"Quinn spent the morning in their workshop, and they emerged with Something Great! But. What is it? Then, the new kid asks to play with Quinn and Something Great. They discover that Something Great can be an elevator, a bug catcher, or a stick lifter. Itcould even be a friend finder"-- - (Baker & Taylor)

Blending STEM activities with mixed-media illustrations, this thought-provoking story follows Quinn as they create Something Great, which could be anything the reader wants it to be—even a friend finder. Illustrations. - (Baker & Taylor)

Named a Best STEM Book by the National Science Teachers Association

Voila! Quinn spent the morning in their workshop, and they emerged with Something Great! But… What is it?

No one seemed to understand that Something Great isn’t supposed to be anything. It was just… itself. Something Great.

Then, the new kid asks to play with Quinn and Something Great. They discover that Something Great can be an elevator, a bug catcher, or a stick lifter. It could even be… a friend finder.

Quietly profound, this sweet tale and its mixed-media illustrations are a delightful combination of elements blending STEM activities (for those inclined to catch them!) with casual nonconformity in a picture book that is, well, Something Great!

P R A I S E

“An apt and subtle metaphor for self-expression.”
—Horn Book 

“Filled with movement and emotion. Collaboration + boundless imagination = one bright idea.”
—Kirkus 

“A welcome choice for STEM enthusiasts and creative types."
—Booklist - (Grand Central Pub)

Voila! Quinn spent the morning in their workshop, and they emerged with Something Great! But. What is it?

No one seemed to understand that Something Great isn't supposed to be anything. It was just. itself. Something Great.

Then, the new kid asks to play with Quinn and Something Great. They discover that Something Great can be an elevator, a bug catcher, or a stick lifter. It could even be. a friend finder.

Quietly profound, this sweet tale and its mixed-media illustrations are a delightful combination of elements blending STEM activities (for those inclined to catch them!) with casual nonconformity in a picture book that is, well, Something Great! - (HARPERCOLL)

Jeanette Bradley has been an urban planner, an apprentice pastry chef, and the artist-in-residence for a traveling art museum on a train. She is the author and illustrator of LOVE, MAMA (Roaring Brook, 2018) and illustrator of WHEN THE BABIES CAME TO STAY (Viking, 2020). She is also co-editor and illustrator of the poetry anthology NO VOICE TOO SMALL: FOURTEEN YOUNG AMERICANS MAKING HISTORY (Charlesbridge, 2020) and the forthcoming companion volume NO WORLD TOO BIG: YOUNG PEOPLE FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE (Coming 2023!). Jeanette lives in Rhode Island with her wife and kids. - (HARPERCOLL)

Booklist Reviews

Young Quinn spends the morning creating something great from the recycling bin: an empty plastic milk jug with a red string tied around the neck. This wonderful invention can swing like a pendulum, orbit around, and even sing when blown into. Unfortunately, older sister, Mom, and the cat aren't impressed, but a new kid is, and through their joint creativity, this apparatus becomes an elevator, a beat keeper, a bug catcher, a stick lifter, a telephone, and a friend finder. Bradley's simple text speaks to the importance of imagination and the joys to be found in simple things. More subtly, this is also a story of a nonbinary child (signaled by the text's use of they/theirs). Bradley's digitally enhanced mixed-media illustrations exude a sunny vibe, reassuring readers that even when Quinn is upset that their family doesn't "get it," things will turn out fine. Pink and blue are used liberally throughout, as are printed words, which are worked into the illustrations. A welcome choice for STEM enthusiasts and creative types. Preschool-Grade 2. Copyright 2022 Booklist Reviews.