Preschool–Grade 4

ALEXANDER, Heather. Easy Desserts from Around the World. ISBN 978-0-7660-3765-6; ISBN 978-1-59845-270-9. LC 2010039481. ––––. Easy Main Dishes from Around the World. ISBN 978-0-7660-3766-3; ISBN 978-1-59845-273-0. LC 2010046429. ––––. Easy Snacks from Around the World. ISBN 978-0-7660-3767-0; ISBN 978-1-59845-274-7. LC 2010047604. LLANAS, Sheila Griffin. Easy Breakfasts from Around the World. ISBN 978-0-7660-3707-6; ISBN 978-1-59845-269-3. LC 2010039480. ––––. Easy Lunches from Around the World. ISBN 978-0-7660-3708-3; ISBN 978-1-59845-272-3. LC 2010037759. ––––. Easy Vegetarian Foods from Around the World. ISBN 978-0-7660-3764-9; ISBN 978-1-59845-271-6. LC 2010047605. ea vol: 48p. (Easy Cookbooks for Kids Series). charts. diag. illus. maps. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Enslow Elementary. 2011. PLB $23.93; pap. $7.95. Gr 4-6–Books in this series feature 11 simple, well-chosen recipes apiece, each from a different country. Children can learn to make tzatziki (Greece), bánh mì (Vietnam), khichadi (India), or akwadu (Ghana). The pages are peppered with interesting facts about each country as well as information about key ingredients or techniques, e.g., readers will learn how yogurt and pickles are made. Besides the volume dedicated to vegetarian dishes, many recipes are meatless. Full-color stock photos of ingredients and tools will help guide the cooks, and each recipe features an image of the completed dish. Though there are more familiar choices for less adventurous eaters, even young chefs with well-traveled palates will find some surprises here.

BALFOUR, Barbara & Jordan McGill. Thanksgiving. ISBN 978-1-61690-680-1; ISBN 978-1-61690-686-3. LC 2011002421. FORAN, Jill & Jordan McGill Christmas. ISBN 978-1-61690-679-5; ISBN 978-1-61690-685-6. LC 2011002422. GOLDSWORTHY, Kaite. Halloween. ISBN 978-1-61690-681-8; ISBN 978-1-61690-687-0. LC 2011002423. TAIT, Leia & Jordan McGill. Cinco de Mayo. ISBN 978-1-61690-682-5; ISBN 978-1-61690-688-7. LC 2011002428. YASUDA, Anita. Valentine’s Day. ISBN 978-1-61690-678-8; ISBN 978-1-61690-684-9. LC 2011002424. ea vol: 24p. (Celebrating American Holidays: Arts & Crafts Series). diags. photos. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Weigl. 2011. PLB $27.13; pap. $12.95. Gr 3-5–Eight seasonal activities, including one recipe, embellish brief passages about the history and customs associated with each holiday. Unfortunately the craft instructions are far too simple, jeopardizing the success or coherence of the projects. In addition, the written instructions do not always match the process photos and sometimes pictures of the completed projects are missing. Occasional egregious factual errors–Cinco de Mayo is not a “national holiday” in the U.S.; college football teams do not play in the Thanksgiving Classic–cast a pall over the credibility of this series. The “All New Holiday Crafts for Kids” series (Millbrook) is a better choice, with more crafts per book and better instructions.

