Iggy Peck, Architect – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Iggy Peck, Architect

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2007

93%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

A rhyming ode to the kid who builds towers from diapers and won't let a skeptical teacher crush his architectural dreams.

Iggy Peck, Architect

book

2007

93%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

A rhyming ode to the kid who builds towers from diapers and won't let a skeptical teacher crush his architectural dreams.

4.9

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the rare picture book that nails the trifecta: genuinely fun to read aloud, sneakily educational, and emotionally smart about how kids' passions get squashed (and rescued). Andrea Beaty's verse has momentum, and the architectural theme feels fresh in a sea of generic "follow your dreams" books.

The Questioneers series has become a staple for good reason—it makes STEM feel like an adventure rather than a lesson. Iggy's story specifically resonates because building is such a tangible, accessible form of creativity. Kids finish this book wanting to stack, design, and construct.

At 4.9 stars on Amazon and spawning a whole franchise (chapter books, Netflix adaptation, project books), this has proven staying power. It's not just parents buying it once—it's becoming a classroom and library standard. If you're looking for a book that celebrates weird kids with big ideas, this is it.

Age Fit

Best for ages 4-8, when kids are developing their own interests and navigating school expectations. The rhyming text works well for read-alouds with younger kids, while early readers can tackle it independently. Older elementary kids might still enjoy it as a quick, affirming read, especially if they're into building or design.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Celebrates individual gifts and self-expression with warmth and humor. Models persistence when adults don't understand your passion, and shows how a supportive community can turn around—Miss Greer learns to appreciate Iggy's talent. The rhyming verse keeps pacing lively without being chaotic, and the emotional tone is encouraging without being preachy.

Imaginative

A kid who builds a life-size Sphinx from diapers and glue? That's peak imaginative fuel. The book invites kids to see everyday materials as building blocks and celebrates creative problem-solving. The architectural theme is specific and unusual for picture books, opening up a whole world of design thinking. The verse structure and David Roberts' quirky illustrations add layers of visual and linguistic play.

Safe

This is a picture book with zero concerning content. No violence, no scary moments, no inappropriate themes. The only mild tension is a teacher who initially dismisses Iggy's passion—but she comes around by the end. It's as safe as picture books get, with a 4.9 Amazon rating and consistent parent praise.

Enriching

Introduces architecture and STEM concepts in an accessible, story-driven way. Shows kids that their unique interests matter and can be practically useful. The field trip resolution demonstrates problem-solving and how specialized skills contribute to a group. It's part of the Questioneers series that's explicitly designed to encourage scientific thinking. Entertaining rhymes make it rereadable, which deepens the lessons.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Introduces architecture and design thinking in a way that makes kids want to grab cardboard and tape immediately
The rhyming verse is actually good—rhythmic, clever, and doesn't sacrifice story for meter
Shows a teacher who's wrong and then learns better, which is validating for kids whose passions don't fit the classroom mold
Part of the Questioneers universe, so if your kid loves it, there's a whole ecosystem of STEM-themed books and a Netflix show
David Roberts' illustrations are delightfully quirky and reward multiple readings with hidden details

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What to Watch For

The teacher initially shuts down Iggy's building, which might sting for kids who've felt dismissed—but she redeems herself by the end
Some Goodreads parents note it references school dynamics that might go over the heads of very young listeners (under 4)
If your kid gets obsessed, prepare for requests to build with literally everything in your house

Conversation Starters

"What would you build if you could use anything in our house? Should we try it?"
"Have you ever felt like a teacher or grown-up didn't understand something you loved doing?"
"Iggy uses diapers, pancakes, and chalk—what weird materials do you think would make a good building?"
"Miss Greer changes her mind about Iggy. Have you ever changed your mind about someone or something?"

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