The nature craft book

K-Gr 2-Young readers are encouraged to go outside and observe nature wherever they live, city or country, and then utilize those observations to create various complementary craft projects with everyday materials. Each spread includes short paragraphs about various aspects of nature, e.g., birds, deer, leaves, twigs. The book provides basic instructions and a materials list for creating projects such as a bird mobile, finger puppets, twig snowflakes, etc. The writing is accessible and the facts stick to the basics. The craft projects are simple and encourage the use of recycled materials from home; some will occasionally need adult supervision. The collage artwork is lovely and colorful, and the entire layout is very attractive. VERDICT This is a nice addition to most craft collections for young children and could be used both at home and in a classroom setting.-Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Information combines with easy crafts to introduce various types of plants and animals in this compilation.Each spread introduces basic facts about a topic, such as "Birds," "Birds in Winter," "Owls," "Twigs," "Wildflowers," "Insects," and more. Collage-style illustrations in natural hues with pops of colorreds and oranges for squirrels, berries and fruitsdisplay different species, each labeled clearly. On the recto of each spread, a craft based on its theme is described. Most of the crafts involve tracing a template from the book and then transferring the template onto colored paper before putting the pieces together. The crafts generally use inexpensive items that are easily found around the house, such as toilet-paper rolls and coat hangers. While some of the crafts are innovative and entertaining, such as a fluttering butterfly that rides on one's finger or animal finger puppets, others, like a paper-plate fish, will likely garner only a little attention before winding up in the recycling. The information is easily read with a child, but the craft instructions are best suited for an adult reader who will demonstrate the craft for the child. The illustrations are certainly the best part about both this and its companion volume, The Ocean Craft Book.A decent first nature activity book for use with preschool-age children. (Informational picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Birds in Winter   As winter approaches, the weather gets colder and it is harder for birds to find food. The insects, worms, and seeds that birds usually eat start to disappear. Some types of bird migrate to warmer places for the winter. Other birds brave the cold and stay in one place all year round. You can help these birds by putting food out for them. What You Will Need Birdseed, raisins, peanuts, grated cheese, peanut butter/shortening, large pinecone or small clean yogurt container, string/yarn, scissors, small plastic water bottle, twigs/wooden skewers at least 12 inches (30 cm) long   Water Bottle Feeder 1. Make two holes on one side of a plastic water bottle with scissors, across from two holes you make on the other side. 2. Push twigs or wooden skewers through each hole on one side and across to a hole on the other side. These are for the birds to stand on. 3. Fill the bottle with birdseed. 4. Wrap string or yarn around the neck of the bottle and screw the cap on tight to hold it in place. 5. Hang the bottle outside where you can see it. Wait for the birds!   Pinecone or Yogurt Container Feeder 1. Mix 1/2 cup of birdseed, a handful of raisins, some peanuts, 2 tablespoons of grated cheese, and ¼ cup of peanut butter or shortening in a bowl. 2. Tie a length of string or yarn around the top of the pinecone and fill the spaces with the birdseed mixture. Or make a hole in the bottom of the yogurt container with scissors and push a piece of string or yarn through, securing it with a knot or with tape, and then fill with the birdseed mixture. 3. Hang the pinecone or yogurt container outside where you can see it. Wait for the birds! Excerpted from The Nature Craft Book: Read, Make, and Create 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.