The kids' guide to paper airplanes

Long before anyone flew a real plane into the great blue yonder, people were tossing around paper planes. So begins this enjoyably detailed guide to folding those paper missiles that have been the bane of elementary-school teachers since the invention of paper. Kids, on the other hand, will love this: using colorful, vivid, and clear step-by-step illustrations, Harbo demonstrates how to construct everything from the classic Dart to the circular Space Ring to the 18-step Silent Huntress (which actually requires scissors). Small arrows, which are explained at the beginning of the book, explain each thrilling crease and death-defying fold. Each double-page spread includes ratings on the plane's impressiveness and complexity, and offers a flying tip for maximum air time. Few crafts are as easy to get started on than paper airplanes, and this entry in the Kids' Guide series will get plenty of mileage.--Kraus, Daniel Copyright 2008 Booklist

Gr 3-6-Each of these titles includes well-illustrated instructions for easy completion of games, projects, or tricks. Games takes a nostalgic look at traditional pastimes such as Red Rover, Old Maid, and Ping-Pong Soccer. Passing along these activities and inspiring children to make up some of their own is an underlying purpose of the book. Pranks, an innocent collection of mischievous (and sometimes messy) practical jokes and tricks, includes instructions for making fake vomit, dive-bombing eggs in a bottle, and frightening friends with "rattlesnake eggs." Paper Airplanes is a great start for beginning engineers. Harbo lays out the steps for each creation clearly and provides descriptive illustrations and tips on the best ways to hold and fly the planes. Folding techniques increase in difficulty with each successive project. Great additions.-Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.