Creature Camp

September 2, 2013
While not specifically titled as such, Gratz’s book is a bit of a “learn to sew” book for children, presenting sewing skills in a logical way for young beginners. From pinning fabric to threading a needle, she and coauthor Jo, her young daughter, lead readers on to stuffed creatures that employ various sewing techniques: Mr. Roboto uses freezer paper and fabric markers, while Harry the Round-Bellied Bear will teach children how to sew a curved seam on a stuffed animal. Wendi’s personality comes through—“Get a real sewing machine, not a toy,” she insists—in a way that makes a nice change from the anonymity of other craft book authors. The book’s design is busy, with lots of tips and graphic details stuffed onto each page. Less bothersome are the delightfully amateur-looking finished softies in the photographs; it’s clear that real kids made these, which should provide ample inspiration without intimidation for young crafters. Full-color photos.