house, will engage anyone who has ever wondered “why?” as it shows young readers that wonder is everywhere—in yourself and in the world around you.

Winner of the 2024
Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award

Award jointly administered by the Pennsylvania Center for the Book and Penn State University Libraries

Best Poetry Book Winner

What an honor! Welcome to the Wonder House was selected as a Best Poetry Book by School Library Journal for their Best Books of 2023 List.

Free Download!

Discussion Guide for Educators

Peek Inside

  • "Crisp and concise, with internal rhymes and alliteration, these poems beg to be shared and read aloud. Freedman’s illustrations complement and add whimsical details, including a stargazing penguin and a scaly, red dragon glimpsed amidst a jumble of blocks...Thoughtful readers will relish the figurative language and imagery, and pore over the well-crafted illustrations. An excellent resource for teachers looking to inspire students in an array of topics, from science and nature studies to creative writing."

    School Library Journal, starred review

  • "Set within 12 ethereal 'rooms,' 29 poems contemplate the wonders of Earth, sea, sky, and beyond...The poets infuse their verse with vibrant, child-accessible imagery....This slim volume teems with STEAM extensions, from exploring poetic forms and devices to investigating scientific facts and hypotheses. A beautifully conceived invitation: to look, see, wonder."

    Kirkus Reviews, starred review

  • "Twenty-nine poems in a lovely mix of forms and styles populate this book, presented as a 'house' with twelve double-page-spread 'rooms.'...Freedman’s intriguing mixed-media illustrations use wide washes of color in shades of blue, green, gold, or purple with subtle hints to the objects referenced in the poems."

    —The Horn Book

  • 2023 Choice: Summer Book List for Young Readers

    The Academy of American Poets

More Books You’ll Love

Browse Georgia’s collection of children’s books, poetry books, teacher resources and more.