Nonfiction books for kids who like to create

Some nonfiction books teach, some inspire, some explain. The best, of course - do it all.  

And sometimes, nonfiction books are just for fun, like these two new titles for kids who like to create things with their hands. 

• Kenney, Sean. 2013. Cool Creations in 35 Pieces. New York: Henry Holt.

Using the same 35 pieces (in varying color schemes), Sean Kenney creates robots, more robots, transforming robots, rain forest creatures, vehicles, and more.  Fourteen "chapters" feature photographs of the completed project on a white background with comic graphics to indicate motion or location.  Adjacent to the photographs are simple wordless instructions to create each character, vehicle or object. I counted more than eighty projects to make.  Simple, fun, and perfect for doing with friends or family!

Visit the publisher's site to view interior pages of Cool Creations in 35 Pieces.

• DK Publishing. 2013. Make your own Gifts. New York: DK. 

Containing five chapters, Paper Craft Projects; Stitched and Beaded Goodies; Molded and Sculpted Treasures; Make, Bake, and Create Treats; and Beautifully Wrapped Projects, there should be something here for everyone.  Step-by-step illustrations are photographed, numbered and captioned.  A "You will need," graphic is included for each project. Gift giving or usage tips are included too. From the "beaded lizard" page,

These cute lizards make perfect gifts for everyone, including dads, uncles, and brothers.  They can be used as key rings, or hung from belts, backpacks, or even on curtains! 

Cards, cookies, candle jars, banks, and decorations ... there's a little bit of everything here.  These crafts are not for the very young, and some may require a little adult assistance.  Yes, instructions for these or similar gifts can likely be found on Pinterest or other sites, but Make your own Gifts is attractive, lays flat, and is readily available when the cable or wi-fi goes out.

Visit the publisher's site to view interior pages of Make Your Own Gifts.

It's Nonfiction Monday, read other reviews of nonfiction books for kids and teens at Nonfiction Monday.

Lego Space: Building the Future - a review

No Starch Press proudly proclaims that they publish "the finest in geek entertainment."  There's no doubt about it.  Unlike when I was younger, geek is cool and No Starch does geek very well.

If you think that kids are all about digital entertainment, you're only partly correct. Judging from the popularity of Lego® programs at public libraries, I'd venture to say that many, many kids and teens (and adults!) are passionate about Lego® building blocks.  And what do kids build with their Lego® blocks at public library programs?  Space vehicles.

Enter Lego Space.

Reid, Peter and Tim Goddard. 2013. Lego Space. San Francisco: No Starch Press.

Combining quality photography, how-to-instructions, and "fan fiction," Lego Space tells the story of the years between the Sputnik launch in 1957, and the successful settlement of humans on Panduro in the 2500s (rest assured, there will be battles!).  This large hardcover is a perfect "gift book," coffee table book, or instruction manual for your Lego® and sci-fi fans.



Note:
Review copy provided by the publisher at my request.