Books in Kids Can! series

This book is suitable for ages 7 to 13 years. Sandi Henry introduces children to the seven basic elements of design that will help them to take a piece of art from " That`s Nice" to " Wow! " . These elements - line, shape, form, colour, value, texture, and space - are the building blocks that all artists use to create works from drawings and paintings to weaving and sculpture. Readers will see examples of how children their own age use elements of design in their work. And they will meet classic masters and contemporary artists whose individual works are based upon these same design techniques. It features: Grid Drawing - using a grid to divide images into smaller parts to reproduce a photograph or painting; Cut-out Collage - using free-form shapes cut from construction paper to create a colourful collage; Texture Rubbing - using the bumps, grooves, lines and other patterns to add interesting visual texture to artwork; Complementary Colour Puzzle - cutting and gluing shapes of complementary colours to create a striking abstract design; and, Supersize It! - Using a papier-mache to create an enlarged version of a common object.

This book is suitable for ages 3 to 9 years. In these pages, children can explore roots, rhythms, and traditions from all corners of the earth while crafting their own art and artifacts. From Kachina dolls of the American Southwest to worry dolls from Central America to Egyptian paper beads, these crafts reveal details about cultures across the world. Step-by-step instructions are included for fifty projects, including: Korhogo Mud Cloth and Wodaabe Mirror Pouch from Africa; Chippewa Dream Catcher and Inuit Finger Masks of the Native Americans of North America; Japanese Kokeshi Doll and Thai Hanging Owl from Asia; and Mexican Folk Art Tree of Life and Guatemalan Green Toad Bank from Mexico and Central America.

Much of what has been written about pollution and global warming is not only difficult to understand, but misleading as well. In this book, the author presents the issues, gives the science behind the happenings, focuses on individuals who have had an impact on our world, offers ways the reader can take action, and includes many fun and informative experiments and things to make. From replacing incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent ones to making a compost pile and recycling cans, bottles, and plastics this is a book young readers will enjoy for its hands-on fun and straight talk that presents possibilities.

When a traditional craft has been around for a long time, its beginnings can be lost, and we may find ourselves surprised when we learn where it came from or how it evolved. Each of the crafts in this book has a fascinating story -- a story that reveals the legend, lore and history of both American immigrants and Native Americans. And each activity includes step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and a photo of the finished craft.