Crafts, activities, and performance. These are tried-and-true techniques for engaging kids in a topic while encouraging their creative juices to flow. But there’s nothing more frustrating than a cookbook with beautiful pictures and cryptic instructions, or a craft book in which the projects are so difficult that Martha Stewart and her whole staff would have trouble achieving successful results. Books like these have to be field tested before suggesting that kids try them out. Luckily for you, this [...]]]>

Crafts, activities, and performance. These are tried-and-true techniques for engaging kids in a topic while encouraging their creative juices to flow. But there’s nothing more frustrating than a cookbook with beautiful pictures and cryptic instructions, or a craft book in which the projects are so difficult that Martha Stewart and her whole staff would have trouble achieving successful results. Books like these have to be field tested before suggesting that kids try them out. Luckily for you, this reviewer has exceptionally game children, coworkers, and neighbors. The drifts of origami paper and sketches in my house, not to mention the blizzard of flour and confectioner’s sugar in my kitchen, have resulted in some very frank and well-informed reviews. Pass me that Swiffer, will you?

Preschool-Grade 4

BERGIN, Mark. Boats. ISBN 978-1-4339-7465-6. LC 2011052970.
–––– . Cars. ISBN 978-1-4339-7468-7. LC 2011044828.
–––– . Planes. ISBN 978-1-4339-7471-7. LC 2011044827.
–––– . Rockets. ISBN 978-1-4339-7474-8. LC 2011052969.
–––– . Trains. ISBN 978-1-4339-7477-9. LC 2011049303.
–––– . Trucks. ISBN 978-1-4339-7480-9. LC 2011049302.
ea vol: 32p. (You Can Draw Series). illus. photos. glossary. index. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2012. PLB $26.60.
Gr 2-4–Attracted by the colorful covers,artistic machine enthusiasts will not be disappointed by the contents of these how-to-draw volumes. Not only are the step-by-step instructions easy to follow, but also each project, which are built largely of simple geometric shapes, represents a specific type of machine. For example, Boats teaches readers how to create a tugboat, racing boat, U.S. Coast Guard vessel, and more. An “Inspiration” spread in every title features photographs of the real-life versions of some of the models used. Kids are encouraged to try drawing their vehicles from various angles, and to add details and decoration. These projects are simple enough to be accessible, but complex enough to look cool.

BUNKERS, Traci. Print It! ISBN 978-1-60992-277-1.
DURKIN, Kath. Paint It! ISBN 978-1-60992-275-7.
GRIMSHAW, Melanie. Make It! ISBN 978-1-60992-274-0.
WALKER, Wendy. Draw It! ISBN 978-1-60992-276-4.
ea vol: illus. by Tom Connell. 32p. (Art Smart Series). photos. index. QEB. 2012. PLB $28.50.
Gr 3-6–An emphasis on technique distinguishes this bright and colorful series. Twelve attractive projects per volume, many of them resulting in useful objects, give kids a chance to learn and practice techniques such as weaving, stenciling, and frottage. Specialized materials are not required, and most kids will be able to achieve success with the majority of these projects, regardless of their level of artistic talent. The books were written by art teachers and it shows. Tracing and collage are offered as alternatives to drawing, and many drawing and painting projects are abstract or begin with random shapes. The trickiest skills are the various stitches used in Make It!, and, unfortunately, the instructions, which are usually quite good in this series, are not quite up to this task. Photographs often show the finished projects while drawings illustrate the process.

OWEN, Ruth. Christmas and Hannukkah Origami. ISBN 978-1-4488-7860-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-8019-5. LC 2012009644.
–––– . Easter Origami. ISBN 978-1-4488-7861-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-8020-1. LC 2012009640.
–––– . Halloween Origami. ISBN 978-1-4488-7862-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-8021-8. LC 2012007632.
–––– . Independence Day Origami. ISBN 978-1-4488-7863-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-8022-5. LC 2012009645.
–––– . Thanksgiving Origami. ISBN 978-1-4488-7864-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-8023-2. LC 2012009648.
–––– . Valentine’s Day Origami. ISBN 978-1-4488-7865-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-8024-9. LC 2012009647.
ea vol: 32p. (Holiday Origami Series). photos. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2012. PLB $26.50; ebook $26.50.
Gr 3-6–Even novice folders will be able to create some of the simple projects in these volumes, although more-experienced enthusiasts will find little in the way of challenges. The abundant photos, which illustrate the instructions, are more useful than the texts, which can get pretty cryptic on more complicated projects–a common problem in the abstract, relational world of paper-folding. These are solid sources for some basic objects: heart, egg, small basket, star, pinwheel, etc. Introductory pages outline tips for success and offer inspiration in the form of pictures of advanced origami by master folders.

