Craft it Up Around the World by Libby Abadee and Cath Armstrong
| Craft it Up Around the World by Libby Abadee and Cath Armstrong | |
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| Category: Children's Non-Fiction | |
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Reviewer: Sue Magee
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| Summary: Thirty five geographically-based craft products which are gently educational, sensible and a lot of fun. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 128 | Date: July 2013 |
| Publisher: CICO | |
| ISBN: 978-1782490388 | |
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With long summer holidays looming ahead along with uncertain British weather it's alway a good idea to have plans about activities which will involve and interest children. In Craft it Up Around the World we've got thirty five suggestions for projects which will keep children entertained. As the title suggests we're going on a world tour and you can pick the projects to suit other activities you have planned, as a reminder of a holiday or just on a random basis.
Now - it is American, so if you're UK based you're going to have to accept that spellings are US rather than UK English and you can decide whether or not this is important to you. After some world bunting the projects are divided into four continental sections. The Americas come first and I loved the idea of the magnet pencil tin. It's a clean tin (think baked beans, or similar) which is painted and then used as a base for fridge magnets and holder for pencils. Instructions are clear and possible safety issues are covered - such as the likelihood of there being a sharp edge on the tin. Each project has a picture of the relevant national flag and an interesting fun fact. It's gently educational without pushing the point.
The book is aimed at children rather than their parents and is clear about where adult assistance might be required - or advisable - such as on the potato print tote. There are no undue restrictions though - children are encouraged to do things on their own which does give a greater sense of achievement than if you've done something with close adult supervision. You'll know the abilities of your own child but there are projects here which could suit children from say seven to early teens and even something like Tame Your Dragon (a Chinese Dragon Puppet) which I could well have enjoyed making myself.
Some projects require more in terms of supplies and equipment than others. For instance the Cars of Cuba Collection requires a picture frame but there are other projects such as the Three (Salt Dough) Coins in the Fountain which appear to have a long list of requirements but most of them are likely to be available in a reasonably well-stocked kitchen. It's not a book which is going to leave you greatly out of pocket.
I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to the Bookbag. (By the way, Amazon currently suggest that this is a hardback book, but my copy is a substantial paperback, complete with flaps!)
If this book appeals then we can also recommend Do Try This at Home: Cook It!! by Punk Science and Don't You Dare by Sharky and George.
I still quite fancy making that dragon, you know...
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You can read more book reviews or buy Craft it Up Around the World by Libby Abadee and Cath Armstrong at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Craft it Up Around the World by Libby Abadee and Cath Armstrong at Amazon.com.
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