How This Book Was Made
What’s inside...
A behind-the-scenes look at the making of a book, from the author's first draft to the finished product, featuring a cast of animal characters working together to create a book that will make readers laugh, think, and feel. Beloved, bestselling creators Mac Barnett and Adam Rex team up again, this time to reveal the nitty gritty process of making a book...with a few unexpected twists along the way! You may think you know how this book was made, but you don't. Sure, the author wrote many drafts, and the illustrator took a long time creating the art, but then what? How'd it get into your hands? Well, open the cover and read through these pages to find out. Just beware of the pirates and angry tiger. New York Times best-selling creators Mac Barnett and Adam Rex reveal the nitty gritty process of making a book...with a few unexpected twists along the way! Budding writers and artists will laugh at the mix of reality and the absurd as the story makes its way to a shelf, and a reader.
Age
4-8
Length
44 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mac Barnett
Discussion points
How do you think the author and illustrator worked together to create this book?
What parts of the book-making process surprised you the most?
Why is it important for different people, like editors and printers, to collaborate on a book?
How do you think the author felt while waiting for his book to be finished?
If you were to create your own book, what story would you like to tell and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book-making process and why it stood out to them.
Ask them to imagine themselves as either the author or illustrator and what ideas they would contribute.
Discuss the different roles mentioned in the book and how everyone's contribution is vital for the book's creation.
Suggest creating a simple book together, using the steps outlined in the story as a guide.
Use the waiting aspect shown in the book to talk about patience and appreciation for the effort behind creating something.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding of the book creation process
Explanation: The book humorously unveils the complex journey from an idea in the author's head to a physical book on a shelf, involving various people like editors, illustrators, and printers.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate the effort behind every book they read and understand the collaborative nature of creating something valuable.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: The author faces multiple challenges like dealing with writer's block and revisions, showing the importance of persistence to achieve a final product.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of persisting through difficulties whether in school projects, learning new skills, or in their daily tasks.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: The book subtly includes elements from different parts of the world involved in the making of a book, promoting an understanding of diverse cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can become more open and curious about different cultures beyond their immediate environment, which can promote inclusivity and tolerance.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The story exemplifies how an initial idea can grow into a full-blown story through imaginative thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination in storytelling, art, or problem-solving in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Understanding roles and responsibilities
Explanation: The book shows different people performing specific tasks necessary to turn an author’s manuscript into a published book, emphasizing the idea of responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of each person’s role in a project and how taking responsibility can lead to successful outcomes.