ScrapKins: Junk Re-Thunk

One man’s trash is another man’s... monster truck. Illustrator Yanish urges kids to reuse items that might normally end up in the recycling or trash bin as he introduces six monsters called ScrapKins and the items they create (aka “scrap-vent”) in their junkyard home. Each ScrapKin presents several projects, such as a milk jug “Knight’s Helmet,” a parachuting monster made from a toilet paper tube and plastic bag, and a cereal box treasure chest. Between projects, Yanish includes comics, crossword puzzles, and humorous profiles of the ScrapKins. While the projects, which rely on similar items, begin to feel a bit repetitive, Yanish’s enthusiasm and the book’s eye-catching format offer abundant crafty inspiration. Ages 6–10. [em](Mar.) [/em]