Paper Crafts for Mardi Gras

Children's Literature - Heather Christensen

Like other entries in Enslow's "Paper Craft Fun for Holidays" series, this title begins with a two-page introduction about the history of an American holiday, in this case Mardi Gras. Each of the eight crafts provide hands-on learning about this religious holiday most famously celebrated in southern cities like New Orleans, Savannah, GA and Mobile, Alabama. Using patterns found at the back of the book (all of which need to be enlarged using a copy machine), a variety of common crafting materials, and their own imagination, readers will make a selection of masks, necklaces, and other fun crafts. Crafters will use simple techniques such as folding, cutting, gluing and coloring for most of the activities. 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 yellow background lends itself well to new, but accomplished readers. Younger readers will need adult supervision and assistance, but most of the activities should be fairly simple for older readers. Reviewer: Heather Christensen