Howtoons Tools of mass construction

Can't you kids make something other than trouble? With that, Celine and Tucker's mother sends them on an adventure of discovery, innovation, and creation, taking readers along for the ride. Creators Griffith and Dragotta along with a host of other writers and illustrators are finally back with a new print edition of their popular online how-to comic series for kids. The comics in Howtoons focus on safety, recycling, and, most important, fun. The bright, somewhat chaotic artwork is designed to capture a kid's attention and imagination. The projects are not laid out in a staid, step-by-step manner, and several of them will require extra thought or adult assistance, but the variety is hard to beat, as the creators cover art, math, engineering, science, and more. Since this is a revised anniversary edition (with about 100 pages of added content), there is a touch of repetition, but not enough to matter to DIY and maker fans, both young and old. This is a great addition to STEM collections, maker spaces, and elementary- through middle-school graphic-novel collections.--Wildsmith, Snow Copyright 2014 Booklist

Siblings Tucker and Celine demonstrate how to create dozens of simple inventions and craft projects by using (and reusing) everyday household objects in this high-energy comics collection, which contains both new and previously published material. Organized into sections revolving around play, tools, math, science, engineering, and more, the projects typically span just a few pages, with suggestions that include creating marshmallow shooters from PVC pipe, refashioning a turkey baster into a flute, and transforming humble soda bottles in multiple ways-bird feeders, "jet packs" for a superhero costume, underwater goggles, etc. Nick Dragotta's cartooning is every bit as imaginative as the projects offered, bringing a larger-than-life comic-book sensibility and sense of adventure to these wisecracking siblings' investigations and tinkering. Packed with ideas and creative fodder for DIY-minded kids. All ages. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Gr 4-8-Interested in creating a marshmallow shooter? How about a kite? What about designing your own clothes with crayons or creating plush stuffed animals? Siblings Celine and Tucker, who are asked if they can make anything but trouble, are put to the test. These "makers" show readers how they can do it as well. The siblings take kids on their everyday adventures and point out ways to make things out of household items. This title illustrates how makerspaces don't always have to be high tech. Originating at MIT, this is an engaging work that consists of many parts: instruction manual; graphic novel; science, art, math, and design book; and safety guide. It will motivate students to learn concepts and subjects such as physics, measurements, and lab safety through a fun, graphic novel format. The only drawbacks are some of the hard-to-distinguish transitions between "lessons." However, once readers get used to the layout, it will be easier to follow along. The comic book-style artwork is well done and engaging. A necessity for those interested in creating a makerspace or adding STEAM resources to the curriculum, this should be read by teachers, librarians, and most importantly, students.-Mariela Siegert, Westfield Middle School, Bloomingdale, IL (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.