Bought In Bulk

It’s refreshing to see a craft series that acknowledges two of the less popular realities of crafting–flimsy or unattractive finished projects and the ever-expanding proliferation of leftover materials. The 16 to 19 projects in each of these books function more as jumping-off points than formulas to be followed word-for-word. Crafters can cover plastic eggs with glitter as the instructions suggest or use beads and sequins–whatever little sparkly things they have lots of. However, sometimes this lack of specificity could lead to heartbreak, as when a twisted and rolled chenille stem craft begins to unravel because the directions merely called for “glue” instead of specifying a type of glue. But by and large, readers will find easy, medium, and challenging new uses for ribbon ends, leftover clay, extra casting resin, old crayons, and the like. And as promised, the results will be objects to keep. VERDICT Tweens can make a bracelet or decorate a picture frame while reusing and recycling. Consider for large collections.–Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library “School Library Journal, Series Made Simple”

Mari Bolte is the author and editor of hundreds of children’s books. Every book is her favorite book as long as the readers learned something and enjoyed themselves!