TUMINELLY, Nancy. Let’s Cook with Apples!: Delicious & Fun Apple Dishes Kids Can Make. ISBN 978-1-61783-418-9; ISBN 978-1-61480-108-5. LC 2011052133.
–––– . Let’s Cook with Cereal!: Delicious & Fun Cereal Dishes Kids Can Make. ISBN 978-1-61783-419-6; ISBN 978-1-61480-109-2. LC 2011052135.
–––– . Let’s Cook with Cheese!: Delicious & Fun Cheese Dishes Kids Can Make. ISBN 978-1-61783-420-2; ISBN 978-1-61480-110-8. LC 2011052134.
–––– . Let’s Cook with Eggs!: Delicious & Fun Egg Dishes Kids Can Make. ISBN 978-1-61783-421-9; ISBN 978-1-61480-111-5. LC 2011052196.
–––– . Let’s Cook with Noodles!: Delicious & Fun Noodle Dishes Kids Can Make. ISBN 978-1-61783-422-6; ISBN 978-1-61480-112-2. LC 2011052195.
–––– . Let’s Cook with Popcorn!: Delicious & Fun Popcorn Dishes Kids Can Make. ISBN 978-1-61783-423-3; ISBN 978-1-61480-113-9. LC 2011052197.
ea vol: 32p. (Super Simple Recipes Series). photos. glossary. CIP. ABDO. 2012. PLB $27.07; ebook $27.07.
Gr 3-5–Eight reasonably foolproof recipes per book encourage kids to strap on an apron and get into the kitchen, where they will incidentally practice math skills and observe chemical and physical reactions. Appetizing food photography and clear instructions distinguish these books from many similar series, but a reliance on convenience foods and absence of nutrition information may keep them from becoming teachers’ first choices. Repeated information–safety rules, measuring equivalents, etc.–is kept fresh with volume-specific photographs. Attractive design and lively writing add to the shelf appeal. The single-ingredient focus lends itself particularly well to Iron Chef-type classroom projects and programs.

Watch Me Draw Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse . illus. by Disney Storybook Artists & Elizabeth Runyen. ISBN 978-1-936309-74-0. LC 2012004273.
Watch Me Draw Dora’s Favorite Adventures: Let’s Draw! illus. by Dave Aikins. ISBN 978-1-936309-76-4. LC 2012004014.
Watch Me Draw Spongebob’s Underwater Escapades. illus. by Barry Goldberg. ISBN 978-1-936309-75-7. LC 2012004013.
WINTERBERG, Jenna. Watch Me Draw a Boy’s Adventure. illus. by Diana Fisher. ISBN 978-1-936309-79-5. LC 2012004727.
–––– . Watch Me Draw Favorite Pets. illus. by Diana Fisher. ISBN 978-1-936309-77-1. LC 2012004729.
–––– . Watch Me Draw Things Girls Love. illus. by Diana Fisher. ISBN 978-1-936309-78-8. LC 2012004724.
ea vol: unpaged. (Watch Me Draw Series). CIP. Walter Foster. 2012. PLB $25.65.
Gr 3-5–Cute overload! These books combine a short, gentle story with step-by-step instructions for 11 drawings built up from easy shapes. A few sentences advance the story on one page, while the next shows readers how to draw a related object or character. Licensed characters (including Mickey Mouse, SpongeBob, and Dora) and others exhort young artists to draw sand castles, fish, pets, flowers, etc.–attainable goals that will increase confidence but will not necessarily encourage creativity. The clunky drawings and odd use of perspective probably won’t bother children, but adults will notice. Good for early learners who have to be coaxed into even a modest amount of reading.

