What can a mess make? A clever rhyming text and cozy, colorful illustrations offer a series of delightful answers to the question posed by this picture book’s title while chronicling the activities of two sisters over the course of a day. “Kitchen clatter. / Milk and juice. / Syrup splatter. / Chocolate mousse. / Bowl of berries. / Red and blue. / A mess can make / a meal for two.” Following that tasty breakfast, the duo engage in a series of creative projects and imaginative play before an argument (“A mess can make us scream and shout.”), a time out, and apology bracelets (“A mess can make things good as new.”). A dinner disaster (“A mess can make / a change in plans.”) leads to cleanup and, finally, bedtime (“A mess can make / a good night’s sleep.”). The rhythm of the narrative scans beautifully, making this a terrific choice for reading aloud, while the details in the illustrations heighten the story’s charm.

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.