I grew up with my mom who was a baker, glue was a big no no. Well first couple years I bought the kit, ewwww! But last year we made mini ones, everyone got to make their own with graham crackers and royal icing. If you make the thick stuff it works just fine
I glue the houses together since they are still young. And if you want you can do them on a soda can to help balance the roof till it dries.