Paper Crafts for Easter

Children's Literature - Heather Christensen

This entry in the Enslow "Paper Craft Fun for Holidays" series focuses on the secular side of this religious holiday with eight crafts full of bunnies, eggs, and chicks. Even the two-page introduction gives no information about the sacred significance of this Christian holiday, instead concentrating on parades and egg hunts, and referring to the German myth of Eostre who sent her rabbit messenger with eggs as a symbol of the new life of spring. The only craft to give even a nod to the religious side of this holiday is a "stained glass" window made from black craft paper and colored tissue paper. Other crafts include tissue paper "Pysanky" eggs, a three-dimensional Easter lily card, and Easter egg stands made from decorated toilet paper tubes. Patterns (which need to be enlarged using a copy machine) can be found at the back of the book. Each project begins with a short paragraph of background information and includes a list of materials and numbered steps. Color photographs accompany each project and show the craft at various levels of completion. A large font on a pale blue background facilitates reading for young readers. All but the youngest crafters will be able to complete most of the projects with minimal adult supervision. Reviewer: Heather Christensen