What Will These Hands Make?

Book excerpt: “Themes of community, creativity, and craft are at the heart of this book about a family preparing for a grandmother’s birthday celebration.” —School Library Journal This lyrical picture book from beloved creator Nikki McClure follows a family through one day and muses in the possibilities that one day holds—from enjoying treats at the bakery, to admiring handmade goods from local artisan shops, to observing the new construction in town. Illuminating themes of community, creativity, and collaboration, What Will These Hands Make? dares the reader to dream up everything they can be and all the ways they can leave their little corner of the world better than they found it. “Capitalized headers boldly ask “WILL THESE HANDS MAKE,” with possibilities unfurling in lyrical, lucid verse beneath. Awe-inspiring double-page spreads show a busy town from multiple, miraculous perspectives . . . Extraordinary artwork inspires young people to use their hearts and hands.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “This celebration of citizenry and craft is a poignant reminder of the objects and places that makers weave . . . The book’s appeal spans a wide range: younger readers will enjoy the seek-and-find aspect, and older readers may find inspiration in its vision of daily life and communal innovation.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Careful viewers will be delighted to find scenes revisited in closer detail and from different vantage points . . . The clever bookmaking technique, which moves between the busy scene and its individual sections, produces the joy of a shared experience in which all hands combine.” —Booklist