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Picture-book story

Modern Town: a story in three chapters

An empty lot by the river becomes a town, with a new bridge and a library full of light. You are the young builder with the satchel and the toolbox.

Chapter 1 A Fresh Start

You stand with a toolbox beside an empty lot by a river. — You arrive at a quiet lot by the river with a toolbox and a big idea.

Neighbors gather around you to talk about the empty lot. — Neighbors stop by. "Nobody has built here in years," one says. "What will you make?"

Neighbors watch the first brick walls go up at sunset. — By sunset the first walls stand. People start calling it a town.

From real life: Before a new building goes up, the town checks its plans, so it will be safe and fit in with its neighbors.

Chapter 2 The Bridge

Kids look at a footbridge broken by a muddy, rushing river. — A storm washes out the old footbridge, and the kids can't reach the park.

You and the work crew carry wooden beams to build a new bridge. — You train with the work crew, hauling beams day after day.

Kids race across the new bridge past a red ribbon. — The new bridge opens with a ribbon and a race across it. Everyone cheers.

From real life: Bridges, sidewalks and parks belong to everyone. Towns pay for them with taxes and plan safe ways for kids to reach them.

Chapter 3 Lights On

You and a friend look up at a library with dark windows. — The library has gone dark: the old wiring failed.

You explain a wiring plan to your helpers at a desk in the library at night. — You study the plans at night and teach the helpers what each wire does.

You flip a switch, and every window of the library glows in the dark. — One switch, and every window glows. The town reads late into the night.

From real life: A public library is free for everyone. Electricians check its wiring, because old wires can wear out and become unsafe.

The end. Now explore the real places

Explore the Modern Town Meet the people

The paintings come from Life RPG, the city-building game behind this site · Take the guided tour.

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