(3) 4-6 Bewitching Holiday Crafts series. This series entry provides instructions to make twelve Halloween-appropriate accessories using mostly recycled materials. Besides the first project ("Monster Feet"), which requires some items that may be difficult to source (old clogs and “window and door insulating foam spray”), the crafts creatively use common household materials. Simple, straightforward instructions are accompanied by photographs of various steps and occasional “Hair-Raising Tips” with craft variations and costume ideas.

Reviewer: Monica de los Reyes

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat. Barton explores glitter, a source of fascination (and frustration), diving into the science, history, and entrepreneurship that created the material we know today. He doesn't shy away from the drawbacks, from everyday irritations to the serious environmental impact of microplastics to the exploitation of child labor in the mining industry. But he also explores the joys of glitter, including why people have always been attracted to things that shine and sparkle. From the early days of using mica and beetle shells to create something shiny to new innovations intended to make glitter more ecologically friendly, Prabhat's colorful, layered, collage-style digital illustrations capture its messy allure. Many spreads are flecked with small shapes, evoking glitter's ubiquitous quality. Whether they love the stuff or loathe it, readers will find something here to pique their curiosity. Back matter includes an author's note on Barton's research process, an illustrator's note, sources, and suggestions for further reading.

Reviewer: Laura Koenig | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2023

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova. "Click. Clack. / Swish-- / pull back. / Bobbin and heddle, / foot pedal, no slack." A rhyming, rhythmic text, meant to mimic the sounds of a modern floor loom, uses a child's first-person voice to explore the practice of weaving through history, highlighting some of the many cultures practicing this art. From page to page, with weaving as the through line, a child toys with the yarn, making connections and imagining her way around the world (beginning with China and the silkworm) while her elder works at the loom, turning the story into a metaphorical global tapestry. Gouache illustrations in contrasting reds and blues play with the ideas and concepts mentioned in the text in a fanciful way. The girl and her cat peek out from behind pottery featuring Egyptian settings, the text chanting, "It sings of flaxen fibers spun / by fingers deft and proud-- / threads destined for a dancer's robes / or for a pharaoh's shroud." While readers would need to have a firm understanding of world history to recognize all the visual and textual cues, extensive back matter expands on each cultural tradition and the time period. Author and illustrator notes include details about their intentions and research in this broad sweep of appreciation and respect for the craft of handmade textiles across cultures.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2023

(3) K-3 This activity book has something for everyone. Twelve sections feature between nine and twenty-two projects and diversions, from baking and art projects to April Fools' jokes and magic tricks, from building a "Chain Reaction Machine" to gardening and birdwatching. Supported by illustrations, color photos, and lots of graphic elements, the sections all open with "6 Quick Challenges" to draw readers in or for easy distraction. The final chapter, "Do Great Things," inspires readers to direct their energy outward: e.g., "Write Sidewalk Sayings," "How to Be a Good Friend," and "Be a Family Reporter." Related websites, "Kitchen Tips," a US map and list of states and capitals, an index, and more are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 This book offers nine different magic-oriented ideas for fantastic parties: an Alchemists' Gathering, a Fairy Frolic, a Druid Halloween party, and more. For each party, the text suggests costumes, crafts, decorations, food, and games. Much care has gone into the look of the book (purportedly written by a 600-year-old wizard): thick, padded covers; sepia-toned pages; and fanciful illustrations. Ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 REVIEW MISSING

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Clare Beaton. Instructions for a dozen craft projects plus one cooking activity accompany general information about common plants, animals, birds (Nature); and fish, penguins, turtles (Ocean). Collage illustrations underscore the versatility of paper as an art medium. Ocean's projects are a bit more free-form and advanced. "Seashore" (Nature) and "Beachcombing" (Ocean) spreads emphasize respect for nature.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Kids who like "pottering" around with crafts may enjoy this illustrated volume of wizard-themed projects, which includes instructions for making a sorcerer's hat, a crystal ball, and a patterned lampshade. Most require a lot of materials and are complicated to make, while the potion recipes warn readers that they must not be consumed. Information on poltergeists, the zodiac, and other mystical subjects is featured between projects. Ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Amazing Origami series. In each volume, two somewhat boilerplate double-page spreads give a bit of background to this traditional Japanese craft and list the materials and basic techniques required to complete six or seven projects. Step-by-step illustrated instructions lead to three-dimensional miniature dogs, mice, iguanadons, gift boxes, rockets, boats, and more. Precision required--not for the impatient! Ind. Review covers these Amazing Origami titles: Amazing Origami Animals, Amazing Origami Dinosaurs, Amazing Origami Gifts, and Amazing Origami Vehicles.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Amazing Origami series. REVIEW MISSING

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Amazing Origami series. REVIEW MISSING

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Amazing Origami series. REVIEW MISSING

