Books published by publisher Quarry Books

Dig in and learn about the Earth under your feet. Geology Lab for Kids features 52 simple, inexpensive, and fun experiments that explore the Earth’s surface, structure, and processes. This family-friendly guide explores the wonders of geology, such as the formation of crystals and fossils, the layers of the Earth’s crust, and how water shapes mountains, valleys, and canyons. There is no excuse for boredom with a year’s worth of captivating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) activities. In this book, you will learn: How to identify the most common rocks and mineralsHow to maintain and display your rock collectionHow insects are trapped and preserved in amberHow geysers and volcanoes form and eruptHow layers of rock reveal a record of timeHow to pan for gold like a real prospectorGeology is an exciting science that helps us understand the world we live in, and Geology Lab for Kids actively engages readers in simple, creative activities that reveal the larger world at work. The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics, including art, astronomy, clay, bugs, math, and even how to create your own circus—all authored by established experts in their fields. Each lab contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels. Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.

In A Modern Guide to Knifemaking, survivalist Laura Zerra, one of the stars of Naked and Afraid on the Discovery Channel, shares her essential knifemaking tips and tricks, including step-by-step instructions for both forging and stock removal. We all use a knife pretty much every day, but for Zerra, her daily life often depends on the blade she takes with her into the wild. She's learned about what works and what doesn't, what steel will hold an edge, and what nuances in blade design will make or break a knife. From design to sharpening, A Modern Guide to Knifemaking covers every step in the knifemaking process. To begin, you will consider what you want your knife to accomplish, develop a design, and make a prototype. Zerra takes you through choosing and buying steel for your knife and then teaches you to build your own forge. You will learn forging basics and then move on to forge the shape of your knife and make the blade tip. From there, you will cut the blade profile, grind in bevels to make the edge of the knife, heat treat and temper your blade, grind and polish it, and make a handle and sheath for it. You will also learn sharpening techniques to maintain the edge of your new knife. Throughout, Zerra has included Pro-Tips from some of the leading knifemakers working today including Ken Onion, Kaila Cumings, and Mike Jones.A Modern Guide to Knifemaking covers every detail of knifemaking so you can make yourself the perfect knife.

Give your puppy a head start! 51 Puppy Tricks gives you the tools you need to teach your puppy essential skills, helpful behaviors, and fantastic tricks through step-by-step instructions and photographs. Tricks and tips are specifically designed for your puppy's developing mind and body. The first two years of your puppy's life are a crucial time in his or her development. By teaching your puppy early and using positive reinforcement methods, you will instill in him or her a cooperative spirit and a lifetime love of learning. Instead of focusing on curbing bad behaviors, this guide will help you establish a lifetime bond with your puppy as you teach him or her skills ranging from beginner ("come," "stay") tomore advanced ("tidy up toys into a box,"fetch the newspaper").Positive reinforcement methods are the fastest and easiest way to teach a puppy. These anxiety-free methods produce a joyful puppy who is a willing partner in the learning process. Trick training builds relationships by deepening communication pathways, trust, and mutual respect. It offers a way to bond with your puppy as you strive toward common goals and delight in your successes. The trust and cooperative spirit developed through this process will last a lifetime.Step-by-step instruction guides you through the simple steps of teaching a trick. Troubleshooting ideas and tips provide solutions to common real-world challenges. Photos of every step of the training process show you exactly what to do and take the guesswork out of teaching. The chapters cover:Preliminary Skills: respond to a clicker, kennel up, find me, and more.Body Positions: sit, down, crawl, roll over, kisses, and more.Coordination: tunnel, teeter board, hoop jump, flying disc, and more.Communication: ring a bell to go outside, leave it, sit before chowtime, and more.Shape Behavior: fetch, open the door, hide your eyes, and more.Chaining: litter in the step can, soda from the fridge, mail from the mailbox, and more.An appendix lists the tricks by skill level so you can find the just the right tricks to teach your puppy. A glossary of terms ensures you'll know exactly what is being discussed. Bond with your puppy as he or she gains confidence and learns amazing new skills with 51 Puppy Tricks!

