Alkire, Jessie  Construct It!: Architecture You Can Build, Break, and Build Again
Gr. 4–6    32 pp.    ABDO

Checkerboard Library: Cool Makerspace Gadgets & Gizmos series. This short volume introduces makerspaces and architecture, providing instructions for six projects that use Legos, K'NEX, and cardboard. Photographs accompany clear instructions, and brightly colored backgrounds and lively fonts create an engaging aesthetic. The finished projects should foster interest in tinkering. Includes tips for "Makerspace Maintenance." Glos., ind. 

Subjects: The Arts; Handicrafts and Hobbies; Architecture; Construction

Beaton, Clare  Read, Learn & Create: The Nature Craft Book
Gr. K–3    32 pp.    Charlesbridge

Beaton, Clare and Haig, Rudi  Read, Learn & Create: The Ocean Craft Book
Gr. K–3    32 pp.    Charlesbridge

Instructions for a dozen craft projects plus one cooking activity accompany general information about common plants, animals, birds (Nature); and fish, penguins, turtles (Ocean). Collage illustrations underscore the versatility of paper as an art medium. Ocean's projects are a bit more free-form and advanced. "Seashore" (Nature) and "Beachcombing" (Ocean) spreads emphasize respect for nature. 

Subjects: Visual Arts; Handicrafts and Hobbies; Animals; Nature; Oceans; Animals--Marine animals

Cornell, Kari  The Craft-a-Day Book: 30 Projects to Make with Recycled Materials
Middle school, high school    168 pp.    Twenty-First Century

Photographs by Jennifer S. Larson. Reuse and re-purpose everything from socks to sweaters to tin cans and produce hats, gloves, home décor, and more. Each of thirty appealing projects is rated for difficulty; the entries include inspiration for the crafts, required equipment and materials, and step-by-step instructions. Full-color photos show the processes as well as the finished products, some modeled by young people. Reading list, websites. Ind. 

Subjects: The Arts; Handicrafts and Hobbies; Environment—Conservation

Frisby, Shalana  Felting Projects You Won't Be Able to Resist
Gr. 4–6    48 pp.    Capstone

Whooley, Karen  Crochet Projects That Will Hook You
Gr. 4–6    48 pp.    Capstone

Savvy: Crafty Creations series. A few pages of introductory material (different kinds of felt in Felting; yarn types, explanation of "gauge," and a basic how-to in Crochet) lead to directions for eight or nine handicraft projects. Close-up color photographs illustrate most steps. While Felting includes general instruction for wet and needle felting, Crochet builds skills more deliberately as projects become increasingly complex. Reading list. 

Subjects: The Arts; Handicrafts and Hobbies

Ives, Rob  Amazing Origami Animals
Gr. 4–6    32 pp.    Lerner/Hungry Tomato

Ives, Rob  Amazing Origami Dinosaurs
Gr. 4–6    32 pp.    Lerner/Hungry Tomato

Ives, Rob  Amazing Origami Gifts
Gr. 4–6    32 pp.    Lerner/Hungry Tomato

Ives, Rob  Amazing Origami Vehicles
Gr. 4–6    32 pp.    Lerner/Hungry Tomato

Amazing Origami series. In each volume, two somewhat boilerplate double-page spreads give a bit of background to this traditional Japanese craft and list the materials and basic techniques required to complete six or seven projects. Step-by-step illustrated instructions lead to three-dimensional miniature dogs, mice, iguanadons, gift boxes, rockets, boats, and more. Precision required—not for the impatient! Ind. 

Subjects: Visual Arts; Handicrafts and Hobbies; Japan; Paper; Origami; Animals; Prehistoric life—Dinosaurs; Gifts

From the October 2019 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.