Eddie's toolbox And how to make and mend things

Having helped his single mum plant a garden in Eddie's Garden (2004) and cook a meal in Eddie's Kitchen (2008), young Eddie turns his hand to simple repair and woodworking projects. The tools, expertise, and adult supervision come from Tom, another single parent, who has just moved in next door. Garland caps her somewhat lengthy text with helpful advice addressed to both children and adults on tool-kit necessities and other relevant topics. The sunny tone of her informally drawn and colored illustrations conveys both an easy intimacy and a convincing sense that competence is within reach of would-be tool users of any age.--Peters, Joh. Copyright 2010 Booklist

K-Gr 2-Eddie is hoping a boy his age will move in next door, but when he sees the new family unpack, he notices that the only child is a girl his younger sister's age. When the two families meet over homemade cupcakes in the backyard, the two girls form an instant bond and go off to look for snails. Eddie is left alone with his mom, but not for long. Tilly's dad asks him if he'd like to help him with chores that need to be done. Eddie acts aloof at first, but as Tom teaches him how to use a saw, a hammer, and a screwdriver, the boy spends more time with his new neighbor. Soon, the two families are completing projects together, including a bird table so they can watch the birds and a door to their shared fence so they have access to the gardens. The book ends with an explanation of how children can use tools safely and attract birds to their own feeders. This is a lovely story about friendship between neighbors. Garland's watercolor illustrations show scenes in which everyone is helping one another. These two families make lending a hand look fun and rewarding. This title is a perfect choice for children learning about neighborhoods, role models, or families. Youngsters who have outgrown Bob the Builder may enjoy finding out more about tools from Tom and Eddie.-Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, AB, Canada (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Everybody helped to dig a hole for the bird table, then they all collected stones to put around the pole to make it steady and strong. Mum and Tom banged the stones down hard, and covered them with earth and grass. "Now for the bird food," said Mum. She made some bird cakes with raisins and grated cheese, mixed with fat. Eddie put the bird cakes and some peanuts into bird feeders. And he put out a bowl of water for birds to drink. Excerpted from Eddie's Toolbox: And How to Make and Mend Things All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.