Duct Tape Animals

April 1, 2017
Gr 2-5-Versatile, durable duct tape is combined with cardboard, newspaper, and other humble supplies to make an astonishing number of decorative and utilitarian items. However, the nine projects per book are a little uneven. For instance, some of the crafts in Fashion are pretty unconvincing-readers could spend the better part of their day making a T-shirt entirely out of duct tape, but would they want to wear it? A standout is the trophy head activity in Animals, but overall, Costumes is perhaps the best title here for anyone in need of a quick shield for a knight or superhero outfit with no drying or setting time required. Front matter includes good tips about keeping work areas clear-and never sticking duct tape to bare skin. VERDICT Somewhat uneven but lots of ideas for using this light, inexpensive craft material.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2017
Each volume begins with a cursory overview of the habitat and its respective food chain. The following six related modeling and craft projects explore habitat features such as the rainforest water cycle (by making a "self-watering" terrarium). Not all the projects are especially informative (e.g., "chimp tools" made from pretzel rods), but overall the books could provide good fun for nature lovers. Glos.

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)