Placemaking—personalizing public and semi-private spaces like front yards—is a growing trend in cities and suburbs around the world, drawing people out of their homes and into conversation with one another.

Picture a busy avenue. Now plant trees along the boulevard, paint a mural by the empty lot, and add a community garden. Set up benches along the sidewalks and make space for kids' chalk drawings, and you've set the scene for a thriving community. Kids are natural placemakers, building tree forts, drawing on sidewalks and setting up lemonade stands, but people of all ages can enjoy creative placemaking activities. From Dutch families who drag couches and tables onto sidewalks for outdoor suppers to Canadians who build little lending libraries to share books with neighbors, people can do things that make life more fun and strengthen neighborhoods. Home Sweet Neighborhood combines upbeat text, fun facts and colorful photos to intrigue and inspire readers.

• Help! Neighbors Wanted!
• The Next Cave Over
• The World’s First Neighbors
• Rich City Life
• Playing in the Street
• Neighbors? Nah!
• Adventure Boulevard
• Kid Power!

• Chalking Up New Laws
• Ride On!
• Wonderful Woonerven
• Knitters for Safe Streets
• Chairs, Chairs, Everywhere
• Pothole Parks
• Really? Here, in the City?
• Environmental and Friendly

• Come Eat!
• Down with the Fences
• Bring Us Your Dough
• Hungry? Help Yourself!
• Play Me, I’m Yours!
• A Whole Lotta Plates
• Designed by Kids
• Howdy, Friend

• Politics? Kid-Approved!
• Making a Splash
• Yarnstorm!
• Give One, Take One
• Space for Veggies
• Look Out! Here We Come!
• A Helping Hand
• Home Sweet Neighborhood