How ‘How This Book Was Made’ Was Made

On our unending hunt for funny picture books, one duo of picture book superstars pops up again and again: Mac Barnett and Adam Rex. In Chloe and the Lion, author Barnett and artist Rex break the fourth wall and clash over telling their preferred (and hilarious) version of the story.

They’re back again this fall with a new picture book with the same spirit, How This Book Was Made:

From Caldecott Honor author Mac Barnett and New York Times best-selling illustrator Adam Rex comes a metafictional peek behind the curtain of how THIS book was made–complete with astronauts and gorillas!

You may think you know how this book was made, but you don’t. Sure, the author wrote many drafts, and the illustrator took a long time creating the art, but then what? How’d it get into your hands? Well, open the cover and read through these pages to find out. Just beware of the pirates and angry tiger.

If you’ve never read a book by these two before, take an exclusive first look at how How This Book Was Made was made for just a hint of their playful humor.

Related Post

If your kids are curious about how books are made, or hope to be an author or artist themselves one day, keep an eye out for How This Book Was Made this September.

All images: Disney/Hyperion

Liked it? Take a second to support GeekMom and GeekDad on Patreon!

This post was last modified on December 8, 2017 1:54 am

Kelly Knox

Kelly Knox is a freelance writer in Seattle, WA. She also writes for StarWars.com, Marvel.com, Geek & Sundry, and Nerdist.

Share
Published by

Recent Posts

Skye Sweetnam, Sumo Cyco, and the Power of Community

Like many others, I jumped directly into my Apple Music Replay this year filled with…

December 17, 2025

GeekDad/GeekMom Holiday Gift Guide 2025: Stocking Stuffers

It's time to stuff the stockings that were hung with care with our must-have stocking…

December 15, 2025

GeekDad/GeekMom Holiday Gift Guide 2025: Clothing and Everyday Essentials

It's time to get styling and stocking up on everyday necessities that we think you…

December 10, 2025

GeekDad/GeekMom Holiday Gift Guide 2025: Gadgets

Every geek loves a new gadget. Here’s a selection from the GeekDad and GeekMom writers,…

December 9, 2025

Get Started Resin Printing With the HALOT-X1

If you enjoy 3D printing with filament and are interested in something new, resin printing…

December 1, 2025

Catch The xTool M1 Ultra Multi-Tasking Laser on Black Friday Sale

After spending some time with xTool's M1 Ultra, the other tools in my maker arsenal…

November 26, 2025