Grades 5 & Up

BODDEN, Valerie. History Paintings. ISBN 978-1-60818-200-8. LC 2011040484.
–––– . Landscapes. ISBN 978-1-60818-201-5. LC 2011040487.
FRISCH-SCHMOLL, Joy. Portraits. ISBN 978-1-60818-202-2. LC 2011040488.
–––– . Still Lifes. ISBN 978-1-60818-203-9. LC 2011040489.
ea vol: 48p. (Brushes with Greatness Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. glossary. index. CIP. Creative Education. 2012. PLB $35.65.
Gr 6 Up–These surveys cover a lot of ground about painting genres, including origins and development and practitioners of successive stylistic movements. The popularity and relevance of each form of painting throughout history are discussed. The reproductions are exceedingly fine, and a spacious design complements the content admirably. Vocabulary and concepts should be accessible to students who have already had exposure to art classes. While some works cited are well known, such as Pablo Picasso’s Guernica, others are refreshingly unfamiliar, such as Norwegian artist Odd Nerdrum’s The Murder of Andreas Baader. Unfortunately, very few works depicted or discussed are from outside Europe or North America, which is a disappointing and misleading absence.

BROWN, Tracy. Staging and Choreography. ISBN 978-1-4488-6874-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-6887-2. LC 2012003287.
COOK, Colleen Ryckert. Glee Club Style: Choosing Costumes, Makeup, Sets, and Props. ISBN 978-1-4488-6876-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-6890-2. LC 2011048594.
KOHLER, Christine. Music Performance: Vocals and Band. ISBN 978-1-4488-6875-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-6888-9. LC 2011048499.
SUEN, Anastasia. Developing and Designing Your Glee Club Performance. ISBN 978-1-4488-6877-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-6889-6. LC 2012003288.
ea vol: 64p. (Glee Club Series). photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Rosen. 2012. PLB $31.95; ebook $31.95.
Gr 6 Up–Kids who can get past the hokey covers and grating design will find an abundance of extremely practical, step-by-step advice about starting and running a singing group in this set. The tone is enthusiastic and humorous even in discussions of the sometimes-frustrating processes involved with finding funding, equipment, and practice space. Sidebar information about famous show choir alumnae and statistics regarding the positive effects of music participation will help kids make the case for glee clubs to skeptical adults. Readers are encouraged to be resourceful in finding low-cost alternatives to expensive costumes, sets, and music, starting with the ideas in these pages. Best of all, the creativity and energy of readers are respected and encouraged.

SCHEUNEMANN, Pam. Cool Fabric Projects: Creative Ways to Upcycle Your Trash into Treasure. ISBN 978-1-61783-432-5; ISBN 978-1-61480-061-3. LC 2011052198.
–––– . Cool Glass and Ceramics Projects: Creative Ways to Upcycle Your Trash into Treasure. ISBN 978-1-61783-433-2; ISBN 978-1-61480-062-0. LC 2011052199.
–––– . Cool Metal Projects: Creative Ways to Upcycle Your Trash into Treasure. ISBN 978-1-61783-434-9; ISBN 978-1-61480-063-7. LC 2011052615.
–––– . Cool Odds and Ends Projects: Creative Ways to Upcycle Your Trash into Treasure. ISBN 978-1-61783-435-6; ISBN 978-1-61480-064-4. LC 2012000132.
–––– . Cool Paper Projects: Creative Ways to Upcycle Your Trash into Treasure. ISBN 978-1-61783-436-3; ISBN 978-1-61480-065-1. LC 2012000678.
–––– . Cool Plastic Projects: Creative Ways to Upcycle Your Trash into Treasure. ISBN 978-1-61783-437-0; ISBN 978-1-61480-066-8. LC 2012000685.
ea vol: 32p. (Cool Trash to Treasure Series). photos. glossary. index. websites. CIP. ABDO/Checkerboard Library. 2012. PLB $27.07; ebook $27.07.
Gr 4-7–“Upcycling” gets a shot in the arm with these attractive craft books, each of which contains at least six funky projects, some requiring little more than glue and scissors to accomplish. Unlike many craft volumes, the design palette here does not automatically scream “girl,” although there are a few jewelry and accessory projects that seem specifically girl-oriented. Specialized materials are required for some projects, in some cases effectively negating any recycling involved with the craft, and many activities are time-consuming and cannot be completed in one day. Still, this set contains good classroom ideas, most involving measuring and calculation, which could be like catnip for crafty kids with time on their hands.

