There are times when it is nice to sit down with your children and have a craft afternoon. It may be that it is too wet to play outside - or they may be home sick from school. Whatever the reason there are lots of great craft books at your local library to try. You may even be able to help your children make home made presents for their family and friends.
Come on, Dad! 75 things for fathers and sons to do together
Ed Avis
A simple book with a wide variety of activities and adventures for fathers to share with their sons – though most of them work equally well with girls. Each thing is well laid out with information and instructions, and there is a good balance between indoor and outdoor activities. The added bonus is that this is a New Zealand book, so the activities are New Zealand focused rather than American. Great for part time dads looking to get the most out of custody visits.
Reviewed by Erika
The best of children's art and crafts
This is the ultimate book to keep your family amused for hours. Inside this treasure trove are ideas about painting, printing, dyeing, collage, weaving, and so much more! Some of the more traditional crafts are here like finger-painting, but there are also cool ideas like making paintings using bubbles made from mixing paint and dishwashing liquid. The crafts involve a good mix of activities for pre-schoolers and older children.
Reviewed by Erika.
Papier mache
Judy Balchin
Paper mache has been around for years and nearly everyone knows how to make paper mache creatures using wallpaper paste and balloons. This book takes you to the next step and shows you how to make all sorts of things that can be used around the home, to be given as gifts, or to help with playtime. You can help your children make decorated headbands and Aztec jewellery, or maybe make an Egyptian cat statue, or even a storage box to give as a gift. A wonderful rainy day or quiet time activity - get back into the swing of paper mache today.
Reviewed by Erika.
The know, sow and grow kids' book of plants
Diana Noonan
This is a wonderful book full of gardening projects for children. It's one an older child could work on alone, or, better still, get the whole family involved. It's a great resource that includes facts about plants, how to grow them, recipes, and quick tips too. And best of all it's a NZ book so you can learn about kumeras and flax.
Reviewed by Lara.
 Back to top
|
