Fun Things to Do with Egg Cartons

Gr 3–6—Castoff packaging and tableware has never looked better. These books are notable for their clean, colorful design and sharp, attractively styled photos, all in a harmonious palette of colors that varies with every project. Ten crafts per volume include lots of interactive objects, such as games (memory, mancala, a marble run) and a few musical instruments (cardboard tube kazoo, paper plate banjo) along with decorative objects, toys, and gifts. Instructions are straightforward, with a low degree of difficulty. Readers are encouraged to customize their projects by experimenting with decoration and color. Since these crafts require no special skills and can be made with on-hand materials, many could be undertaken with little to no advance preparation, making them ideal for rainy days and spur-of-the-moment playdates. Best in this set is Egg Cartons, for the way the porous cardboard can be wetted and reshaped; less fun is Milk Jugs, because paint has trouble adhering to the plastic. Great jumping-off points for creative kids.