Bookworks: Making Books by Hand [Paperback]

Gwenyth Swain (Author), Jennifer Hagerman (Illustrator), Andy King (Illustrator), Minnesota Center for Book Arts (Corporate Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-7-There are many wonderful titles that describe the publishing process for young readers, including some that focus on children producing their own work; Swain's splendid offering is a welcome addition to them. It begins with a brief, well-illustrated history of writing and bookmaking, and then turns to the more pragmatic issues, such as what to write about, planning ahead, and making a dummy. A variety of activities is presented, including paper making, binding and covering books in different ways, and creating pop-ups. The step-by-step directions are clear and explicit, with diagrams and full-color photographs to provide the occasionally necessary clarification. The final section discusses the many different methods of illustration, including handmade print blocks and collage. The bibliography is extensive. This volume will be popular with arts-and-crafts enthusiasts as well as with teachers. Even libraries with an extensive collection on books about books will want it.
Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-7. The sections on the history of the book and printing will be accessible to all, but the directions for papermaking are complicated, requiring adult supervision as well as careful planning of work locations. The bookmaking described, however, can be done with standard paper, and the directions for fold-ups, pop-ups, and books with windows will be good for students and teachers wanting to go beyond the basic side-bound book. Far more complex than a rainy-day book, but a good resource for teachers willing to devote the time. Illustrated with black-and-white drawings and full-color photographs. Mary Harris Veeder --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books; illustrated edition edition (August 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575050730
• ISBN-13: 978-1575050737
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,005,745 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gwenyth Swain is the author of more than two dozen books for young readers. Along with writing, she works as a library aide at Twin Cities Academy, a charter public middle school and high school in St. Paul, MN.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MAKING BOOKS FROM SCRATCH ? !, May 24, 2002

By 

mcHaiku "nmi" (Brown County INDIANA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Bookworks: Making Books by Hand (Carolrhoda Photo Books) (Library Binding)

BOOKWORKS: Making Books by Hand is published by Carolrhoda Books of Minneapolis, and so filled with projects that adults working with children may want to be selective in suggesting something simple like a collage & accordion book as a first step.

Whatever is chosen from the many varied examples is bound to be colorful and fun and give confidence which will lead to more complicated creations. Making the paper is a wonderfully squishy adventure which surprises and delights most beginners, even adults. Coloring or marbelizing paper is exciting,too. Sometimes words just tumble from one's imagination and soon the young artists have stories to write down, and perhaps decorate with block prints.

Gwenyth Swain introduces many interesting facts about the history of book-making, and you will feel the enthusiasm of the children pictured as they learn to make something "from scratch." The Minnesota Center for Book Arts offers classes to hundreds of lucky students but your library or community arts group could sponsor similar workshops. Participants could experiment with pop-ups for greeting cards, and make small bound books for special gifts. Their imaginations will suggest projects you can add in the back of the book.