Make a Castle Your Way!

May 1, 2019

Gr 2-4-Imagine, design, gather materials, assemble, assess, adjust-creativity has a method similar to science, and these books guide readers through it. Instead of laying out projects like recipes, these books provide a loose framework and helpful prompts to get makers thinking about the design decisions that will guide their project: shape, scale, and function. Materials options are outlined in terms of attributes like permanence and appearance. Kids are encouraged to evaluate everyday objects for their utility in creating the dinosaur/spaceship/castle of their dreams, bounce ideas off peers and adults, and borrow freely from real-world and fictional examples. Great little crafty tips abound, and lots of photos of kooky finished projects will help get the inspiration flowing. Colorful craft supplies and bold graphic shapes stand out against a white background to create readable, inviting pages. VERDICT These books give kids permission to make what they want to make.

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2019
Grades K-3 Most craft and experiment books give step-by-step directions to produce a specific outcome. This makerspace volume from the Super Simple DIY series (6 titles) takes a different approach to building and experimentation. With a focus on making a castle, it only asks children to bring four things to their makerspace: imagination, inspiration, collaboration, and problem-solving. Guided questions prompt students to consider what their castle might look like, what shapes might make its wall structure, how it might be decorated, and more details. Plenty of colorful sidebars and photographs offer examples of real-life castles and models, as well as possibilities for both materials and structure. Once readers have a plan, separate sections provide useful tips. For instance, a collaboration section relates how working with a partner or expert can lead to new and supplemental ideas. Additionally, Helpful Hacks describes interesting construction techniques and tricks, while Problem-Solve presents tips and more guided questions to consider when the construction isn't as successful as planned. With this fun and functional title, young makers will find countless, creative possibilities.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)