From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8–Vibrant, artistically designed covers draw children into creative and challenging projects.
Hempincludes discussions of the fiber, beads, charms, pendants, clasps, supplies, loops, hanging, taping, pinning, knotting, and more. The 16 projects include bracelets, necklaces, anklets, chokers, earrings, and rings.
Birdhouses discusses wood, decorating, general supplies and tools, safety, work surface, clamping, sawing, drilling, and more. The nine eye-catching houses demand skill, patience, and assistance. Many tools and supplies–such as the power drill, epoxy, saw, etc.–require adult handling. Step-by-step, precise color illustrations and attractive photography will aid children in completing projects of varying degrees of difficulty. Most supplies are easily obtainable, but a few may be new to children. Ideas are given for further creativity. Along with Camilla Gryski's
Friendship Bracelets (1992), Judy Ann Sadler's
Beading (1998, both Kids Can), Ted S. Pettit's
Bird Feeders and Shelters You Can Make (Penguin, 1970; o.p.), and Robyn Haus's
Make Your Own Birdhouses and Feeders (Ideals, 2001), these titles will be welcome additions to most collections.
–Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Gr. 4-7. This book from the Kids Can Do It series provides instructions for making jewelry from strands of hemp that are woven in various patterns while incorporating beads, clasps, and other findings. The 16 projects include necklaces, bracelets, anklets, chokers, rings, earrings, and a watchband. An introduction to materials and tools leads off, followed by two double-page spreads illustrating how to begin and finish each weaving project. These instructions save repetition in the directions given later for individual jewelry ideas. Attractive and easy to follow, each page or spread begins with a color photo of the jewelry worn by a young person. There's no mention of the controversy that sometimes surrounds hemp. A list of supplies precedes the detailed, step-by-step instructions, which are clearly illustrated with large-scale, colorful ink-and-wash drawings.
Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved