November 1, 2017
Gr 3-6-This smart-looking series featuring very detailed instructions (as many as 24 steps per project) and clear photos of hands demonstrating the actions (drawing, folding, holding tools) will tempt readers to try something new. The five to eight projects per volume advance in complexity, so there is something for beginners and experienced crafters alike. It's somewhat of a stretch to bill these as maker space projects-most are garden-variety crafts with a little bit of framing advice about collaboration, respect, and shared tools. However, there's an emphasis on planning that many craft books do not include and on learning techniques that are easily applied to projects of crafters' own design. Materials are drawn from standard craft and household items. VERDICT The stellar titles in this attractive series are Comics & Graphic Novels and Paper Pop-Up Art, while the projects in Bots & Circuits are hard to follow and are found in other books.
Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
January 1, 2018
This series centered on makerspaces should give middle-grade makers, crafters, and hobbyists fresh ideas to spark their creative imaginations. Framed with a boilerplate introduction to makerspaces and standard safety messages and materials lists, each volume offers stepped project directions illustrated with clear photos; useful "tip" sidebars appear throughout. Younger crafters may need some adult help, but they'll be motivated. Glos., ind.
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