Crafts to Make in the Spring

June 1, 1998
K-Gr 4-Twenty-nine crafts inspired by spring and holidays are shown on double-page spreads and illustrated with full-color drawings. The directions are framed by border paintings that relate to the projects. The crafts include pussy willows made from cotton swabs, a rather novel "Huffing and Puffing Mr. Wind Puppet," a giant paper-plate shamrock, a bird's nest made from uncooked spaghetti, Passover candlesticks, an Easter bunny egg holder, and a spring-cleaning apron of paper towels. Some of the projects are easy enough to be done by kindergartners with adult help, while others could be completed by older children without too much supervision. If adult help is needed with cutting, etc., it is noted in the instructions. Gillian Chapman's Spring (Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1997) starts with Ramadan and is more multicultural, with descriptions of the various festivals; it has only 11 projects. Celia McInnes's Projects for Spring & Holiday Activities (Garrett, 1989) has 20 activities, including some for lesser-known holidays such as Holi (Hindu) and Wesak (Buddhist); it also has some information on the festivals. Kathy Ross's The Best Holiday Crafts Ever! (Millbrook, 1996) includes 12 ideas for Easter and an Earth Day windsock. Crafts to Make in the Spring would be a useful addition where more ideas are needed.-Pam Gosner, formerly at Maplewood Memorial Library, NJ