I was recently sent some wonderful craft books for children to review from the inspiring publishers Cico Books. I’ve been offered lots of things to review on this blog but this is the first one I’ve accepted because of the fabulousness of the products! I am a real sucker for judging a book by its cover and these tick all the right boxes as they are laid out with beautiful photographs, clear instructions and a clean, modern style. I already own a couple of their children’s clothing books and have bought them as gifts for friends.
The first is called Origami for children (Ono and Ono) and has 35 step-by-step paper folding projects. These range from the more traditional baskets, animals and boxes to some really fun and quirky paper food, pencils and rockets! I have my eye on a beautiful set of rainbow nesting boxes to make with the girls as I know just how much they will love stacking, nesting, fitting, filling and emptying them! Great early learning skills to be gained too. The book says for ages 3+, but I would definitely say this is more suitable for ages 5/6+ because of the high level of fine motor skills involved. It would make a wonderful present for a slightly older child who loves crafts ( I would have LOVED this as a girl!)
The book comes with 61 pieces of origami paper so you are all ready to get started! I particularly like the references throughout to the original Japanese words and traditions which accompany each project.
The second book is called Paper, Scissors, Glue (Woram) and promises that all you need to add are these three crafting essentials! The range of craft projects in this book is divided nicely into the following categories: cutting, folding, painting & printing and modelling. There are some really beautiful, simple ideas in here, from lion masks and ladybird mobiles to pirate hats and 3-D dinosaurs! There are quite a few things in here that I have done with the girls at some point in the past too, such as a paper mache hot air balloon, pirate treasure maps, and a junk model space rocket. Maybe they should get me to write for their books? Ha ha.
Bottom line, I think this is a LOVELY book for ages 3 to 10, with a nice balance of projects for both boys and girls. A great starter handbook for those keen to dip into crafting with their children at home.
Disclosure: I received these books to review from Cico Books (Ryland, Peters & Small), but the opinions in the review are entirely my own.
I was just wondering today when you were going to write your own book! 😉