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Be a Maker
Illustrations and simple, rhyming text invite the reader to make everything from a tower to a charitable donation, alone or with neighbors.
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First published January 1, 2019
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310 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
April 9, 2019
I love the concept and message of this book. A fun story of all the things one can make in a day.
March 5, 2019
This lovely rhyming book by Katie Howes begins with a question: In a world of possibilities what will you make? The book takes off on a joyful ride of the imagination--from building towers to riding in rocket ships. My favorite line: “Make a map to journey’s end...on the way, you make a friend.” With gorgeously detailed illustrations by Elizabet Vukovic, Be a Maker is a much needed reminder to get out there and play--in a time when kids (and parents) seem perpetually glued to their electronic devices. A perfect marriage of text and art!
March 2, 2025
It’s really delightful to read this picture book that is packed to the brim with people doing things, making things, creating things.
Not an idle moment in here!
And everyone is included. There’s a place for everyone, making clear that…being alive is the qualification needed for making things.
Not your height, skin color, weight, ability or disability, age, gender, etc.
From the dedication “You are never too young or too old to start making”.
Clearly, from this book, you are never “too anything” to start making.
Not an idle moment in here!
And everyone is included. There’s a place for everyone, making clear that…being alive is the qualification needed for making things.
Not your height, skin color, weight, ability or disability, age, gender, etc.
From the dedication “You are never too young or too old to start making”.
Clearly, from this book, you are never “too anything” to start making.
March 6, 2019
I like the way all the elements of the story are subtly woven together (making a friend, connecting with and helping neighbors). The rhymes are bouncy and illustrations are beautifully diverse and engaging. This book is definitely going to inspire kids to create--to just get out there and do something, go somewhere, help someone. A warm and kid-friendly call to action. I love it when books inspire activities (especially with added bonus of a positive message).
March 16, 2022
Wow!! 😍
February 26, 2019
This is one of my favorite books of 2019 so far! This tale beautifully illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic follows the exploration of a little girl throughout a day as she tries new things, discovers new concepts and enjoys every moment. The story encourages creativity, art, discovery and learning about the world all around us. The rhyming nature adds to the fun and truly makes this a magical read.
March 21, 2019
I had to blink back tears reading this wonderful picture book to my kids. Without being the slightest bit preachy, it sends a powerful message of our responsibility to do good in this world—while also being creative and using our brains. The rhyming is also spot-on and fun to read aloud!
November 24, 2023
From “Be a Maker” by Katey Howes is a children's book about a young girl who makes a lot of things in her daily life, but then when she’s making music and rhythm, she hears a different sound that isn’t coming from her. She begins to investigate where the noise is coming from, she even makes herself a map to find the noise. While making a map she made a friend and happens to also love making stuff out of cardboard. Throughout their journey they learn about donations and making a difference for the greater good. One of the major themes is curiosity, she is always curious about learning new things and this theme leads to her having her own mini adventure throughout the book. This gives the reader an impact on the joy of being creative. The main genre of this book is informational, because it tells a story and also makes us learn new things about the value of creativity, curiosity, and giving back. Through reading this book I learned a lot of reading concepts like how children can learn about the joy of exploration and the rewards of curiosity. It also made me learn about the importance of friendship with common interests, collaboration, and making a positive difference in the community.
This book was a WOW book for me because it entertained me while educating me. The use of literary devices and vivid illustrations really just made the overall reading experience a good time. I felt as if I learned more about curiosity and kindness to use in my day to day life. The author used descriptive language to make children learn new things and used not too extreme illustrations to captivate young readers at the main idea, like the map that was there to try to make us find out where she is going next. I noticed some use of repetition to make the readers engage with the narrative. I really liked that the book's underlying message was about generosity and how to help your communities. It helps children's books to make it an excellent example of literature that promotes positive values. I believe the book includes some anti-bias, it promotes strength-based perspectives on friendship and collaboration. The story also informs perspectives on the idea that creativity and kindness can bring people together, fostering a positive and accepting perspective.
This book was a WOW book for me because it entertained me while educating me. The use of literary devices and vivid illustrations really just made the overall reading experience a good time. I felt as if I learned more about curiosity and kindness to use in my day to day life. The author used descriptive language to make children learn new things and used not too extreme illustrations to captivate young readers at the main idea, like the map that was there to try to make us find out where she is going next. I noticed some use of repetition to make the readers engage with the narrative. I really liked that the book's underlying message was about generosity and how to help your communities. It helps children's books to make it an excellent example of literature that promotes positive values. I believe the book includes some anti-bias, it promotes strength-based perspectives on friendship and collaboration. The story also informs perspectives on the idea that creativity and kindness can bring people together, fostering a positive and accepting perspective.
