Book making And Paper making: Be Your Own Publisher (Crafts)

Susan E. Haberle is a Capstone Press author.

Grade 3-5–These four titles suffer from simplistic ideas, poorly written instructions, inadequate illustrations, and a general lack of creative spirit. Projects rarely consist of more than gluing some doodad onto paper or fabric. Confusing directions lack illustrative support, thus limiting their usefulness. For example, in the first title, the section on papermaking includes a photograph of a bowl of paper scraps and an empty blender, but not one of paper pulp or a paper mold. In addition, the introduction to the chapter on bookbinding begins, One of the simplest bindings is the saddle-stitch, and then proceeds to explain how to staple pages together without ever discussing other binding methods. In Fashion Crafts, budding stylists are encouraged to let the designer in you bloom, but once again the suggested projects lack both style and originality. A pair of flip-flops is decorated with large plastic flowers and ribbon. The first spread in a chapter on ribbon belts consists of three short sentences and a photograph of a girl wearing a feather boa–and no belt. The least objectionable of these volumes is Room Decorating, which has one interesting project that involves making a ribbon and flower headboard. Scrapbooking includes a project that requires weaving paper strips together, but there is no explanation of how to weave. Craft enthusiasts will be much better served by the Cool Crafts series (ABDO) or any American Girl craft title (Pleasant Co).–Teri Markson, Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary School, Los Angeles
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