K-Gr 3--Cardboard, clay, and paper are the main materials for the majority of these projects. Photos paired with step-by-step instructions make the final claymationlike figures of pirates, fairies, and kings, etc., seem easily achievable, but this is deceptive. The pictures do not show the molding, mixing, and sculpting of clay and/or shaping of craft wire that will require more dexterity than small hands have. The lack of measurements and templates (e.g., one instruction directs, "Draw an ogre on cardboard. Cut it out") makes readers draw freehand and figure out the appropriate size and scale on their own. The final pages of each book employ all the crafts in a story and encourage readers to do the same. While some techniques, like making planets from Styrofoam balls, can cross over to school projects, the focus is on fun over fact.
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