Hands-On Latin America: Art Activities for All Ages [Paperback]

Yvonne Y. Merrill (Author), Mary Simpson (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-7-Attractive but somewhat flawed, this collection of craft activities is based on the great pre-Columbian civilizations of Latin America, with a nod to contemporary folk art. The projects include jewelry, masks and clothing items, models made from Styrofoam, musical instruments, and decorations. The items are shown in colorful photographs, but the instructions are a bit sketchy for children working alone. The accompanying material includes a map of the area with points of interest marked (and sometimes misplaced?Palenque is on the wrong side of the Yucatan, and the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is shown in the middle of the ocean) and a timeline (which states that the Maya site of Tikal was built in A.D. 100, although the earliest structures there are actually from 300 B.C.E.). A glorious photograph and two pages of text deals with New World contributions, erroneously including coffee, native to Africa. Information on the history and culture of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca people seems generally accurate. Florence Temko's Traditional Crafts from Mexico and Central America (Lerner, 1996) has only eight crafts, several of which are duplicated here, and all are from contemporary traditions; however, it has clearer instructions and equally enticing photographs. Jeremy Comins's Latin American Crafts (Lothrop, 1974; o.p.) has excellent ideas and instructions, but it lacks color photos. For teachers needing craft ideas and who are able to flesh out the instructions, Hands-on... would be a useful addition-Pam Gosner, formerly at Maplewood Memorial Library, NJ
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-8, younger for use with an adult. The fourth title in Merrill's Hands-On series is an especially well-designed, eye-catching, and educational arts and crafts book. Inspired by museum artifacts from ancient cultures of Latin America, Merrill has adapted and created more than 30 authentic and affordable art projects that she presents for use within an impressively thorough format that includes a map, a time line, curriculum categories, and cultural histories as well as specific artifacts notes, patterns, acknowledgements, and a bibliography. In addition to being packed with pertinent information, the book is beautiful to look at with full-page, art-book-quality color photographs of the completed art projects opposite each page of instructions. Students and teachers alike will be inspired. A treasure for school libraries (order multiple copies to head off resource hoarding) and public libraries seeking more multicultural depth in their craft collections or art projects for their social studies sections. Annie Ayres

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 88 pages
• Publisher: Kits Publishing (March 18, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964317710
• ISBN-13: 978-0964317710
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #437,655 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #93 in Books > Children's Books > Travel & Cultures > Explore the World > Central & South America

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hands-On Latin America, May 1, 2000

By 

becky ellis (Reno, NV) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hands-On Latin America: Art Activities for All Ages (Paperback)

This book is a must-have for anyone involved with youth and/or multi-cultural projects. The crafts featured are not pipecleaner-pom pom stuff, rather they are works of art reflectling cultural history and traditions. Wonderful photographs and easy to follow instructions. Templates, clay recipes and brief, but interesting facts included for each project. Both children and adults will enjoy the activities. I've checked this book out from the public library so many times, I decided that I needed my own copy!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Latin American Craft Book, August 17, 2007

By 

B. Buddenhagen "nature & nurture" (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hands-On Latin America: Art Activities for All Ages (Paperback)

I purchased half a dozen craft books looking for Latin American themed projects, and this is my very favorite. There are more than 30 crafts - ranging from New World Contributions, Maya, Aztec & Inca Activities, masks, jewelery and decorations. There is something for every age group from 2-adult.