Customer Reviews

Finger Strings: A Book of Cats Cradles and String Figures

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have many string figure books, but this one is special.

First, the illustrations. The use of the colour is so good.

There are green arrows to show the movement of the strings,

and other green arrows that change to red to mean that a new string has been picked by a finger.

The final illustrations are multicoloured.

Secondly, the choice of the figures:

even the simple figures will interest everybody. The author knows how to introduce a story (flag and girl) or a little magic (necklace link) into the making of the string game.

There are many stars, not only made with strings (five-pointed stars) but also with elastic band (star in a star) and stars for two or five persons (big star)!

The figures that going so well with little stories (the sealskin house) ) or rhymes (nibble fish) (by Jaimen McMillan and Milly Reynolds).

All the people loves 3D figures and Michael Taylor puts also some.

The Eiffel Tower on four feet is fantastic and so simple.

I have kids and I know that they are always impressed by the

moving figures. The growing sunflower that changes into two men

(one with a big belly!) is the best.

You have as well what I call special figures:

the ringing bell and the Olympic flag.

Thirdly, the chapters: partner games (tortoise shell), tricks (thumb jump), string things (wrist watch), children inventions (trampoline), the very simple figures (dewdrops) include many figures old and new

that will enchant you.

Last but not least, the last chapter Stringing stories together.

Two long stories (The dragon, the Princess and Jack/Two brothers find treasure), a gift that will delight you.

Don't forget to read ideas for making stories and as well

the sources of the figures.

The most important feature of this book is the binding.

The spiral binding allows the book to lay flat and it is encased with a wrap-around hard cover. Inside you will find two strings.

My daughter (7 years) has very much hooked onto this... and I really like how she can engage her little sister, adults and her own peers to play the finger strings. I remember doing it as a kid! It is also something that can travel-- bring the string and keep occupied anywhere. The book is laid out with very clear and easy pictures - and even better: stories and songs that go with the string that are easy to remember. My 4 year old likes to copy the stories... It is always amazing to remember and feel the beauty of storytelling with movements.

I love to do string figures, and this is a book I return to over and over. It has just the right blend of beginner and advanced figures. The illustrations are clear and easy to follow. If you're just learning or if it's for a younger child, then the Klutz book is best. But this book is wonderful if you already know some basics and want to do more (both for older children and adults). I have had great fun using this with nieces and nephews ages 9-14.

My 7 year old daughter and I did a bunch of the figures from this book. Mostly, I did them first and she followed along, but we had a great time.