Creative Coding in Python presents over 30 creative projects that teach kids how to code in the easy and intuitive programming language, Python.Creative Coding in Python teaches the fundamentals of computer programming and demonstrates how to code 30+ fun, creative projects using Python, a free, intuitive, open-source programming language that's one of the top five most popular worldwide and one of the most popular Google search terms in the U.S. Computer science educator Sheena Vaidyanathan helps kids understand the fundamental ideas of computer programming and the process of computational thinking using illustrations, flowcharts, and pseudocode, then shows how to apply those essentials to code exciting projects in Python:Chatbots: Discover variables, strings, integers, and more to design conversational programs.Geometric art: Use turtle graphics to create original masterpieces.Interactive fiction: Explore booleans and conditionals to invent "create your own adventure" games.Dice games: Reuse code to devise games of chance.Arcade games and apps: Understand GUI (graphical user interfaces) and create your own arcade games and apps.What's next? Look at exciting ways to use your powerful new skills and expand your knowledge of coding in Python. Creative Coding in Python gives kids the tools they need to create their own computer programs.Check out projects from the book as well as sample lesson plans on how to use this in your classroom on the book website creativecodinginpython.com

Discover a treasure trove of exciting outdoor building, engineering, and artistic ideas for children in Sticks and Stones. This comprehensive guide features tools, toys, and games kids can create right outside their door. Kids will love building cabins, tipis, bridges, dams rock gardens, and more. They’ll discover that creating art is more fun outdoors as they learn to make making stone pendants, ochre paint, and a weaving. A variety of large and small-scale activities boost engineering, creative, and problem-solving skills, all while promoting fun. With simple tools and materials a branch becomes a fishing pole, and logs turn into a simple seesaw. Opportunities and materials for productive play exist everywhere in nature. Author Melissa Lennig (of the blog Fireflies and Mud Pies) introduces today’s screen-overloaded kids to a world of exploring and adventure. Whether camping in the woods or hanging out in the back yard, children will marvel at the wonderful, useful tools and playthings they can create with natural objects. They’ll also learn about STEAM principles, campfire chemistry, why building with blocks is so powerful, and how mindfulness techniques can reduce stress. The book also includes:Ideas for taking activities further, with fun variations and ideasSafety tips for kids and adultsDesign challenges that can be done solo or in groupsStep-by-step instructions and helpful photosSticks and Stones was named to the longlist for the 2020 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books in the Hands-On Science Book category. The prize honors outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults. This book is an essential resource for every junior outdoor adventurer.

In Stitch and String Lab for Kids, art teacher and winner of the Netflix bake-off show Nailed It! Cassie Stephens presents 40+ inventive projects that explore everything from simple sewing, embroidery, and weaving to string art, needle felting, and yarn crafts.Stitch and String Lab for Kids leads children, step by step, through a huge range of sewing and fiber art projects. As they go, they will learn a variety of techniques, develop dexterity and coordination, and enjoy making a variety of creative projects. Kids will employ simple embroidery stitches to embellish a sun catcher, wall hangings, and an appliqué animal. Sewing projects include a drawstring bag, a sketchbook jacket, and custom plushies. Children will learn how to make custom looms to weave bookmarks, bracelets, and even a mini rag rug. They will also experiment with string art, needle felting, shibori dyeing, pompom animals, as well as finger knitting, yarn art, and cool wrapping projects. Each project includes a materials list and illustrated steps, and the book is filled with useful tips, tricks, and shortcuts. Stitch samplers will teach the basics, and templates are included for plushies and stuffies. Kids are encouraged to make variations and personalize the projects to their own style and personality. These 44 creative projects offer a broad and rich sampling of sewing, fabric, and fiber crafts—Stitch and String Lab for Kids is perfect for keeping kids busy with educational activities at home, learning techniques and experimenting at school, or having a ball at camps and parties. Parents, teachers, homeschoolers, and facilitators will appreciate the easy, illustrated instruction and the curriculum-friendly format, with projects that can be completed in any order. The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics, including art, astronomy, clay, geology, math, and even how to create your own circus—all authored by established experts in their fields. Each lab contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels. Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.

Make learning math fun by sharing these hands-on labs with your child. Math Lab for Kids presents more than 50 activities that incorporate coloring, drawing, games, and items like prisms to make math more than just numbers. With Math Lab for Kids, kids can:- Explore geometry and topology with hands-on examples like prisms, antiprisms, Platonic solids, and Möbius strips.- Build logic skills by playing and strategizing through tangrams, toothpick puzzles, and the game of Nim.- Draw graphs to learn the language of connections.- Discover how to color maps like a mathematician by using the fewest colors possible.- Create mind bending fractals with straight lines and repeat shapes.And don't worry about running to the store for expensive supplies! Everything needed to complete the activities can be found in the book or around the house. Math is more important in schools than ever. Give your children a great experience and solid foundation.

