Low-Mess Crafts for Kids: 72 Projects to Create Your Own Magical Worlds

Chapman, founder of the One Little Project blog, fills her book with simple yet inviting projects suitable for even the most creatively challenged parent. From pipe cleaner flowers and clothespin sharks to miniature picnic tables made of popsicle sticks and a tissue box fire truck, the many featured projects are designed to avoid spills, scraps, and stains, and make use of common materials like markers, construction paper, and yarn. Chapman organizes the 72 projects into themed chapters, e.g., “Under the Sea,” “On the Road,” or “Let’s Go Camping,” with all the projects in a given chapter working together to create a scene. Chapman explains that crafters can choose individual projects or create an entire scene to play with. Not all the projects work accordingly—it’s hard to imagine the appeal of making a tiny towel without a mini beach umbrella or surf board to go with it—but for the most part Chapman’s concept works. The directions are child friendly with photos that illustrate each step of the process. This is a great resource for parents of children four and older looking for simple and fun crafts to pass the time on the weekends. (July)