Crochet

July 1, 2005
Gr 4-8 -An attractively designed, sharply photographed cover and excellent organization will attract children and the adults who guide them to these 30 exciting projects. Step-by-step directions take craft enthusiasts from holding the yarn to slip stitches, single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet. Advanced stitching and techniques are also explained, as well as differences in hooks and yarns. Each project is listed with skill level, finished size, materials, gauge, stitches and yarn used, instructions, and a vibrant color photo (more than a dozen of which are full page). Precise illustrations also complement the text. Adult assistance is mentioned when using a steam iron or spray starch. Text boxes supply valuable tips on sizing, felting, and more. Back matter includes a metric conversion chart. This title is an excellent addition to most collections, along with Gwen Blakley Kinsler and Jackie Young's "Crocheting" (Kids Can, 2003) and Kelli Ronci's "Kids Crochet" (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2005)." -Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2005
Gr. 5-8. With knitting so popular, can crochet be far behind? This oversize offering, a good place for kids to begin, has everything going for it. Start with the fact that the book is a pleasure to look at. Fruity colors softening to lighter hues border the white space, photographs are large and crisp, and clever close-ups of the projects are often placed on the text pages. Then there are the projects themselves. Davis clearly knows what kids like: bags, scarves, scrunchies, stuffed animals, a phone carrier. Although the projects favor girls, boys are shown enjoying some of them (and also crocheting). Both visual and text explanations are very clear; abbreviations, tools and materials, and fixing mistakes get plenty of space. This is a must for your craft shelves.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)