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Cool Makerspace Gadgets & Gizmos series. Checkerboard Library: Cool Makerspace Gadgets and Gizmos series. This short volume introduces makerspaces and architecture, providing instructions for six projects that use Legos, K'NEX, and cardboard. Photographs accompany clear instructions, and brightly colored backgrounds and lively fonts create an engaging aesthetic. The finished projects should foster interest in tinkering. Includes tips for "Makerspace Maintenance." Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) K-3 Super SandCastle: Super Simple Holidays series. Each volume in this appealing, child-friendly series begins with a short introduction to the designated holiday and a few of its celebratory customs, followed by directions for nine or ten holiday-related crafts. Projects include garlands, greeting cards, snacks, decorations, and games. Each project includes a materials list (requiring mainly standard craft supplies) and step-by-step instructions; clear photographs helpfully illustrate crucial steps. Glos. Review covers these Super SandCastle: Super Simple Holidays titles: Super Simple Christmas Activities, Super Simple Earth Day Activities, Super Simple Halloween Activities, Super Simple Presidents' Day Activities, Super Simple Thanksgiving Activities, and Super Simple Valentine's Day Activities.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 Super SandCastle: Super Simple Holidays series. Each volume in this appealing, child-friendly series begins with a short introduction to the designated holiday and a few of its celebratory customs, followed by directions for nine or ten holiday-related crafts. Projects include garlands, greeting cards, snacks, decorations, and games. Each project includes a materials list (requiring mainly standard craft supplies) and step-by-step instructions; clear photographs helpfully illustrate crucial steps. Glos. Review covers these Super SandCastle: Super Simple Holidays titles: Super Simple Christmas Activities, Super Simple Earth Day Activities, Super Simple Halloween Activities, Super Simple Presidents' Day Activities, Super Simple Thanksgiving Activities, and Super Simple Valentine's Day Activities.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 Super SandCastle: Super Simple Holidays series. Each volume in this appealing, child-friendly series begins with a short introduction to the designated holiday and a few of its celebratory customs, followed by directions for nine or ten holiday-related crafts. Projects include garlands, greeting cards, snacks, decorations, and games. Each project includes a materials list (requiring mainly standard craft supplies) and step-by-step instructions; clear photographs helpfully illustrate crucial steps. Glos. Review covers these Super SandCastle: Super Simple Holidays titles: Super Simple Christmas Activities, Super Simple Earth Day Activities, Super Simple Halloween Activities, Super Simple Presidents' Day Activities, Super Simple Thanksgiving Activities, and Super Simple Valentine's Day Activities.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 Super SandCastle: Super Simple Holidays series. Each volume in this appealing, child-friendly series begins with a short introduction to the designated holiday and a few of its celebratory customs, followed by directions for nine or ten holiday-related crafts. Projects include garlands, greeting cards, snacks, decorations, and games. Each project includes a materials list (requiring mainly standard craft supplies) and step-by-step instructions; clear photographs helpfully illustrate crucial steps. Glos. Review covers these Super SandCastle: Super Simple Holidays titles: Super Simple Christmas Activities, Super Simple Earth Day Activities, Super Simple Halloween Activities, Super Simple Presidents' Day Activities, Super Simple Thanksgiving Activities, and Super Simple Valentine's Day Activities.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 Super SandCastle: Super Simple Holidays series. Super SandCastle: Super Simple Holiday series. This appealing, child-friendly series begins with a short introduction to the designated holiday and a few of its celebratory customs, followed by directions for nine or ten holiday-related crafts. Projects include snacks, decorations, and games. Each project includes a materials lists (requiring mainly standard craft supplies) and step-by-step instructions; clear photographs helpfully illustrate crucial steps. Glos.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 Super SandCastle: Super Simple Holidays series. Each volume in this appealing, child-friendly series begins with a short introduction to the designated holiday and a few of its celebratory customs, followed by directions for nine or ten holiday-related crafts. Projects include garlands, greeting cards, snacks, decorations, and games. Each project includes a materials list (requiring mainly standard craft supplies) and step-by-step instructions; clear photographs helpfully illustrate crucial steps. Glos. Review covers these Super SandCastle: Super Simple Holidays titles: Super Simple Christmas Activities, Super Simple Earth Day Activities, Super Simple Halloween Activities, Super Simple Presidents' Day Activities, Super Simple Thanksgiving Activities, and Super Simple Valentine's Day Activities.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) YA Photographs by Jennifer S. Larson. Photographs by Jennifer S. Larson. Reuse and re-purpose everything from socks to sweaters to tin cans and produce hats, gloves, home décor, and more. Each of thirty appealing projects is rated for difficulty; the entries include inspiration for the crafts, required equipment and materials, and step-by-step instructions. Full-color photos show the processes as well as the finished products, some modeled by young people. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges