cover image Doll Crafts: A Kid’s Guide to Making Simple Dolls, Clothing, Accessories, and Houses

Doll Crafts: A Kid’s Guide to Making Simple Dolls, Clothing, Accessories, and Houses

Laurie Carlson. Chicago Review (IPG, dist.), $14.99 trade paper (144p) ISBN 978-1-61373-778-1

Carlson provides a straightforward introduction to creating dolls—from cloth, paper, gingerbread, spoons, corn husks, and more—and accessories. A “Doll Maker’s Toolbox” lists essential materials (scissors, sewing needles, pins, thread, buttons, etc.), followed by a tutorial on hand stitches and tips regarding facial features, stuffing, and hair. The minimally detailed illustrations don’t bring much visual interest to the pages, but the clear instructions (and bits of cultural backstory and doll lore) offer many opportunities for readers to get creative with their own doll making. Ages 7–up. (Nov.)