A book exactly the size of and shaped like a yellow work glove appears to have pages held together by a wooden ruler on which the author's name appears on one side and the words "Beaver Dam, Wisconsin" are written on the other. A unique volume with pages of varied sizes and shapes and two moveable parts offers a tribute to the skills and values encouraged by Ehlert's parents. The book features woodworking, sewing, gardening, and painting and pictures a pot holder Ehlert stitched from scraps when she was eight. Through a first person narrative, young readers are introduced to an environment fostering the skills that all artists must acquire in one way or another: careful measurements, available supplies and tools, sharp observation, a place of one's own to work. " I like to make things with my hands," says the narrator. "Don't you?" Readers can read more about Ehlert's creative process in Under My Nose (Richard Owen, 1996) and Talking with Artists edited by Pat Cummings (Bradbury, 1992). (Ages 4-8)

As the child in this story watches her mother and father work with their hands, she knows she wants to build and sew and garden and paint just like they do. All she needs is a special place to work, lots of good materials--and plenty of encouragement. With these tools, she is able to make the most wonderful things.
From Caldecott Honor-winning artist Lois Ehlert, here is a book for anyone, young or old, a book that celebrates the importance of nurturing the creative spirit within us all.
"Includes an inspiring author's note.