What Can a Mess Make? - by Bee Johnson (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In this ... illustrated rhyming picture book, two sisters spend their day playing at home and leaving joyful, cozy messes in their wake"--

Book Synopsis

In this gorgeously illustrated rhyming picture book, two sisters spend their day playing at home and leaving joyful, cozy messes in their wake.

"This book doesn't just capture the chaos of childhood-it throws a parade and celebrates it. Bouncing beautifully from the whirlwind of a messy kitchen to the cacophony of a makeshift band, Bee Johnson's lovingly crafted masterpiece is a rollicking good time that will make you want to put all the screens away and make a mess (and a memorable day) of your own." -NPR Books

Kitchen clatter.
Milk and juice.
Syrup splatter.
Chocolate mousse.
Bowl of berries--
Red and blue.
A mess can make a meal for two.

From breakfast to bedtime, from pillow fort to pillow fight, these sisters make all kinds of messes.

Imaginative, playful, forgiving, delicious messes.

And their messes make a day full of possibilities.

With bouncy rhyming language and warm illustrations, What Can A Mess Make? inspires readers to embrace their imaginations, linger in the beautiful messes on every page, and make some messes themselves.

Review Quotes

An NPR Best Book of 2024
A Bank Street Best Book of 2024
A BookRiot Best Book of the Month
An Indie Next List Pick

"This book doesn't just capture the chaos of childhood-it throws a parade and celebrates it. Bouncing beautifully from the whirlwind of a messy kitchen to the cacophony of a makeshift band, Bee Johnson's lovingly crafted masterpiece is a rollicking good time that will make you want to put all the screens away and make a mess (and a memorable day) of your own." -NPR Books

"Childhood is full of big ideas that begin with big messes. Johnson's debut picture book as an author and illustrator celebrates these messes that help child imaginations grow . . . a realistic, joy-filled glimpse into the sisters' day as they create mess after mess after mess." -BookRiot

★ "Just as life's lemons can be turned into lemonade, god-awful messes can make masterpieces. So demonstrates What Can a Mess Make?, Bee Johnson's expertly executed debut picture book in rhyme."" --Shelf Awareness, starred review

"Rhyming text and charmingly clutter-filled scenes capture both the ingredients and the fun that can come from making a mess. . . . A childhood scamper through simple pleasures of sibling fun." --School Library Journal

"The sisters' love shines through as they work out new solutions in this house that looks like a place where creativity is valued. The illustrations include many details to expand on the spare, rhythmic text. . . . As these lively girls invite the reader to take part in their marvelous mess, who knows what they might make next?" --Booklist

About the Author

Bee Johnson was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. She studied illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design and has worked as a commercial and editorial illustrator since 2010. Her client list includes the New York Times, Warby Parker and the Guardian. She lives in the Northeast with her husband, their two daughters and a beagle named Banjo. What Can A Mess Make? is Bee's first picture book.