Knitting for Fun!

Children's Literature

The author really does "begin at the beginning," giving us the basics of knitting by discussing the tools and procedures for getting started. Novice knitters will appreciate the photographs and detailed instructions when starting their own projects. The author stresses that practice is what makes knitting easier and improves the quality of the stitches themselves. This book will serve as a good basis for inspiring a youngster to try a hand at knitting. The photographs show a variety of young girls and a boy enjoying knitting and learning how to knit. Suggestions for starting a knitting club are included, as well as a vocabulary list of knitting terms and other words that are useful in all sorts of reading. Books and web sites are also recommended. The colorful yarns shown in the photos add to the appeal of the book. The projects are simple enough for the beginning knitter and include a pattern for personalizing flip-flops, a pocket scarf, a gadget tote, and sweat bands. An interesting timeline gives a look at the history of knitting. An index is also part of the back matter. 2006, Compass Point Books, Ages 8 up.
—Sheilah Egan