HALL, Pamela. 5 Steps to Drawing Aircraft. illus. by Jane Yamada. ISBN 978-1-60973-193-9. LC 2011927701. ––––. 5 Steps to Drawing Dinosaurs. illus. by Patrick Girouard. ISBN 978-1-60973-195-3. LC 2011927703. ––––. 5 Steps to Drawing Farm Animals. illus. by Sharon Lane Holm. ISBN 978-1-60973-199-1. LC 2011927708. ––––. 5 Steps to Drawing People. illus. by Eulala Conner. ISBN 978-1-60973-203-5. LC 2011927712. KESSELRING, Susan. 5 Steps to Drawing Crawlers and Fliers. illus. by Sharon Lane Holm. ISBN 978-1-60973-194-6. LC 2011927702. ––––. 5 Steps to Drawing Faces. illus. by Dana Regan. ISBN 978-1-60973-197-7. LC 2011927706. ––––. 5 Steps to Drawing Machines at Work. illus. by Susan DeSantis. ISBN 978-1-60973-201-1. LC 2011927710. ––––. 5 Steps to Drawing Zoo Animals. illus. by Susan DeSantis. ISBN 978-1-60973-200-4. LC 2011927709. STJOHN, Amanda. 5 Steps to Drawing Dogs and Cats. illus. by Dana Regan. ISBN 978-1-60973-196-0. LC 2011927705. ––––. 5 Steps to Drawing Magical Creatures. illus. by Laura Ferraro Close. ISBN 978-1-60973-198-4. LC 2011927707. ––––. 5 Steps to Drawing Monsters. illus. by Patrick Girouard. ISBN 978-1-60973-202-8. LC 2011927711. ––––. 5 Steps to Drawing Sea Creatures. illus. by Laura Ferraro Close. ISBN 978-1-60973-204-2. LC 2011927713. ea vol: 32p. (5 Steps to Drawing Series). further reading. glossary. index. Websites. The Child’s World. 2011. PLB $25.64. Gr 3-5–Eight cartoon-style figures, creatures, or items are drawn in five steps: base shapes, three additional line-drawing steps, and final colored-in illustrations. The exercises are not, for the most part, based on geometric shapes, which reduces the extensionality of the skills being taught. However, good drawing tips (repeated in each volume) and suggestions for more projects may coax readers to move beyond the exercises in these books. Introductory pages offer a little reading practice. Good for early readers who enjoy copying cartoon characters and need encouragement to branch out.

LAPENTA, Marilyn. Artful Snacks. ISBN 978-1-61772-307-0; ISBN 978-1-61772-345-2. LC 2011019695. ––––. Cool Cookies. ISBN 978-1-61772-308-7; ISBN 978-1-61772-346-9. LC 2011012738. ––––. Super ‘Wiches. ISBN 978-1-61772-306-3; ISBN 978-1-61772-347-6. LC 2011017967. ––––. Way Cool Drinks. ISBN 978-1-61772-163-2; ISBN 978-1-61772-348-3. LC 2011017444. ea vol: illus. by Kim Jones. 24p. (Yummy Tummy Recipes Series). bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Bearport. 2011. PLB $22.61; ebook $16.96. Gr 3-6–Nutrition, creativity, and smart decisions are emphasized in the 12 to 14 kid-friendly recipes in each volume. A readable, consistent layout helps students develop their skills in decoding procedural writing, while brightly colored patterned backgrounds and interesting facts (e.g., “Americans eat 500 million pounds of peanut butter every year”) keep things lively. Bright illustrations, which appear to be digitally altered food photographs, give the books a high-tech look and enhance the appeal of the foods depicted. “Health Tips” accompany each recipe, and a page of extra nutritional information and advice is included as back matter, making these books good choices for schools that incorporate nutrition into the curriculum.

MARTINEAU, Susan. Astonishing Art. ISBN 978-1-61533-369-1; ISBN 978-1-61533-435-3. LC 2010052111. ––––. Cool Circuits. ISBN 978-1-61533-366-0; ISBN 978-1-61533-432-2. LC 2010052112. ––––. Crazy Contraptions. ISBN 978-1-61533-367-7; ISBN 978-1-61533-433-9. LC 2010052114. ––––. Marvelous Magic. ISBN 978-1-61533-368-4; ISBN 978-1-61533-434-6. LC 2010052116. ea vol: illus. by Martin Ursell. 24p. (Awesome Activities Series). further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Windmill. 2011. PLB $23.95; ebook $23.95. Gr 3-6–Each slender, appealing book includes 10 to 12 experiments, art projects, magic tricks, and/or costume suggestions. Numbered panels are accompanied by clear instructions. Variations, explanations, fascinating facts, and the odd warning (mostly in Circuits) float on the page but do not get in the way. A diverse cast of cartoon kids is shown making and using the projects. Art is the weak sister in this series, with projects that are not very sturdy or that rely too heavily on the crafter’s artistic abilities. An energetic, somewhat unusual series.

