Carmen and the House That Gaudí Built

By Susan Hughes, Marianne Ferrer (Illustrator)

A girl finds hope in a city through a unique house and her imaginary friend.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 142 ratings

32 pages

$17.95Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Carmen dreads moving to the city, fearing she'll lose her beloved woods and imaginary salamander friend, Dragon. But as her new home takes shape under architect Antoni Gaudí, she discovers a world where nature and imagination thrive. With walls like caves and sparkling mosaic floors, Carmen finds unexpected beauty and a place for Dragon. Can this magical house help her embrace change and find inspiration in her new surroundings?

From the publisher

A joyful celebration of the nature-inspired work of architect Antoni Gaudí Carmen Batlló and Dragon, her imaginary salamander friend, love exploring the woods behind their home. But when Carmen’s family announces a move to the city, Carmen is miserable. Not only will she lose her connection to nature, she will also lose Dragon. After all, the city is no place for salamanders. As she watches her family’s new house take shape under famous architect Antoni Gaudí, Carmen discovers Gaudí also has a passion for the natural world. Walls curve and rise like a cave, mosaic flooring sparkles like lilies on a pond, and a fireplace shaped like a mushroom keeps the house warm. Best of all, there’s even a place for Dragon! Inspired by the real Batlló family and the house Gaudí designed for them, this picture book encourages readers to find inspiration in their surroundings and keep their hearts open to change. Stunning watercolor illustrations bring Gaudí’s inventive designs to life. An author’s note provides more information about the real story behind the house and Gaudí’s lifelong passion for nature.

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