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Be a Maker

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4.25  ·  Rating details ·  345 ratings  ·  74 reviews
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 m ...more
ebook, 32 pages
Published March 5th 2019 by Carolrhoda Books (R)
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Average rating 4.25  · 
Rating details
 ·  345 ratings  ·  74 reviews


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Earl
Apr 03, 2019 rated it really liked it
I love the concept and message of this book. A fun story of all the things one can make in a day.
Chana Stiefel
Mar 05, 2019 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: picture-book
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 de ...more
KDV
Apr 02, 2019 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: picture-books
I love that this book is more about a maker mindset and insourcing than about pushing STEM competencies. The community-building component is really nice. The illustrations are beautiful and depict a diverse community. Lovely and positive!
Diana Murray
Mar 06, 2019 rated it it was amazing
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).
Children's Literature Centre at FSU
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.
Emma Smith
Mar 21, 2019 rated it it was amazing
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!
Stacy Renee  (LazyDayLit)
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 an
...more
Patricia N. McLaughlin
Simple, rhyming story with busy illustrations depicting lots of things to make, except a satisfying narrative arc.
Deb
Nov 09, 2020 rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: for-alena
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. ...more
Julie Hayes
Nov 20, 2020 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
A really nice story that encourages children to be creative and make different things.
Kristin Mahoney
Apr 02, 2019 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
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!
Jana
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.
Dana Storytime Account
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.
Jenna Grodzicki
Mar 21, 2019 rated it it was amazing
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. ...more
Aliza Werner
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.
Eileen Meyer
Feb 21, 2019 rated it it was amazing
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 th ...more
Pamela Brunskill
Mar 08, 2019 rated it it was amazing
A fabulous book for young creatives--one that will push kids to think about what they're making, and maybe even make a difference! ...more
Ariel
Feb 10, 2019 rated it it was amazing
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! ...more
Gina Perry
Feb 11, 2019 rated it it was amazing
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'? ...more
Andria Rosenbaum
Feb 14, 2019 rated it it was amazing
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. ...more
Melissa Stoller
Feb 19, 2019 rated it it was amazing
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.
Tracy
Feb 22, 2019 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: picture-books
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.⁣
Jodi McKay
Feb 25, 2019 rated it it was amazing
A beautiful book about possibilities. Katey Howes captures the curiosity and "can do" attitude of children perfectly in this story. Readers, young and older, are treated to simple yet powerful rhyme mixed with gorgeous illustrations that inspire creativity in all aspects of life. From making a friend to making a difference, this book will definitely make it's mark in a child's life. ...more
Gretchen
Feb 25, 2019 rated it it was amazing
Howes’ lovely rhyming text is brought to life by Vuković’s charming art in an exploration of what it means to be a maker. The main character explores “being a maker” in many ways and in the process makes a friend. They in turn engage the community in making a play-yard for all to share. A quiet, empowering and powerful read.
Michelle Schaub
Feb 15, 2019 rated it it was amazing
Katey Howes and Elizabet Vukovic have made a beautiful book, full of possibility. The sprightly rhyme and detailed pictures (filled with references to famous makers around the world) encourage readers to rustle up their imagination and passion to make a difference in their communities.
Michele Knott
Call all creators, inventors and designers - a book to get your creative juices flowing! A fun book to introduce the Makerspace area at the beginning of the year.
Andréa
Note: I received a signed hardcover copy at ALA Midwinter 2020.
Kimberly
Jan 11, 2021 rated it it was amazing
Shelves: picture-books

Whimsical illustrations paired with rhyming text help the reader explore different ways of creating. A young girl starts with building a tower. After exploring several things at home, she goes outside and makes a friend. They produce several things and raise money for a community playground. They also help build it. The lovely illustrations are also inclusive showing people of different ethnic backgrounds. There is also a young person in a wheelchair helping build the playground.


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Linda
Fun rhymes by Katey Howes tell the story with pages filled with objects created by this boy and girl. They celebrate all along the pages--things for play, things to 'think', things to sell and drink, things to give. It is a message of creative fun that leads to becoming a maker of something for others. Elizabet Vukovic's illustrations will inspire everyone to get out that sketchbook, bring out the blocks and cardboard, the saws and boards and paints and more. "Be A Maker!" ...more
Debra
Aug 06, 2019 rated it really liked it
Mine is a book, not an ebook.

This book is a must have for my school libraries, for sure. We just added STEAM corners and I need books in my collection that help students see that they can make a difference in a single person's life or their community by finding things they are love to do that may be loved by others, too. Look over the illustrations by Elizabet Vukovic. They are wonderful!

We can all be makers!
...more
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