Perfect for your young explorers and your elementary artists. Make a craft inspired by nature--and learn something, too!What can you create with some backyard objects and tissue paper? Your very own flower crown! Use easy-to-follow directions to make fifteen crafts (and two recipes!) with each one focused on nature. Crafts include fun facts and additional resources, giving covert learning opportunities for your little explorer and reducing screentime.
Clare Beaton creates illustrations for children's books using felt, buttons, fabrics, and other recycled materials. She has made art for children's puzzles and games, as well as television ads. She studied graphics and illustration and has three grown children. Clare grew up in North London where she still lives and works.
Young readers are encouraged to go outside and observe nature wherever they live, city or country, and then utilize those observations to create various complementary craft projects with everyday materials. Each spread includes short paragraphs about various aspects of nature, e.g., birds, deer, leaves, twigs. The book provides basic instructions and a materials list for creating projects such as a bird mobile, finger puppets, twig snowflakes, etc. The writing is accessible and the facts stick to the basics. The craft projects are simple and encourage the use of recycled materials from home; some will occasionally need adult supervision. The collage artwork is lovely and colorful, and the entire layout is very attractive. VERDICT: This is a nice addition to most craft collections for young children and could be used both at home and in a classroom setting.
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School Library Journal