NUNN, Daniel. Buttons and Beads. ISBN 978-1-4329-5152-8; ISBN 978-1-4329-5161-0. LC 2010049827. ––––. Cardboard. ISBN 978-1-4329-5150-4; ISBN 978-1-4329-5159-7. LC 2010049822. ––––. Jars and Pots. ISBN 978-1-4329-5154-2; ISBN 978-1-4329-5163-4. LC 2010049828. ––––. Old Clothes. ISBN 978-1-4329-5149-8; ISBN 978-1-4329-5158-0. LC 2010049818. ––––. Paper. ISBN 978-1-4329-5151-1; ISBN 978-1-4329-5160-3. LC 2010049826. ––––. Plastic. ISBN 978-1-4329-5148-1; ISBN 978-1-4329-5157-3. LC 2010049815. ea vol: 24p. (From Trash to Treasures Series). photos. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Heinemann. 2011. PLB $22; pap. $6.49. K-Gr 2–Beginning readers will be inspired by the many examples of creative reuse in this well-produced series. Each book presents several ideas (button pictures, paper-bag puppets) that don’t require detailed step-by-step instructions, and one slightly more complicated craft that does (yogurt-cup animals, juice-box boat). A diverse cast of children demonstrates the steps and models completed projects. Conversational, supportive text encourages readers to experiment with materials. Finished projects are not too perfect-looking, helping to manage expectations.

SCHEUNEMANN, Pam. Cool Stuff for Bath & Beauty: Creative Handmade Projects for Kids. ISBN 978-1-61714-980-1. LC 2011003049. ––––. Cool Stuff for Family & Friends: Creative Handmade Projects for Kids. ISBN 978-1-61714-981-8. LC 2011003045. ––––. Cool Stuff for Reading & Writing: Creative Handmade Projects for Kids. ISBN 978-1-61714-982-5. LC 2011003500. ––––. Cool Stuff for School: Creative Handmade Projects for Kids. ISBN 978-1-61714-983-2. LC 2011003499. ––––. Cool Stuff for Your Garden: Creative Handmade Projects for Kids. ISBN 978-1-61714-984-9. LC 2011003501. ––––. Cool Stuff for Your Room: Creative Handmade Projects for Kids. ISBN 978-1-61714-985-6. LC 2011003502. ea vol: 32p. (Cool Stuff Series). photos. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. ABDO/Checkerboard Library. 2011. PLB $27.07. K-Gr 4–Useful, appealing, achievable projects–6 to 10 per book–are attractively photographed and clearly explained. Minimal special skills are required, although some supplies, tools, or equipment must be specifically purchased. With the use of retro typefaces and signature palettes, the design of these books is unusually sharp and reminiscent of a modern lifestyle magazine. Though there is a startling lack of diversity among the children used as models, and few of the crafts are original, the clean design makes these volumes tempting choices.

Grades 5 & Up

BUTKUS, Mike & Merrie Destefano. How to Draw Vampires: Discover the Secrets to Drawing, Painting, and Illustrating Immortals of the Night. illus. by Mike Butkus. chron. ISBN 978-1-936309-64-1. LC 2010052984. ––––. How to Draw Zombies: Discover the Secrets to Drawing, Painting, and Illustrating the Undead. illus. by Mike Butkus. ISBN 978-1-936309-63-4. LC 2010052983. RHEAUME, John. How to Draw Wizards: Discover the Secrets to Drawing, Painting, and Illustrating a World of Sorcery. illus. by author. ISBN 978-1-936309-65-8. LC 2010052985. ea vol: 128p. (Fantasy Underground Series). photos. CIP. Walter Foster. 2011. PLB $48.95. Gr 8 Up–Not for the squeamish or for beginning artists, these books will appeal to horror aficionados and fantasy enthusiasts with their colorful, gory depictions of supernatural characters ranging from vicious to seductive. In each volume, a lengthy introduction offers a gleeful mishmash of history and legends from around the world, loaded with references to popular culture. However, “How to Draw” is a misnomer–any duplication of the art in these books requires tremendous skill and/or a lot of tracing. Vampires and Zombies offer accomplished artists good tips on painting with acrylic and oil paints, airbrush, and Adobe Photoshop. Overly sexualized drawings of female characters make this series most appropriate for older readers.