November 17, 2023
What's something you do to fill your free time? Can't think of one, well this book has you covered. Be a Maker, written by Katey Howes is a book that follows a young girl along her day showing all the things she makes to keep herself occupied. She makes a tower, a mess, music, a telescope, a blueprint, a spaceship, and a map. When following her map, she meets a friend, and together they make a lemonade stand to raise money, which they donate to some workers. Together, they help these workers build a playground and give back to their community. A major theme in this book is the power of creativity and imagination. As a child, we are full of ideas and things we want to make or do, and this book is a reminder to nurture your creative side no matter your age. Another theme is community. We saw how the little girl and her friend helped build a playground, which was giving back to their community, and wishing for nothing in return. The genre of this book is informational, and this is clear because the author is informing the reader how to make different things. Through reading this book I learned that even as an adult, it is important to stay true to your childish side and do creative or silly things every so often. I think a child reading this book would get new ideas of things they might want to make. This is a WOW book for me because it was able to discuss a serious topic, such as giving back to the community, without taking away from the lightheartedness of the story.
One literary device the author used was rhyming, such as, "make a tower, make it tall, make it, balance, wobble, fall." Rhymes help with the flow of reading, and for many, they also help make reading more enjoyable. Rhymes also help set a pace that the reader can use to help them along the reading process. Another literary device used was repetition, specifically of the word "make". Because the genre is informational, the author utilizes repetition of the word "make" to clearly inform the reader of the many different things she thinks they could make. I would consider this book anti-bias because the author provides ideas that are easily achievable, such as making a map, making a mess, and giving back to your community. People from almost all backgrounds can participate in these activities. Had the author suggested they make a Lego set, a cake, or some other activity that is not always accessible or attainable for a child, there would have been some bias.
One literary device the author used was rhyming, such as, "make a tower, make it tall, make it, balance, wobble, fall." Rhymes help with the flow of reading, and for many, they also help make reading more enjoyable. Rhymes also help set a pace that the reader can use to help them along the reading process. Another literary device used was repetition, specifically of the word "make". Because the genre is informational, the author utilizes repetition of the word "make" to clearly inform the reader of the many different things she thinks they could make. I would consider this book anti-bias because the author provides ideas that are easily achievable, such as making a map, making a mess, and giving back to your community. People from almost all backgrounds can participate in these activities. Had the author suggested they make a Lego set, a cake, or some other activity that is not always accessible or attainable for a child, there would have been some bias.
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November 21, 2023The information book Be a Maker is about different activities that not only kids but also adults can do after school or work or whenever they feel out of ideas and tired, it gets them involved in the book. The picture book is mostly about the girl and how she at first was in her room but then she starts making a lot of stuff that she could do throughout the day and giving many different options. The theme or main idea of the book is to get children or parents to use their imagination and get out of their comfort zone. I think this is a WOW book because even though is a picture book, the pictures are so detailed, and the ideas from the girl are exciting it does help when I have been with my daughter the whole day and don’t know what else to do to keep her entertained.
The writing style for this book contains a couple of rhymes throughout the book. It also has a lot of imagery involved. The author used a picture book so that children or adults can take advantage of interpreting the images through the book on their own. This book is anti-bias as it doesn’t set a certain lifestyle for the girl, it only shows a room with stuff she makes and people who inspire her. I feel like it’s a very unique book. This book is very informational as it provides lots of ideas for kids and adults too. It informs and helps the reader to think outside the box.
The writing style for this book contains a couple of rhymes throughout the book. It also has a lot of imagery involved. The author used a picture book so that children or adults can take advantage of interpreting the images through the book on their own. This book is anti-bias as it doesn’t set a certain lifestyle for the girl, it only shows a room with stuff she makes and people who inspire her. I feel like it’s a very unique book. This book is very informational as it provides lots of ideas for kids and adults too. It informs and helps the reader to think outside the box.
January 27, 2020
Simple, rhyming story with busy illustrations depicting lots of things to make, except a satisfying narrative arc.
November 9, 2020
I'm not sure why I didn't get into this one. I love the idea of being a maker! I guess it just didn't catch me visually. Or something.
November 21, 2020
A really nice story that encourages children to be creative and make different things.
February 29, 2024
Really lovely way to show kids you can be a maker no mater what materials you have available to you
April 9, 2022
This is a wonderful tale of imagination and creativity. The rhyming narrative is rhythmic and would be great to read aloud and the illustrations are reminiscent of those in Ada Twist, Scientist.
November 20, 2022
This book is about a girl who wakes up and thinks about what she is going to do for the day and throughout the book, she does so many creative things and ends up building a whole park. I really like how this book gives children motivation to do something creative and at the same time tells the story in a fun and imaginative way. This is a WOW book for me because I love the lesson behind this book, and it could definitely teach a child something but in a fun way like how the children raised money through a lemonade stand and donated it to the construction workers to help them build the park. I love the journey that the character went through and the positivity in this book.
