Make a Spaceship 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.