Summary:
It is not easy to make a book. Many people are involved in the production process before we can sit down and enjoy it. The author thinks and writes. Then the book goes to the many people who take part in producing it.

Concept: Human Resources

Definition: Human resources are the people who work to produce goods and services.

Comprehension Questions:

Before reading the story, ask students to share how they think a book is made.
(Answers will vary.)

In the story, what are some of the human resources it takes to produce a book? (It involves many people. They include the author-artist-illustrator, editor, publisher, designer, copy editor-proofreader, production director, color separator, printer, publicity and promotion director, salesperson, etc.)

Describe a job done by one of the workers in the story. (Answers will vary. For example, the author thinks of a story and writes it down. She sends off the manuscript to the editor. If the editor and publisher like the story, the editor sends the author a contract. The editor continues to make changes in the text. The designer makes suggestions for the art and chooses a typeface for the text.)

What special skills (human capital) are necessary for the jobs mentioned in the story? (Answers will vary. For example, authors must know writing, grammar, and how to organize a story. Printers must know how to run the printing machine, etc.)

How do human resources get the skills (human capital) they need to produce a book? (School, special training courses, learning from parents, on- the- job training, etc.)

What capital resources are used to produce a book?
(Tables, pens, printing presses, magnifying glass, computers, etc.)

Other Concepts: Productive Resources, Capital Resources, Human Resources

(From KidsEcon Posters©: www.kidseconposters.com)