TILLI, Laura & Jess Tilli. My Cookbook of Baking. ISBN 978-1-60992-278-8.
–––– . My Cookbook of Cakes. ISBN 978-1-60992-279-5.
ea vol: 64p. (My Cookbooks Series). illus. photos. index. QEB. 2012. PLB $25.95.
Gr 3-8–The recipes in these delightful titles are rated in difficulty from one star (“Easy peasy!”) to five (“Super chef!”). Sharp, appealing photos will tempt readers to try new foods, and the abundant illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions will improve any junior chef’s chances of success. Ingredients like almonds, yogurt, applesauce, bananas, and seeds make frequent appearances, adding fiber, protein, and vitamins to even the most decadent-seeming cobblers, cookies, and muffins. Chocolate chips, jam, and sprinkles keep things fun, though, and recipes for goodies such as Peanut Butter Baked Bananas and Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding will satisfy any sweet tooth. While Cakes focuses mainly on desserts and snacks, Baking includes savory items such as pizza, quiche, a casserole, and spinach pie that could have kids making dinner for the whole family. These volumes stand out for their appeal, ease of use, and quality original recipes.

TURNBULL, Stephanie. Acting Skills. ISBN 978-1-59920-797-1. LC 2012002527.
–––– . Art Skills. ISBN 978-1-59920-798-8. LC 2011040885.
–––– . Circus Skills. ISBN 978-1-59920-799-5. LC 2011040952.
–––– . Cooking Skills. ISBN 978-1-59920-800-8. LC 2011045977.
–––– . Craft Skills. ISBN 978-1-59920-796-4. LC 2011038280.
–––– . Magic Skills. ISBN 978-1-59920-801-5. LC 2012002528.
ea vol: illus. by Guy Callaby. 32p. (Super Skills Series). photos. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Smart Apple Media. 2012. PLB $28.50.
Gr 3-6–Packed with useful advice and practical tips, these well-illustrated guides are good introductions. Even kids with expertise in the subjects will find something new and interesting to try. Step-by-step instructions are exceptionally well written and easy to follow, although the books quite properly note that practice–sometimes a great deal of it–may be necessary in order to master a skill such as juggling, while other activities, such as using papier-mâché, tolerate a high degree of imprecision. Of particular note are the “What’s Next?” sections, which suggest additional skills to try and potential related careers. Safety tips, “Super Facts,” and handy hints are highlighted in sidebars. Almost irresistible.

Both cookbook series are strong. In fact, QEB’s “My Cookbooks” are outstanding, despite a few unappetizing photos. But with so many recipes in every book, not all of them have to be surefire hits. Of the craft books, QEB’s “Art Smart” feels the most authentic in terms of attainable projects, though ABDO’s “Cool Trash to Treasure” will satisfy with its savvy use of throwaway materials. PowerKids’s “Holiday Origami” got lukewarm results from my many field testers. Creative Education’s “Brushes with Greatness,” though well designed, is incomplete in its coverage of the history of painting. Both of the how-to-draw series are serviceable, although libraries with a good selection of Lee J. Ames’s “Draw 50” books (Watson-Guptill) will have this area covered already. Rosen’s “Glee Club” may seem to be capitalizing on the popularity of the television show Glee, but it contains excellent practical advice for kids hoping to start a group–advice that could be applied to a drama club or band as well. It’s a shame the series’ readability is hampered by a cluttered design. A wide range of fun, leisure pursuits for younger kids is covered in Smart Apple’s “Super Skills”; they are attractive books that make kids want to try new projects.