Clay Characters for Kids

December 1, 2003
Gr 3 Up-This attractive book shows how to create 30 characters out of polymer clay. A "Note to Grown-Ups" gives tips and reminders, including the fact that adult supervision is needed. Although this supervision is most important in the baking step that hardens the clay, many of the projects will require patience and detailed work that may be beyond younger sculptors. Several pages give helpful hints for working with the medium and list supplies. The color wheel and basic shapes are treated with the same whimsy as the projects. The figures all stem from the basics taught at the beginning, and range from a simple pig made from several balls squished together to a complex dragon with multicolored scales. Each step is explained and captured in a clear, color photograph. The amount of clay needed and finished sizes are not given, but the pictures should be enough for most modelers to figure it out. An appealing how-to.-Genevieve Gallagher, Orange County Public Library, VA

Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.