Review by Booklist Review
Working on hands-on projects can help kids build dexterity, literacy, and math skills; encourage physical health, creativity, and social connections . . . and be a lot of fun! Domesek, creator of the website and book P.S. I Made This, worked with an expert in childhood play and learning to classify these vibrant, engaging projects with icons indicating the wide range of skills and abilities kids can gain through each activity (though more instruction for caregivers about questions to ask or elements to emphasize would be welcome). Projects are organized by materials used: corrugated cardboard (3-D dinosaurs), reused household items (painting with bubble wrap), natural materials found outside (pressed leaves and flowers), textiles (stuffed creatures from gloves), art supplies (tie-dye crayons), and a large section for food; all, as "we" implies, require adult assistance. Cartoonish illustrations give a sense of the goal for each project without creating an expectation of perfection, allowing users to be creative within the framework of the craft. A great jumping-off point for creativity and play with children.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
I Made This blogger Domesek has produced a concise set of easy-to-construct crafts for parents to create with their children. Working with childhood play and learning professional Laura Felt, Domesek includes crafts that are marked with codes to show the cognitive, physical, or social-emotional skills the activities emphasize. Projects that can be done quickly or that absolutely require adult supervision are also clearly labeled. Most of the projects involve materials easily found around the house, such as cardboard boxes and construction paper, while a few call for items such as colored cellophane or tissue paper for the "Butterfly Fairy Wings" and bubble wrap for the "Bubble Shoe Painting." A few of the more advanced crafts require a glue gun. Most of these crafts also incorporate ideas for expanded elements of play and participant improvisation. While marketed for parents and their children, the book would also be useful to elementary school teachers looking for new class art projects. VERDICT Highly recommended for parents and teachers who are looking for low-cost, easy, fun creative projects for preschoolers to preteens.--Julie Feighery
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