Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 4-7. Knitting may not be the first free-time activity kids think of, but this very attractive book is just the thing to get them interested. Special care has been taken with the book's design--everything from the typeface to the layout to the bright background colors and occasional original artwork makes the book look hip and fresh. Dynamic color photos show both boys and girls knitting away at appealing projects--among them, backpacks, hats, puppets, scarfs, and a sweater. The instructions for knitting basics, such as casting on and the garter stitch, are given both in writing and visually, and are so clear that adult books on knitting could pick up some pointers. A list of yarn sources and information on caring for hand-knits round out the treatment. Not your grandmother's knitting book. (Reviewed April 1, 1998)1885183763Ilene Cooper
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 6-Appealing, full-color photographs and a dynamic layout will draw readers to this book, but the careful crafting of instructions will make them successful knitters. Beautiful photos show a group of young people having fun making and wearing attractive hats, socks, and sweaters. Not only are projects and skills arranged in an orderly progression of difficulty, but the directions also begin explicitly and gradually move toward the standard abbreviations used in commercial patterns (e.g., "knit 1" is written out instead of abbreviated as "k1"). Additional material sets this title above the few others available on the topic. There's good information on proper blocking and laundering of finished garments, dyeing wood with Kool-Aid, making wooden needles, felting wool, sewing knitting bags, the multicultural aspects of knitting, and (most importantly) finding other knitters to help with the inevitable confusions of acquiring a new skill. By following the clear directions, 10 year olds with a mechanical bent can learn the basics unaided. With some help from an experienced knitter, kids as young as five could have a rewarding new hobby. Only a small flaw mars this exemplary workÄthere is a reversed diagram, but an errata sheet correcting this error is available. A terrific resource.-Torrie Hodgson, Burlington Public Library, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
