How to Make a Present

Children's Literature - Heather Christensen

This title in the "Crafty Kids" series gives directions for making a dinosaur present out of salt clay. It is unclear what exactly a dinosaur present is, as no other name or description of its uses is given. There are also only instructions for the one item, although readers could presumably make other objects with the salt dough recipe. Suggestions on other uses for the dough might help encourage further creative projects. The single activity presented in the book is broken down into simple steps, each with its own heading listed in the table of contents. A color photograph of the object accompanies each item in the list of ingredients. The design of the book is perfectly suited to beginning readers, with large type, plenty of white space, and color photographs of a young girl carrying out each step. Young crafters may be frustrated that the book does not include a template for the dinosaur, but instead gives a length measurement for a free-hand drawing. Simple language is used throughout, though some students may be unfamiliar with the term "knead." Teachers could use this book to introduce beginning readers to following written directions with a simple project. Reviewer: Heather Christensen