It’s a common complaint that many children don’t participate in creative activities that aren’t technology based. They move from their phones to tablets to video games and rarely engage in undertakings that truly involve their senses, stimulate their imaginations, or result in a product. The books reviewed below are antidotes to this situation. Get off the couch and cook! Put the phone down and draw! Turn off the TV and figure out some magic! Great new DIY, arts, and activities series are available.

Preschool-Grade 4

HOLLAND, Gini. Holiday Crafts. ISBN 978-1-4777-1286-3; ISBN 978-1-4777-1374-7. LC 2012047078.

––––. Paper Crafts. ISBN 978-1-4777-1282-5; ISBN 978-1-4777-1370-9. LC 2012046791.

OWEN, Ruth. Fun Fabrics. ISBN 978-1-4777-1284-9; ISBN 978-1-4777-1372-3. LC 2013010458.

––––. Gifts. ISBN 978-1-4777-1287-0; ISBN 978-1-4777-1375-4. LC 2013011124.

––––. Jewelry. ISBN 978-1-4777-1283-2; ISBN 978-1-4777-1371-6. LC 2013011125.

––––. Nature Crafts. ISBN 978-1-4777-1285-6; ISBN 978-1-4777-1373-0. LC 2013011808.

ea vol: 32p. (From Trash to Treasure Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2013. lib. ed. $26.50; ebk. $26.50.

Gr 3-6–Each of these titles begins by supplying meaningful statistics regarding the staggering amount of waste that occurs on a regular basis in the United States. The information is presented in a manner that should impress and be understood by the target audience. For example, Holiday informs readers that there are enough Christmas cards sold each year to “fill a building that is 10 stories tall and covers as much ground as a football field,” and Fabrics explains that it takes around 950 gallons of water just to grow the cotton and manufacture the fabric for a single pair of denim jeans. More green information is interwoven throughout the text. Each volume provides directions for six crafts that can be made by recycling household trash, such as a bird feeder in Gifts that is made from a juice carton, and a feeder in Nature that is a bottle project. Some of the activities can be found in other craft books. The precise directions are accompanied by sharp, clear, color photos, and all necessary items should be readily available in any household. These environment-friendly titles would make worthwhile additions to most collections.

KUSKOWSKI, Alex. Cool East Coast Cooking: Easy and Fun Regional Recipes. ISBN 978-1-61783-828-6; ISBN 978-1-62401-222-8.

––––. Cool Gulf Coast Cooking: Easy and Fun Regional Recipes. ISBN 978-1-61783-829-3; ISBN 978-1-62401-223-5.

––––. Cool Midwestern Cooking: Easy and Fun Regional Recipes. ISBN 978-1-61783-830-9; ISBN 978-1-62401-224-2.

––––. Cool Pacific Coast Cooking: Easy and Fun Regional Recipes. ISBN 978-1-61783-831-6; ISBN 978-1-62401-225-9.

––––. Cool Southern Cooking: Easy and Fun Regional Recipes. ISBN 978-1-61783-832-3; ISBN 978-1-62401-226-6.

––––. Cool Western Cooking: Easy and Fun Regional Recipes. . ISBN 978-1-61783-833-0; ISBN 978-1-62401-227-3.

ea vol: 32p. (Cool USA Cooking Series). glossary. index. map. photos. websites. ABDO. 2013 lib. ed. $28.50; ebk. $28.50.

Gr 3-6–All the titles begin with an introduction to the featured region, a spread addressing health and safety, another that defines and illustrates “cool cooking terms” and tools, and a section of necessary ingredients. The instructions for the eight recipes that follow are nicely arranged, but some of the recipe names (e.g., “Three Sisters Soup” in East Coast) are left unexplained. One might expect to find recipes for foods mentioned in the introductions (“Delaware has a soft spot for peach pie. It’s their state dessert”), but that is not always the case. It is also puzzling as to why “Apple Crisp Delight” is included in Midwestern when apples are not mentioned as a special crop for any of those states. These are attractive, well-designed books with bright, clear photographs–but whether they are truly useful in reflecting the cuisine of an area is questionable.

LlIMÓS, Anna. Earth-Friendly Christmas Crafts in 5 Easy Steps. ISBN 978-0-7660-4188-2. LC 2012013291.

––––. Earth-Friendly Clay Crafts in 5 Easy Steps. ISBN 978-0-7660-4189-9. LC 2012013432.

––––. Earth-Friendly Crafts from Recycled Stuff in 5 Easy Steps. ISBN 978-0-7660-4190-5. LC 2012013433.

––––. Earth-Friendly Crafts with Nuts and Veggies in 5 Easy Steps. ISBN 978-0-7660-4191-2. LC 2012013434.

––––. Earth-Friendly Papier-Mâché Crafts in 5 Easy Steps. ISBN 978-0-7660-4192-9. LC 2012013436.

––––. Earth-Friendly Wood Crafts in 5 Easy Steps. ISBN 978-0-7660-4193-6. LC 2012013437.

ea vol: 32p. (Earth-Friendly Crafts in 5 Easy Steps Series). further reading. index. photos. websites. Enslow Elementary. 2013. lib. ed. $22.60.

Gr 2-4–Each of these books contains 14 projects, all of which can be made from either common household items or those that are inexpensive and easily obtainable. The crafts are sufficiently varied, so boys and girls should find them appealing. Color photos illustrate the steps. One objection would be that on the spread about making a mandala in Nuts, there is no indication that it has any other significance than just being a design. Papier-Mâché, oddly, does not have a recipe for the titular material. There is no explanation of why earth-friendly crafts are important. The simplicity of many of the projects, particularly those in Clay, make them suitable for burgeoning crafters.

MILES, Lisa. Origami Birds and Butterflies. ISBN 978-1-4339-9644-3; ISBN 978-1-4339-9647-4. LC 2012050335.

––––. Origami Dinosaurs. ISBN 978-1-4339-9648-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-9651-1. LC 2012050336.

––––. Origami Farm Animals. ISBN 978-1-4339-9652-8; ISBN 978-1-4339-9655-9. LC 2012050328.

––––. Origami Pets. ISBN 978-1-4339-9656-6; ISBN 978-1-4339-9659-7. LC 2012050329.

––––. Origami Sea Creatures. ISBN 978-1-4339-9660-3; ISBN 978-1-4339-9663-4. LC 2012050331.

––––. Origami Wild Animals. ISBN 978-1-4339-9664-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-9667-2. LC 2012050332.

ea vol: 32p. (Amazing Origami Series). diag. further reading. glossary. illus. index. photos. Gareth Stevens. 2013. lib. ed. $26.60; ebk. $26.60.

Gr 2-5–These books start with instructions for making the various folds and bases necessary for completing the six-to-seven projects that follow. Each one begins with a large photograph of the subject (or realistic illustrations in the case of dinosaurs) often in the same posture that the completed activity will reflect. Some projects can be done in as few as nine folds while others require as many as 22. A rating system of one star for easy, two for medium, and three for hard is provided, which should minimize frustration. Information about the particular animal featured appears in an introductory paragraph as well as in “Did You Know” text boxes. Libraries needing to beef up their origami sections will not be disappointed in these selections.

SANTILLAN, Jorge with Sara Eason. Drawing Baby Animals. ISBN 978-1-4339-9524-8; ISBN 978-1-4339-9527-9. LC 2012048248.

––––. Drawing Dinosaurs. ISBN 978-1-4339-9528-6; ISBN 978-1-4339-9531-6. LC 2012048244.

––––. Drawing Dragons. ISBN 978-1-4339-9532-3; ISBN 978-1-4339-9535-4. LC 2012048246.

––––. Drawing Fairies, Mermaids, and Unicorns. ISBN 978-1-4339-9536-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-9539-2. LC 2012048243.

––––. Drawing Knights and Castles. ISBN 978-1-4339-9540-8; ISBN 978-1-4339-9543-9. LC 2012048247.

––––. Drawing Pirates and Pirate Ships. ISBN 978-1-4339-9544-6; ISBN 978-1-4339-9547-7. LC 2012048250.

ea vol: 32p. (Learn to Draw Series). further reading. glossary. illus. index. websites. Gareth Stevens. 2013. lib. ed. $26.60; ebk. $26.60.

Gr 2-5–These titles provide precise, detailed, and clear instructions for drawing high-interest subjects. Each book includes six projects, and all of them can be completed in seven steps, beginning with a basic outline and ending with a colored final presentation. Information about the subject of each drawing is presented in a paragraph before and after each activity. For example, the instructions for how to draw a knight with a coat of arms are followed by facts about the code of chivalry. The colorful illustrations are large and vivid. Drawing books are perennially popular, and these should prove no exception.

Grades 5 & Up

BARBER, Barrington. The Fundamentals of Oil Painting: A Complete Course in Techniques, Subjects, and Styles. ISBN 978-1-78212-411-5.

CHAPMAN, Noel & Judith Cheek. Creative Fashion Drawing: A Complete Guide to Design and Illustration Styles. ISBN 978-1-78212-412-2.

COUSENS, David. Digital Art: A Complete Guide to Making Your Own Computer Artworks. ISBN 978-1-78212-410-8.

ea vol: 64p. (Creative Workshop Series). further reading. glossary. illus. index. photos. reprods. websites. Arcturus. 2013. lib. ed. $35.65.

Gr 7 Up–These books are definitely not for beginners or dilettantes. Prior knowledge and a deep interest in creating art are a prerequisite to using the volumes with any degree of success. The titles also require a substantial investment in equipment and materials. Fashion Drawing describes numerous kinds of specialist implements used to draw, as well as different kinds of paper. Digital Art requires the purchase of a digital art program, and Oil Painting suggests a wide variety of paints, brushes, canvases, easels, etc. In Fashion Drawing, very elaborate instructions are given for everything from drawing the human hand to drawing houndstooth check and herringbone tweed. This set would be most useful in school libraries where there is a strong, highly focused art curriculum that deals with the specific subjects.

BARNHART, Norm. Dazzling Card Tricks. ISBN 978-1-4765-0133-8. LC 2013004918

––––. Fantastically Funny Tricks. ISBN 978-1-4765-0136-9. LC 2013004919.

––––. Marvelous Money Tricks. ISBN 978-1-4765-0134-5. LC 2013004920.

––––. Stunning Stage Tricks. ISBN 978-1-4765-0135-2. LC 2013004940.

ea vol: 32p. (Edge Books: Magic Manuals Series). further reading. photos. websites. Capstone. 2013. lib. ed. $27.32.

Gr 3-7–Budding young magicians will appreciate these how-to volumes. The steps for each trick are clearly explained and accompanied by equally clear photos. The emphasis is on having readers show what they’ve learned to friends; many tips for performing effectively are sprinkled throughout the titles. (“Act surprised when you pull out the beat up shoe to add fun for the audience.”) Materials needed for each of the 9 to 11 exercises in each book include ordinary objects such as decks of cards, double-stick tape, coins, etc. The number of steps per trick ranges, and while some are challenging, most are approachable.

BLAKE, Susannah. Crafts for Accessorizing That Look. ISBN 978-0-7660-4313-8.

––––. Crafts for Pampering Yourself. ISBN 978-0-7660-4314-5.

––––. Crafts for Revamping Your Room. ISBN 978-0-7660-4315-2.

––––. Crafts for Styling Your Wardrobe. ISBN 978-0-7660-4316-9.

ea vol: 32p. (Eco Chic Series). glossary. index. photos. websites. Enslow. 2013. lib. ed. $22.60.

Gr 4-8–These titles focus on using household objects that would normally be thrown away to create fresh new goods. The only items crafters might need to purchase would be things such as needles, thread, and PVA glue–all of which are inexpensive and easily obtained. Each title has 11 crafts, which include a “You will need” list and numbered instructions that are accompanied by brightly colored photos that clearly demonstrate the steps. Each volume relays information about recycling and environmental awareness. For example, Accessorizing That Look explains that mining for precious jewels often causes environmental destruction. In Pampering Yourself, readers learn that many beauty products use petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Revamping Your Room discusses how paper can take 5 to 15 years to break down, and it releases dangerous gas as it does so. Styling Your Wardrobe informs fashion fans that “The average plastic bag is used for just five minutes but takes five hundred years to decompose.” From the style of the projects (bracelets, headbands, treasure boxes, etc.) and the preponderance of pink, the target audience here is strictly female. Solid choices where craft collections need a boost.

BOLITHO, Mark. Fold Your Own Origami Air Force. ISBN 978-1-4777-1319-8; ISBN 978-1-4777-1475-1. LC 2013005113.

––––. Fold Your Own Origami Army. ISBN 978-1-4777-1317-4; ISBN 978-1-4777-1473-7. LC 2013005111.

––––. Fold Your Own Origami Navy. ISBN 978-1-4777-1318-1; ISBN 978-1-4777-1474-4. LC 2013005112.

––––. Fold Your Own Origami Weapons. ISBN 978-1-4777-1320-4; ISBN 978-1-4777-1476-8. LC 2013012876.

ea vol: 32p. (Origami Army Series). diag. further reading. glossary. websites. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2013. lib. ed. $26.50; ebk. $26.50.

Gr 4-8–Each of these books begins with a basic introductory spread, While the other three introductions offer general information, Weapons can be uncomfortably specific given the age of the target audience. Each book proceeds with six identical pages that provide a list of materials and diagrams of basic techniques, followed by between five-and-seven projects that result in items such as a long-range bomber, battleship, or tank. Again, there are some uncomfortable statements. In Army, the preface to “Artillery” states, “Take aim with this great looking artillery piece.” Weapons refers to an automatic pistol as a “neat little weapon” and a missile as “real fun to have around.”

BOLTE, Mari. Acrylics. illus. by D.C. Ice. ISBN 978-1-4765-3109-0; ISBN 978-1-4765-3571-5. LC 2013005395.

––––. Oil Paints. illus. by Pamela Becker. ISBN 978-1-4765-3110-6; ISBN 978-14765-3572-2. LC 2013005394.

––––. Pastels. illus. by Pamela Becker. ISBN 978-1-4765-3111-3; ISBN 978-1-4765-3573-9. LC 2013005396.

––––. Watercolors. illus. by D. C. Ice. ISBN 978-1-4765-3108-3; ISBN 978-14765-3570-8. LC 2013001321.

ea vol: 32p. (Snap Books: Paint It Series). further reading. photos. reprods. websites. Capstone. 2013. lib. ed. $27.32; pap. $7.95.

Gr 4-9–In each volume, the characteristics and composition of the featured medium are described as are the kinds of papers that are most conducive to successful projects. Information also covers required tools, definitions of terms, and safety tips. Ten projects that require different techniques are then presented, each one slightly more difficult than the one before. While very specific and possibly expensive equipment is needed, the author does suggest purchasing supplies in increments until readers are sure that they will have genuine need for them. The layout is user-friendly, with the steps in logical order. These titles will work well for students with a strong artistic bent and as reference materials. Comprehensive introductions to creating artwork.

BRASH, Lorna. Professor Cook’s Dynamite Dinners. ISBN 978-0-7660-4301-5.

––––. Professor Cook’s Fruity Desserts. ISBN 978-0-7660-4302-2.

––––. Professor Cook’s Mind-Blowing Baking. ISBN 978-0-7660-4303-9.

––––. Professor Cook’s Smashing Snacks. ISBN 978-0-7660-4304-6.

ea vol: 32p. (Professor Cook’s... Series). glossary. index. photos. websites. Enslow. 2013. lib. ed. $22.60.

Gr 4-8–This set is visually appealing and, with its vivid colors and vibrant design, should attract a wide audience. Each book begins with a basic, informative introduction to the featured food category, some basic rules for both health and safety, a list of the abbreviations that will be used, and symbols that will indicate when adult help is needed. The 12 recipes that follow provide lists of ingredients, numbered instructions, and a “Science Bit” sidebar that explains why certain foods behave in a particular way. Clear, color photos featuring a diverse cast of kids illustrate the steps. Unfortunately, the list of ingredients is often extensive and contains some specific items that might prove difficult to find. For example, “Sticky Chicky Burger Stacks” requires little gem lettuce leaves, “Ice Bowl Fruit Salad” asks for four Gerbera flower heads, Cherry Puff Pie needs English mustard powder, etc. However, budding chefs will welcome the challenge of the complexity of these recipes and the scientific information is a definite plus.

DOBRZYCKI, Michael. Dragons. ISBN 978-1-93958-102-0. LC 2013012504.

FOSTER, Walter T. How to Draw 1. ISBN 978-1-93958-106-8. LC 2013011659.

––––. How to Draw 2. ISBN 978-1-93958-101-3. LC 2013012503.

KEELEY, Jack with Carson Van Osten. Cartooning 1. ISBN 978-1-93958-104-4. LC 2013012506.

LEE, Jeannie. Manga. ISBN 978-1-93958-107-5. LC 2013012505.

TAVONATTI, Mia. Pets. ISBN 978-1-93958-103-7. LC 2013012757.

ea vol: 32p. (The Beginning Artist Series). diag. illus. photos. Walter Foster. 2013. lib. ed. $28.50.

