The Natural Beauty Book (Klutz) by Anne Akers Johnson
Ages 12+
Klutz - September 1, 2009
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Klutz books are definitely my go-to for kid birthday and holiday gifts. I feel good because they’re getting a book which inspires creativity, but the kids are always pleased to break open the craft supplies and kick it into high gear. The Natural Beauty Book has wonderful recipes for pampering a girl from head to toe, using natural ingredients like apples (the apple mask is amazing) and oatmeal. Can you just picture a bunch of girls taking over your bathroom and kitchen to create a special spa night? Good, clean fun!!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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Birthday Cakes for Kids by Annie Rigg
Ryland, Peters and Small, 2009
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Anyone can buy a cool birthday cake, but then you completely miss out on all of the fun, mess and creativity. Not to mention, you get to eat your mistakes! We’ve switched from bakery cakes to home made from scratch because we simply like to know exactly what the ingredients are and it’s also a special way to involve the little ones in a creative project. Now, we didn’t say these are necessarily healthy, but they certainly are fun. This book has some amazing and very do-able ideas for cakes ranging from princesses to puppies. You don’t need special cake pans because the recipes also include a cake-cutting pattern which enables you to build your dream cake out of shapes cut from typical baking pans. We’re attempting the butterfly for our next bash. Enjoy!

Product Description:
At last, here’s a beautiful book full of fuss-free imaginative cakes to make for children of all ages. Annie Rigg shows you how to make various cake mixes in different quantities, as well as frosting and decorations for fabulous but effortless cakes. She then takes you through some Simple Cakes such as Princess Cupcakes, a Meringue Mountain, and a Just Fantastic, Chocolate Cake to end all chocolate cakes! Chapters on Animals, Wigs and Wheels, Fantasy, and Wildlife offer all sorts of cake ideas for novice and confident bakers alike. From a fluffy marshmallow Sheep to a pirate’s Treasure Chest, and a Ladybug to a Hot Air Balloon, there’s something here for every occasion, whether you’re short of time or you are prepared to spend the afternoon in the kitchen baking, icing, and decorating.

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1 2 3 I Can Collage by Irene Luxbacher
Grades: Pre-K to 2
Ages: 4 to 7
Cautions: None

Kids Can Press, 2009

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Budding Eric Carles will embrace this book where recycling is king and artistic creation is queen. The project ideas are original, creative and, well, a little messy and appeal to any kid. Collage and cut paper are very hot in the illustration world, so now is the time to get your little Picasso in training. Or, just have fun getting messy with paper.

This book in the Starting Art series provides an introduction to all the materials kids need to collage. They’ll learn collage techniques, such as cut-paper and torn-paper, decoupages, found objects, patterns and weaving. The seven dazzling sea-creature projects include a flying fish, an octopus and a starfish family. Budding artists will proudly say, “I can collage!”

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