It’s Book Review Season

I’m just overjoyed to get this nice review for my upcoming book from Publishers Weekly.  Gratitude all over the place here now!  With thousands of books coming out each season, it’s really a compliment to have a professional publishing journal even notice mine, let alone say a few nice words.  I think I need a donut now to celebrate. . . !

Knit, Hook, and Spin: A Kid’s Activity Guide to Fiber Arts and Crafts

Laurie Carlson. Chicago Review (IPG, dist.), $14.99 paper (160p) ISBN 978-1-61373-400-1

This collection of fiber arts projects introduces the basics of weaving, knitting, sewing, crochet, and other techniques, while providing an approachable history of these cloth-based crafts. The projects can be as simple as wrapping wool fiber around soap to create a “natural scrubber” and as involved as knitting a pair of slippers, perhaps using yarn dyed at home using spices, beet powder, or drink mixes. Augmented by b&w line illustrations, Carlson’s warm, straightforward writing clearly describes each project, along with supplemental historical details (“People began weaving thousands of years ago, using twigs as a loom”). Readers interested in exploring fiber crafts should find this to be an accessible entry point, with a broad range of methods to try. Ages 9–12. (June)

 

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What They Said

Just received the good news — Kirkus published a good review — a great start for the new book!

Knit, Hook, and Spin (CRP, 9781613734001) was nicely reviewed in the April 15, 2016 issue of Kirkus Reviews. The reviewer says, “From slippers to tote bags and from friendship bracelets to comfort dolls, there is something for almost anyone wanting to learn how to create from these very tactile sources. Tear up your T-shirts, unravel old sweaters, warm up your fingers, and create some handcrafted fun for yourself, for friends, and for those in need of small comforts.” The full review is below:
KNIT, HOOK, AND SPIN
A Kid’s Activity Guide to Fiber Arts and Crafts
Author: Laurie Carlson
Illustrator: Jim Spence
Review Issue Date: April 15, 2016
Online Publish Date: March 30, 2016
Publisher: Chicago Review
Publication Date: June 1, 2016
Nimble fingers can learn how to felt, spin, weave, knit, and crochet a wide variety of wearable and useful objects. Carlson, an author of many craft titles for children, has organized this how-to by type of material and provides step-by-step directions that are accompanied by line drawings. She provides some background information, a list of required materials, and specific steps to create the projects. Starting with felting and moving on to knotting and braiding, spinning, weaving, knitting, and crocheting, Carlson also includes pages on dying, recycling, and community activities. The materials that are required can be home-fashioned, such as using chopsticks to make knitting needles, as an alternative to purchasing them ready-made. She is careful to note when adult supervision is necessary, as in dying projects, and concludes with a note to adults about the many benefits of fabric and yarn crafts. From slippers to tote bags and from friendship bracelets to comfort dolls, there is something for almost anyone wanting to learn how to create from these very tactile sources. Tear up your T-shirts, unravel old sweaters, warm up your fingers, and create some handcrafted fun for yourself, for friends, and for those in need of small comforts. (note to adults) (Nonfiction. 8-12)