DYBVIK, Tina. Cute Clothes for the Crafty Fashionista. ISBN 978-1-4296-6553-7. LC 2011002453. LAUGHLIN, Kara L. Beautiful Bags for the Crafty Fashionista. ISBN 978-1-4296-6550-6. LC 2011007406. ––––. Hip Hair Accessories for the Crafty Fashionista. ISBN 978-1-4296-6551-3. LC 2011002473. MEINKING, Mary. Creative Nail Art for the Crafty Fashionista. ISBN 978-1-4296-6552-0. LC 2011002464. ––––. Stylish Shoes for the Crafty Fashionista. ISBN 978-1-4296-6554-4. LC 2011002451. ea vol: 32p. (Fashion Craft Studio Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Capstone/Snap Bks. 2011. PLB $26.65. Gr 3-6–Reading-averse but style-conscious children may be tempted by these clear books. Nine to 11 projects ranging in style from super cute to decidedly edgy encourage individual experimentation and interpretation. Some of the projects are real standouts, e.g., feather-boa-trimmed “Princess Slippers,” a scarf made from an old T-shirt, and tiger-striped fingernails. Smiling, healthy-looking, diverse teen girls model the age-appropriate accessories and outfits; instructions are generally simple, although a few projects require sewing. Materials are easily obtainable and, in many cases, encourage re-use of outmoded items. A terrific series for fashion enthusiasts and reluctant readers alike.

TURNBULL, Stephanie. Card Tricks. ISBN 978-1-59920-495-6. LC 2010035667. ––––. Close-Up Tricks. ISBN 978-1-59920-496-3. LC 2011000252. ––––. Incredible Illusions. ISBN 978-1-59920-497-0. LC 20110043375. ––––. Mind-Reading Tricks. ISBN 978-1-59920-498-7. LC 20110043376. ––––. Prop Tricks. ISBN 978-1-59920-499-4. LC 20110045571. ––––. Vanishing Tricks. ISBN 978-1-59920-500-7. LC 2011000337. ea vol: illus. by Guy Callaby. 32p. (Secrets of Magic Series). diags. photos. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Smart Apple Media. 2011. PLB $28.50. Gr 3-6–This series makes good on its promise to reveal “secrets of magic.” Precise diagrams show budding illusionists how to make all the right moves while detailed instructions guide them through the nuances of patter, misdirection, and showmanship that make each trick work. Capsule biographies of famous magicians and “Trick of the Trade” sidebars accompany card and prop tricks, illusions, and feats of prestidigitation–enough to create an entire classroom of magicians. Design that channels old-time vaudeville show bills gives the books an unusual look, and while the frequent use of small typefaces might put off a few readers, the chance to mystify friends and family may be motivating enough to make this obstacle disappear.

Many of the arts and crafts books reviewed here have a dual purpose: although they do guide readers through fun activities, they are also clearly designed to grab the interest of reluctant readers. The series that achieve both goals most gracefully are Enslow’s “Easy Cookbooks for Kids,” Windmill’s “Awesome Activities,” Heinemann’s “From Trash to Treasures,” Smart Apple Media’s “Secrets of Magic,” and Capstone’s “Fashion Craft Studio.” Child’s World’s “5 Steps to Drawing” is a serviceable series for younger readers, but Walter Foster’s “Fantasy Underground,” while entertaining, is uneven.