Mini Architects: 20 projects inspired by the great architects

Mini Architects harnesses the enduring fascination young children have with building to introduce them to architecture and structures from around the world.

Designed to engage young children with architecture through creative art projects, Mini Architects takes inspiration from some of the most famous architectural wonders of the past and present, including the ancient Pyramids of Giza, Stonehenge and Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse.

Mini architects can choose from a variety of easy-to-make projects using simple materials and featuring a range of interesting techniques, ideal for teaching new motor skills. Step-by-step photographs and clear instructions are easy to follow for both children and adults, and each project requires minimal set up and clean up, to ensure the maximum amount of time is spent creating together.

Each project is accompanied by photographic reproductions of the famous buildings that inspired them, along with fun facts and questions about the structures and their architects, designed to familiarize young children with the creative world of architecture and encourage discussion.

Review

'Crafts projects made from simple materials echo aspects of iconic structures from Stonehenge and the Sagrada Família to a Zen garden … Worthwhile' - Kirkus Reviews

'This activity book lets [children] channel their engineering abilities while learning about architecture from around the world through 20 different projects… Discussion prompts and extension ideas encourage more connections and creativity at home and in the classroom' - Booklist

'Lively and accessible... Takes young readers on a journey around the world to see some of its most famous architecture and guides them through accompanying art projects using easy-to-find materials' - The New York Times

About the Author

Joséphine Seblon studied art history at the École du Louvre and now works in publishing in London. She co-curated VIEW, a festival of art history at the Institut Français in London. Through her Instagram @weareminiartists, she shares the creative fun she has with her two young children, learning about and making art. Robert Sae-Heng is an artist with a BA in Illustration from the University for the Creative Arts, London. He is the illustrator of Linda Sue Park’s The One Thing You’d Save.