This is a good read aloud book for k-2nd grade students. It depicts the complete process of how a book is made from the idea all the way to someone buying it and taking it home to their kid. The narrator is a "child" a cat, who loves to read. The downside is it was published in the 80's so some of the information is no longer accurate since printing technology has advanced since then.

This is a good example of an informational book because it elaborates the whole process of making a book. The character in the book is a cat which makes the book more attractive to children. Teachers can use to book to introduce book-making. Children may find it interesting to make a book and then they can make their own books. The book is suitable for children from third to sixth grade. The media of the book is colored pencil drawing. ( )

Summary: This book decribes the stages in making a book, starting with the writing of the manuscript and the drawing of the pictures, and explaining all the technical processes leading to printed and bound copies. The author writes down every detail about the process of making a book which tell children should care of their book and cherish other's work.
Genre: informational. Because this book not only has many detail information about how to making a book but also has attractive design with colorful pictures and nice illustrations. It also has many interesting facts, creates a connection from the reader to the story, pulls them in and engages, also teaches kids that there is more to the topic then they originally thought.
Age app: primary and middle school.
Media: pencil, ink, oil painting ( )

Age: Primary
Genre: Informational
Media: Colored pencils
Review/ Critique: This is through how a story is made, from inspiration to distribution. It is extremely detailed and uses a lot of words that need further explain. It is set up like it is for a young child, but the diction suggests otherwise. Also, it is really boring. ( )

Even though it is an information text, this book has a sweet tone and is not at all dry. The narrator is a cartoon cat (in fact, all of the "people" in the book are cats) who loves to read books. I can see children really catching this kitten's enthusiasm as he bounces in joy over "A book for me!"

The bulk of the book provides a thorough explanation of how books are made. Though some of the specific details are outdated (e.g. floppy disks), the book demonstrates the metacognitive skills required by writers and editors well. Aliki shows the struggle the writer faces: "It is harder than expected. Sometimes she can't find the right words." This is a powerful message for children, as it is important for budding writers to learn that writing is a process and good writing does not come easily. Another relevant educational aspect of the book is the "designer." In the illustration, the designer is deliberating between fonts, how to format pictures, etc. to best convey the message of the book. Effective design is a skill that does not come naturally to many people. By illustrating the designer's thought process, Aliki models what thoughtful decision-making looks like. In fact, this is a theme continued throughout the book, from the editing process right down to the placement of colors during the print job.

The book ends with the printed word taking on a new life in libraries, and bookstores, and children's homes. The final image of the kitten snuggled up in bed with the book, wishing the book "Goodnight!" leaves the reader with a warm and fuzzy feeling towards books--which is exactly the message I would hope young children would take away from reading picture books. ( )