With Build Your Own Chain Reaction Machines, you’ll create 13 zany and awesome mechanical contraptions using stuff from around the house.Build Your Own Chain Reaction Machines invites you into the wonderful world of crazy contraptions inspired by the amazing artwork of renowned cartoonist, engineer, and inventor Rube Goldberg, whose wacky, imaginary machines accomplished a simple task by taking a hilariously complicated route. In this entertaining and instructive book, mechanical engineer and educator Paul Long gives step-by-step instructions for making low-tech devices using everyday objects in inspired and ingenious ways. Each of the 13 projects demonstrates how to build the machine's various elements and explains how they work together to make a mind-boggling mechanism that delivers hours of fun and fascination.Machines for Your Room. Be the master of your domain with the Door Knocker, Light Switcher, and Door Opener.Machines for Around the House. Get your chores done (and improve your personal hygiene) with the Plant Waterer, Toothpaste Squeezer, and Soap Dispenser.Machines for Fun and Nonsense.The Flag Raiser, Marble Launcher, Music Maker, and Balloon Popper are guaranteed to both amaze and amuse.Machines for Food. With the Vending Machine, Candy Dispenser, and Cookie Dunker, snacking has never been so fun!You'll also find interesting sidebars on the science behind each gadget, plus tips and tricks for success.Build Your Own Chain Reaction Machines gives you the know-how to create your own incredible chain reactions!

Inspired by artist Tamara Laporte’s popular online art classes (willowing.org), Create Your Life Book presents 18 step-by-step mixed-media drawing and painting projects that encourage self-fulfillment through the creative process. Tamara’s kind, non-judgmental voice guides your way. What is holding you back? Where do you want to go? Let go of the past! Use these expressive exercises to help you recognize your personal challenges and other obstacles, then work through them. Let go of limiting beliefs, find courage, feel gratitude, heal pain, and develop self-love as you playfully create. Each themed chapter presents four to five two-part projects. First, you will explore a common issue that hampers creativity and/or positive self-worth. The second portion is a step-by-step mixed-media art project designed to help you work through that issue. Just a few of the explorations:Let go of what no longer serves you by taking stock of what’s holding you back, then create a zentangle butterfly to symbolize you flying away from those limiting things.Embrace and love your inner quirky bird by taking an inventory of your quirky traits, then create a bird that celebrates them.Heal old wounds by writing a letter to yourself as a child, then create a house to keep your inner child safe.Adding rich variety to the messages and art inspiration, some of the project outlines have been contributed by Tamara's guest teachers: Roxanne Coble, Andrea Gomoll, Alena Hennessy, Mystele Kirkeeng, Ivy Newport, and Effy Wild, each of whom are noted mixed-media artists in their own right. The final chapter presents a simple binding method for creating a keepsake book of your Life Book projects. Steeped in inspirational images and uplifting affirmations, Create Your Life Book can help you achieve both personal and creative growth.

This inspiring sketchbook is part of the new 20 Ways series from Quarry Books, designed to offer artists, designers, and doodlers a fun and sophisticated collection of illustrating fun. Each spread features 20 inspiring illustrated examples of 45 themes - black dresses, summery hats, stylish shoes, faux fur coats, and much, much more--with blank space for you to draw your take on 20 Ways to Draw a Dress. This is not a step-by-step technique book--rather, the stylized dresses are simplified, modernized, and reduced to the most basic elements, showing you how simple abstract shapes and forms meld to create the building blocks of any item that you want to draw. Each of the 20 interpretations provides a different, interesting approach to drawing a single item, providing loads of inspiration for your own drawing. Presented in the author's uniquely creative style, this engaging and motivational practice book provides a new take on the world of sketching, doodling, and designing. Get out your favorite drawing tool, and remember, there are not just 20 Ways to Draw a Dress!

Art Workshop for Children is not just another book of straightforward art projects. The book's unique child-led approach provides a framework for cultivating creative thinking and encourages the wonder that comes when children are allowed to freely explore the creative process and their materials. As children work through these open-ended workshops, adults are guided on how to be facilitators who provide questions, encourage deep thinking, and help spark an excitement for discovery. Children explore basic materials and workshops that use minimal supplies, and then gradually add new materials to fill the art cabinets as well as new skills and more complex workshops. Most workshops are suitable to preschool-aged children, and each contains ideas for explorations and new twists to engage older or more experienced artists. Interspersed throughout are sidebar essays that introduce perspectives on mess-making, imperfection, the role of adult, collaborative art, and thoughts on the Reggio Emilia method, a self-guided teaching philosophy. These pieces underscore the value of art-making with children, and support the parent/teacher/care-giver on how to successfully lead, question, and navigate their children through the workshops to result in the fullest experiences.