Gr 4-8–The first few pages of each volume describe the various tools and materials that will be needed, and then several techniques (such as value, texture, and achieving perspective) are introduced. More than 10 projects follow. The books have different approaches to learning, and the projects range from basic to fairly sophisticated. For example, in Dragons and Pets, readers follow a step-by-step method for arriving at a final design, while Cartooning focuses on three styles (cute, realistic, and zany) and the specific details needed for each category rather than going step by step to reach one individual cartoon. Manga also is more about characteristics (hair, facial expressions, etc.) than creating any one design. One drawback with this set is the unusually small font, which is a strain to read and will be a turnoff for the lower end of the age range. Artist’s tips are sprinkled throughout all volumes.

HANSON, Anders & Elissa Mann . Cool Flexagon Art: Creative Activities That Make Math & Science Fun for Kids! ISBN 978-1-61783-821-7; ISBN 978-1-62401-215-0.

––––. Cool Optical Illusions: Creative Activities That Make Math & Science Fun for Kids! ISBN 978-1-61783-822-4; ISBN 978-1-62401-216-7.

––––. Cool Paper Folding: Creative Activities That Make Math & Science Fun for Kids! ISBN 978-1-61783-823-1; ISBN 978-1-62401-217-4.

––––. Cool String Art: Creative Activities That Make Math & Science Fun for Kids! ISBN 978-1-61783-824-8; ISBN 978-1-62401-218-1.

––––. Cool Structures: Creative Activities That Make Math & Science Fun for Kids! ISBN 978-1-61783-825-5; ISBN 978-1-62401-219-8.

––––. Cool Tessellations: Creative Activities That Make Math & Science Fun for Kids! ISBN 978-1-61783-826-2; ISBN 978-1-62401-220-4.

ea vol: 32p. (Cool Art with Math & Science Series). chart. diag. glossary. illus. index. photos. reprods. websites. ABDO. 2013. lib. ed. $28.50; ebk. $28.50.

Gr 4-8–These books are not for inexperienced crafters. Flexagon requires several pages of explanatory material before the first project, “Make a Hexa-Tetra Flexagon,” is even introduced. In Paper Folding, children are asked to fold an icosahedron made from 20 triangles by following a pattern without the benefit of written instructions. And in Tesselations, readers may find the sentence “You will need a truncated tetrahedron for every cuboctahedron and truncated octahedron you make” more than a little intimidating. The complexity of the crafts make it difficult to know who the appropriate audience would be. Color choices include a great deal of black and gray, making the books look somber and less than child friendly. These sophisticated choices would require adult guidance and encouragement for children to avoid frustration. Diagrams and color photos illustrate the projects.

TURNBULL, Stephanie. Accessories: Style Secrets for Girls. ISBN 978-1-59920-943-2.

––––. Cards and Gifts: Style Secrets for Girls. ISBN 978-1-59920-944-9.

––––. Diaries and Keepsakes: Style Secrets for Girls. ISBN 978-1-59920-945-6.

––––. Fun with Friends: Style Secrets for Girls. ISBN 978-1-59920-946-3.

––––. Health and Fitness: Style Secrets for Girls. ISBN 978-1-59920-947-0.

––––. Looking Good: Style Secrets for Girls. ISBN 978-1-59920-948-7.

ea vol: 32p. (Girl Talk Series). diag. glossary. illus. index. photos. reprods. websites. Smart Apple Media. 2013. lib. ed. $28.50.

Gr 4-8–The goal of these volumes is to encourage girls to have confidence and self-esteem. Whether the focus is on accessorizing, making gifts, or keeping a diary, the emphasis is always on expressing one’s unique personality and not being guided by peer pressure or media hype. The books provide practical, common-sense advice without being preachy. There are frequent suggestions for avoiding unnecessary expense by either repurposing items already owned or making new items from easily obtainable materials (e.g., modeling dough for beads in Accessories) All the titles are peppered with interesting sidebars that reveal past fashion trends or provide tips that readers will appreciate. With its positive, upbeat attitude, this set would be a pleasing addition to most collections serving tweens.

The standouts here are Gareth Stevens’s “Amazing Origami,” PowerKids’s “From Trash to Treasure,” Enslow’s “Professor Cook’s…” and Smart Apple’s “Girl Talk.” With their engaging visuals and appealing activities that require little monetary investment, all of these sets will rarely be left on the shelves. The projects will engage readers’ brains, tap into their creativity, and result in products (from pies to origami to card tricks) that can be enjoyed and shared.