Fairy Tale Knits: 32 Projects to Knit Happily Ever After by A. Stewart-Guinee
Publisher: Wiley (August 31, 2009)
Level: Intermediate (but adaptable to other levels)

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Numbered amongst the skills I have not mastered is knitting. But, this title has me anxious to learn quickly before my daughter grows up to an age where homemade isn’t cool. Some of these projects are so ingenious and completely in tune with what kids really want (knit cap with crown embellishment). Absolutely wonderful ideas and a great gift idea for your favorite knitter.

Buy this book on Amazon.com

Itty-Bitty Toys: How to Knit Animals, Dolls, and Other Playthings for Kids by Susan B. Anderson
Liz Banfield (Photographer)
Publisher: Artisan; Spi edition (October 5, 2009)
Level: Intermediate

Kiwi Magazine Review:
If you are a knitter, gather your things and head immediately to the yarn shop because you will want to make every little adorable project in this book. If you’re not (like me), I just enrolled in classes so I can head to the yarn shop and make each one of these projects. Rethink sweaters and zone into giraffes and grapes. Absolutely irresistible.

Buy this book on Amazon.com

The Perfect Handmade Bag by Clare Youngs
Cico (August 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
It is taking every last iota of discipline not to jump off the computer and yank out the sewing machine and fabric to start creating the perfect handmade bag (or 20). The designs are fabulous and range from simple to slightly more complex (but well within the reach of a beginner. Through the magic of no-sew products, I also have many people convinced that I sew expertly. Grab your stash of fabric and start creating!

Buy this book on Amazon.com

Simple Home by Mark Bailey and Sally Bailey
Ryland Peters & Small (September 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
The lovely simplicity of the style of the rooms in the book make you feel instantly calm. The clear reuse and repurposing of old items adds charm and dimension to these clutter-free designs.

Buy this book on Amazon.com

Making Children’s Clothes by Emma Hardy
Publisher: Cico (August 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
The cover alone will have you dashing for your sewing machine and pulling out all of your material scraps. There are some amazing creations in this book, and most of them are simple and easy to create. The book comes with patterns and clear instructions for everything from clothing to accessories.

Buy this book on Amazon.com

Home-Made Christmas: With 35 Beautiful Easy-to-make Projects by Tessa Evelegh
Cico (13 Aug 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Reduce, reuse, recycle…rejoice! For once, I didn’t feel intimidated by the level or complexity of the projects. Although the book title says Christmas, the projects are adaptable and the author uses organic, recycled and natural materials for most of the projects. I can’t wait to get started.

Buy this book on Amazon.com

Product Description
Unpacking the Christmas decorations, putting up the tree, and decorating the house is always an exciting time. And nestling, hidden somewhere in the corner of a box or bottom of a bag, is some forgotten favorite that revives memories of Christmasses past.

Traditionally, decorations were always handmade using materials that could be found around the house and gleaned from nature. And it’s still immensely satisfying to make your own. Children love to help, and making decorations and gifts is a wonderful way to fill the days of anticipation.

You’ll find most of the projects in this book require only the most basic skills, so everyone can have a go with guaranteed success! The joy of Christmas decorations is that they’re not meant to be masterpieces. They’re fun, they’re quick, they can even be kitsch, but en masse, they’re always beautiful. This book has 35 projects and ideas to get you started–use them, adapt them, develop your own. Because when it comes down to it, the best of home-made is that it’s an expression of yourself.

How To Play The Games Of Yesterday by Scholastic
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Nonfiction (August 1, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Forget about the kids! This book sent me catapulting back to my childhood when Freeze Tag and Capture the Flag defined your after-school playtime. I didn’t see my old favorite “Kick the Can” but now I think that one may have been created by that know-it-all John Cunningham who lived on my block (he’s most likely still trying to patent it now!). This book is a great gift to reignite the tried-and-true games of times past.

Buy this book on Amazon.com

Stick It!: 99 DIY Duct Tape Projects (Spiral-bound) by T.L. Bonaddio
Running Press Kids- June 9, 2009
Ages: 12+
Cautions: Very addictive

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Now that duct (or duck) tape comes in so many cool colors, you can explore the plethora of crafts, accessories and accents you can make with this sticky fun on a roll. The ideas in the book are definitely unique and will have all of the other kids experiencing creation emulation. Great gift book!

Buy this book on Amazon.com

Wildlife Gardening by Martyn Cox
30 Mar 2009 - Dorling Kindersley
Ages 6 - 9 years
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
There are some great projects and planting ideas to bring some beautiful insects and wildlife into your own backyard. There are simple plant guides as well as a visual guide to identify animal tracks. And, as always, DK uses gorgeous photography to illustrate the great earth-friendly ideas.

Book Description:
Great for kids who think green! Wildlife Garden is a fun and informative introduction to gardening and garden wildlife. It’s full of simple, step-by-step gardening activities that can be explored anywhere, from the city to the suburbs. It’s ideal for any family or school that wants to help our environment from the ground up. With the right plants and some dirt and some light, kids can create a habitat for bugs, birds, bees, butterflies, and even bats-and this exciting hands-on guidebook shows them how!

Buy this book on Amazon.com

Go Green, Live Rich by David Bach
Broadway Books, 2008
Recommended readers- Adults
Cautions: None

Kiwi Bookworm review:
Sure, saving the earth is an altruistic adventure, but David Bach demonstrates how going green can also add some green to your wallet. His simple tips accompanied by concrete facts about carbon and cash savings will make everyone rethink their resource consumption. David Bach provides astounding facts such as Americans spend $2.7 billion on holiday gift wrap and more than $52 billion worth of goods were traded last year on ebay; this makes it clear that everyone’s contribution can make a substantial positive change.

Publisher’s description:
Go Green, Live Rich outlines fifty ways to make your life, your home, your shopping, and your finances greener-and get rich trying. From driving the right car to making your home energy smart, Bach offers ways to improve the environment while you spend less, save more, earn more, and pay fewer taxes. Best of all, he shows you exactly how to take advantage of the “green wave” in personal finance without the difficult work of evaluating individual stocks. What’s more, he will get you thinking about a green business of your own so you can help the world along as it is changing for the better.

Buy this book on Amazon.com