Take It Apart!

You've heard of Maker-Spaces... now it's time to think about Breaker-Spaces!

Take It Apart

by Katey Howes; illus. by Elizabet Vuković 

32 pages; ages 4-9

Carolrhoda Books, 2026

themes: problem-solving, engineering, rhyme

Some call you a Wrecking Ball. Some say Destroyer.

A troublesome, mess-making, chaos enjoyer.

That’s because when they see you unraveling things, busting and breaking them apart, they think that’s all you’re doing. What they’re not seeing is the way you’re thinking about how something was put together; what makes it work; and how those pieces of broken things might be used to repair – or create – something else. There’s a science to breaking things down and sorting and storing the screws and washers, bolts and nuts and hinges. 

What I like about this book: This is a great cross-curricular book that links STEAM and language arts. I like how Katey Hughes expands on the concept of breaking things down. For example, when you’re reading and come across a new word, breaking it into parts is one way to figure out how to read it. And sorting is, at its heart, all about math (think: grouping). Furthermore, she points out that we aren’t the only ones “taking things apart” – consider the compost pile! One of my favorite spreads is where Katey shows how a big project can be broken down into smaller parts. I also like the end pages! Katey Hughes and illustrator, Elizabet Vuković worked together on an earlier book, Be a Maker which is every bit as fun as Take it Apart!

Beyond the Books:

Take something apart. Some libraries have “take apart” days where you can break down old phones, radios, and other electronics to see how they are put together. Is there something in your house you can take apart? Make sure you ask for permission first! And if you need help with screwdrivers and other tools, ask for help.

Sort a bunch of parts. Does someone in your home have a bucket of screws and nuts and bolts? Ask if you can sort them, and put them into groups of like-things.

Solve a problem. In our house it’s figuring out a way to sort recyclables so they end up in the right bin at the recycling center. What kind of problem can you help solve around your house? Once you’ve identified the problem, break it into smaller pieces and build a plan.

Today we’re joining Perfect Picture Book Friday. It’s a wonderful gathering where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's website. Review copy provided by Blue Slip Media.