Christmas Crafts From Around the World. (Kids Can Do It). Judy Ann Sadler. Illustrated by June Bradford. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2003. 40 pp., pbk. & cl., $6.95 (pbk.), $14.95 (cl.). ISBN 1-55337-428-2 (pbk.), ISBN 1-55337-427-4 (cl.). Subject Headings: Christmas decorations-Juvenile literature. Handicraft-Juvenile literature. Grades 1-6 / Ages 6-11. Review by Cheryl Archer. ***1/2 / 4

excerpt:

All around the world, there are hundreds of different ways to celebrate Christmas. But one thing is the same everywhere--people treasure their Christmas traditions. And for millions of people, these traditions include making crafts. They create star lanterns, golden walnuts, shiny cranberry strings. heart shaped baskets and delicate straw ornaments. You can be part of this world celebration by making these special crafts. Surprise your family by making a British Christmas fairy; host a Mexican piñata party; count down the days until Christmas on a German Advent calendar; make Danish hearts, an Italian nativity scene, a Dutch Sinterklaas sack and more. You'll not only be making the journey to Christmas as enjoyable as the day itself, you'll be starting some wonderful new traditions.

Christmas Crafts from Around the World, another title in the "Kids Can Do It" series from Kids Can Press, takes craft-making at Christmas to a new and exciting level. Judy Ann Sadler, author of many craft books including the popular The Jumbo Book of Easy Crafts, has provided instructions for seventeen Yuletide projects so kids can enjoy an "international" Christmas. Craft ideas include a Canadian tree skirt, a German Advent calendar, a British Christmas fairy, a Ukrainian silver spider web, an Australian pillow case and American garlands of cranberries and popcorn.

     Introductions to each craft explain the role it plays in Christmas celebrations in that part of the world. There are also suggestions on how to incorporate these crafts into the reader's traditions. Season's greetings in the corresponding languages as well as flags for each country have been included. Craft making instructions are step-by-step and easy to-follow, while materials are inexpensive and easy-to-find.

     Judy Bradford's numerous illustrations are colourful and are perfectly placed to help clarify instructions. Professional photographs by Frank Baldassarra of each craft at its finished stage will help crafters realize what they are aiming for as well as inspire readers to gather the materials and get to work.

     Featuring a nice variety of crafts that look "do-able" and fun, Christmas Crafts from Around the World received favourable comments when shared with a group of mothers. Many wanted to know where to purchase the book so they can make the crafts with their young school-aged children as Christmas approaches. Kids in the upper elementary grades will be able to work fairly independently because the projects aren't complicated. Giving the book as a gift for a birthday or at Christmas (along with a packet of craft supplies) was also highly recommended.

     Elementary and middle-school teachers as well as art teachers are bound to find wonderful suggestions for projects for the Christmas season, projects that will lend themselves well to discussing how people around the world celebrate Christmas in different ways.

     On the book's final page are excellent suggestions for Christmas sharing with the less fortunate. Creating baskets of goodies including a few good children's books or decorating boxes filled with craft supplies or even making a Sinterklaas sack filled with toys are wonderful ways to show you care at Christmas.

     The only disappointing feature is that the Canadian craft wasn't placed first in this book, a position which would have given it the important place it deserves. Regardless, the attractive bright cover and the wide-reaching scope of this craft book will grab many readers and introduce them to some wonderful new Christmas traditions. What a great way to get into the holiday spirit!

Highly Recommended.

Alberta's Cheryl Archer, author of Snow Watch, says that, after reading this Christmas craft book, she is now officially in the Christmas mood.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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