A Book Takes Root: The Making of a Picture Book (Carolrhoda Photo Books) [Paperback]

Michael Kehoe (Author, Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1997 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: Carolrhoda Photo Books

Traces the process of making a picture book, from idea to manuscript to final publication.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Even publishing professionals might profit from a perusal of this photo-essay explanation of a book's conception and production. Kehoe ( The Puzzle of Books ) begins at the very beginning, introducing one Betsy Thomas who thinks she might like to write a children's book. We follow Betsy as she chews her pen and writes draft after draft before sending out her manuscript. In the only inauthentic moment here, the book is accepted by the first publisher that sees it (Carolrhoda). Then we watch as the editor, artist and designer perform their work on the manuscript, on its way to becoming the picture book Green Beans . Streamlined but accurate passages define production technology, from mechanicals to color separators, from stripping to folding and gathering. (No snags befall the production process--which is either a second lapse in authenticity or an indication of Carolrhoda's unique good fortune.) Accessible and energetic, Kehoe's book stimulates readers' curiosity about everyday objects even as it delivers comprehensive information. Ages 7-11.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-Carefully shot, full-color photographs and solid information clearly describe the almost miraculous creation of a picture book. An actual title-Elizabeth Thomas's Green Beans (Carolrhoda, 1992)-is the result. The author is shown developing her idea, refining and rewriting, until the final draft of the manuscript is ready for the publisher. The story is then examined by the editor, publisher, and marketing people, and an illustrator is chosen. The artist's interpretation of the characters and making the dummy; the designer's choice of typeface; and the work of the typesetter and keyliner are all delineated. Then the process of four-color printing is clearly explained. Finally comes the binding and casing-in. A sense of wonder and excitement is never lost through all the explanations. Aliki's How a Book Is Made (Crowell, 1986), with lighthearted watercolors, presents similar information in a simpler text. Rodney Martin's The Making of a Picture Book (1989) also tells the story of the evolution of a particular book, The Dinosaur in the Park (1987; o.p., both Gareth Stevens), but Green Beans is more readily available for children to see.
-Sylvia S. Marantz, formerly at Worthington Schools, Columbus, OH
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 087614847X
• ISBN-13: 978-0876148471
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,579,891 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A View Inside the Creation of Books, November 20, 2001

By 

Jeffrey Leeper "kem2070" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Book Takes Root: The Making of a Picture Book (Carolrhoda Photo Books) (Library Binding)

This children's book is designed to show kids how a book is produced. It isn't just for children though, if an adult wants a quick overview of how the publishing of a book works, this is a great book.

It has good pictures that illustrate each of the steps in the publishing/printing cycle. Each picture shows you some of the machines involved and the people involved. For printing pictures, the book also illustrates the four-color book.

The story follows the creation of the book Green Beans by the author to the time children have it in their hands. This is a very informative book and comes with a glossary to go over some of the terms used.

I would recommend this book to children wanting to learn where books come from.