Making Shaped Books

Children's Literature - Beverly Kobrin

This Chapman/Robson collaboration contains dozens of clever examples and patterns for movable, and animal, vegetable and other-shaped books along with instructions for sewn bindings. The directions are easy to follow but most youngsters need only look at the colorful pictures to be inspired.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-5-This title provides basic directions for making a simple book or folder and then presents a variety of design ideas. Very little in the way of materials is required. Any grade or type of paper, as well as cloth, foil, plastic, etc., either found or purchased, will work. The layout is attractive and the illustrations are good-quality, full-color photographs. Children working on their own, however, may get stuck on the details of enlarging and transferring patterns. The volume will appeal especially to lower-elementary and preschool teachers, as well as to librarians. As simple as this craft idea is, it is extremely adaptable to any number of lesson plans, will work well with young children, and will also appeal to older children. It is likely that any home or classroom will have something lying around that will make a nicely shaped book, a fact that is advantageous for recycling odds and ends as well as for a spontaneous creative experience.-Melissa Gross, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA