Be a Maker

  • Interest Level: Preschool - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

How many things can you make in a day? A tower, a friend, a change?

Rhyme, repetition, and a few seemingly straightforward questions engage young readers in a discussion about the many things we make—and the ways we can make a difference in the world. This simple, layered story celebrates creativity through beautiful rhyming verse and vibrant illustrations with a timely message.

“Turning the page is an acceptance of the book creators’ challenge—a decision to put passive consumption and inpatient expectancy on the shelf and instead invite your hands to do, to transform and, above all, to MAKE.” —Anitra Rowe Schulte

“Together the text and the illustrations create an excellent read that will empower readers to reflect on their own lives and make a change or two or three. . . . This is more than just a book about making and engineering: Make an excellent choice to add this to the shelves.”—Kirkus Reviews

Format Your Price Add
978-1-5124-9802-8
$14.24
978-1-5415-4683-7
$23.99
978-1-7284-3923-5
$34.99
978-1-7284-3921-1
$6.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% when you buy direct!
Interest Level Preschool - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Copyright 2019
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Books ®
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2019-03-05
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV051000, JUV057000, JUV003000
Dewey [E]
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 9.25 x 11
Lexile 340
Guided Reading Level J
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Awards, Original artwork, Reviewed, and Teaching Guides

Author: Katey Howes

Katey Howes is thrilled to be writing books for children. She is the author of the picture books Magnolia Mudd and the Super Jumptastic Launcher Deluxe, Grandmother Thorn, and Be a Maker. Katey lives in Upper Makefield, Pennsylvania, with her husband and three adventurous daughters.

Illustrator: Elizabet Vuković

Elizabet Vuković grew up around makers in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Her mom introduced her to making with fabrics. She and her sister accompanied their dad on many trips to the hardware store for his constant home renovation projects, and her sister continues to use Elizabet as her guinea pig for many outrageous inventions. Elizabet graduated with a degree in optometry before deciding to go back to school for illustration in San Francisco, where she currently resides.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

Be a Maker

How many things can you make in a day? A tower, a friend, a change? Rhyme, repetition, and a few seemingly straightforward questions engage young readers in a discussion about the many things we make—and the ways we can make a difference in the world. This… View available downloads →

LOOKING FORWARD TO SUMMER READING: BOOK LISTS FOR YOUR PROGRAM

There is still a winter chill, but the sun is shining, and we are dreaming about summer reading! Whether you’re participating in the CSLP or iREAD program this year, we’ve got books that will inspire joyful reading. Take a peek at our book lists that support… View →

Participating in #ClassroomBookaDay? Get Read-Aloud Suggestions

Do you have the goal to read aloud a picture book every day of the school year? Whether you’re experienced or new to this amazing challenge, Lerner has resources you don’t want to miss. We’ve got a list of incredible picture books to delight readers of all ages and interests. We’re also… View →

Awards

  • Keystone to Reading Book Award Nominee, Short-listed, 2021
  • SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Finalist, Long-listed, 2020
  • 2020 Social Justice Literature Award, Winner, 2020

Reviews

School Library Journal

“While the idea of children creating is not new, this book stands out. With the subtle odes to famous makers and innovators in the illustrations, and the rhythm of the words, this book is an inspiring choice for story time or one-on-one sharing.”—School Library Journal

Booklist

“[T]his timely picture book reinforces the importance of creativity and exuberant play.”—Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

“Together the text and the illustrations create an excellent read that will empower readers to reflect on their own lives and make a change or two or three. . . . This is more than just a book about making and engineering: Make an excellent choice to add this to the shelves.”—Kirkus Reviews