The use of creative images was a good writing craft because it puts it in a child's perspective like how she was looking through a telescope but in reality it was a kaleidoscope or how she was in her imaginary spaceship but in reality it was an umbrella with a skateboard. The anti bias perspectives would be the positive portrayals of donating to help and even motivating children to do something creative but in a positive way. This makes this book an informational text because it informs children the importance of being kind and donating and also building things !
The use of creative images was a good writing craft because it puts it in a child's perspective like how she was looking through a telescope but in reality it was a kaleidoscope or how she was in her imaginary spaceship but in reality it was an umbrella with a skateboard. The anti bias perspectives would be the positive portrayals of donating to help and even motivating children to do something creative but in a positive way. This makes this book an informational text because it informs children the importance of being kind and donating and also building things !
April 3, 2019
Oh, we loved this book! Somehow feels fresh and timeless at once; kids (and parents) will want to return to it again and again. Fun rhyming language with sweet twists and turns (and beautiful illustrations). Definitely recommend!
March 30, 2019
The lovely, whimsical illustrations along with the simple, rhyming text will help young readers consider all of the possibilities for making good things during the day. This book is full of terrific ideas for kids during the upcoming summer months, when there is more time to explore and get involved in community-based projects. This is definitely a good book to help develop a growth mindset.
March 29, 2019
I absolutely loved everything about this book, which is interesting since books in rhyme tend to be a turn off for me. I loved the flow of this, the illustrations, the words and everything.
March 21, 2019
Be a Maker takes the reader through all of the incredible things a child can make in a day. These things include towers, music, snacks, and smiles. Young readers will be inspired to go out and make their own imaginative creations. Elizabeth Vukovic's delightful illustrations complement the text perfectly. This book is a must-have for classrooms and libraries everywhere.
March 23, 2019
Love this message! From tinkering and creating to putting a plan into action and bringing your community together, there are so many ways to be a maker.
June 10, 2019
Are you a maker? Do you build or draw or imagine?
Be A Maker is incredibly fun and energetic! The illustrations are bright and colorful with lots of neat things to catch the eye.
This is the perfect storybook for those kids who just can't sit still and have to build and draw and make whatever they get their hands on!
I especially love that this book starts out celebrating being a maker by showing you all the things you might try to do or build or create, and then moves on to show how building and making things can better your community!
This review and others like it can be found at Lazy Day Literature
Be A Maker is incredibly fun and energetic! The illustrations are bright and colorful with lots of neat things to catch the eye.
This is the perfect storybook for those kids who just can't sit still and have to build and draw and make whatever they get their hands on!
I especially love that this book starts out celebrating being a maker by showing you all the things you might try to do or build or create, and then moves on to show how building and making things can better your community!
This review and others like it can be found at Lazy Day Literature
June 30, 2022
I generally liked the overall message of this book but the last two page of text isn't my favourite. It does, however, open the door for discussion. Not every single day needs to be productive and nor is an accomplishment required for it to matter.
February 21, 2019
Celebrate creativity and making a difference! Love Katey Howes' inspiring picture book and this can-do story. Elizabeth Vucovic's vibrant illustrations share how one girl's determination inspires her community and results in positive change. Beautiful rhyming text will captivate young readers ... "Make a pledge to help some more. Make a floor, a wall, a door." A great book for gift-giving to any young reader or listener who is eager to take the lead and help gain confidence and make wonderful things happen!
March 11, 2019
A fabulous book for young creatives--one that will push kids to think about what they're making, and maybe even make a difference!
February 10, 2019
This book has everything! It's a fun read aloud in rhyme with beautiful illustrations, but it also has a strong message of inspiration to kids that they can be creative and build amazing things, especially with friends and a community. This will make a wonderful birthday gift and classroom selection!
February 11, 2019
This book is so lyrical to read aloud and inspiring to ponder, 'what will you make'? The illustrations are full of the magic of childhood and the mess of creation - but altogether beautiful. The spirit of friendship and community naturally ties into the story and makes the book even richer. BE A MAKER will surely spark young readers to ask themselves 'what will i make'?
April 25, 2019
Within flowing rhyme, Howes invites readers to be open to the unlimited possibilities of their imaginations. Every day is a chance to be creative and inventive. And while you're trying out new things, why not do it with friends? The lovely illustrations add to the sense of community and warmth offered within. Readers are gently challenged to make every day count.
February 19, 2019
Young readers (and their adults) are encouraged to think about what they will make today in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Through rhyming text, Howes shows imaginative children at play and at work, surrounded by family and friends who are making a difference in their community. This book is a perfect addition to a home, classroom, and library.
February 22, 2019
I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I loved this book and the fabulous illustrations! BE A MAKER will be on my list of gift books for all you maker families we are so lucky to be connected to! It celebrates all the ways kids create, and invites kids and their grownups to slow down and appreciate all that creativity.
I loved this book and the fabulous illustrations! BE A MAKER will be on my list of gift books for all you maker families we are so lucky to be connected to! It celebrates all the ways kids create, and invites kids and their grownups to slow down and appreciate all that creativity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews