How-to nonfiction is a special category. I don’t think about it a lot, but when I go to the library, I often see kids trolling the shelves for books that will let them make or do something. So I was interested when an agency-mate asked if I wanted to profile her how-to book, Forest Fairy Crafts Through the Seasons.
Since it’s a how-to book, I figured I better try it out! Our family welcomed two new grandchildren in May, so I was inspired to make a pair of fairy babies. The book has charming pictures of fairies with acorn cap hats. But I couldn’t find any stray acorns in our neighborhood.
I liked that I only needed felt scraps. Since I hate to throw things away, I found plenty of scraps! And, despite my doubts, I discovered that we had plenty of bits and bobs in our craft drawer for decorating my fairy babies. The book encourages kids to use materials at hand.
In how-to nonfiction, page design matters. I really loved the page design of this book. The photos were clear and helpful.
And now my fairy babies are ready to be entrusted to the care of one of our youngest neighbors.
If you’d like a chance to win an ebook version of this how-to nonfiction book, comment below by June 19. I’ll use a random number generator to choose the winner.
If you want to see more about this book, follow the blog tour:
June 9 Ā https://www.forestfairycrafts.com/journal
June 11 Ā https://www.ctpub.com/blog/
June 13 Ā http://webloomhere.blogspot.com
June 14 https://www.cleverchameleon.com.au/blog
Magical Forest Fairy Crafts Through the Seasons: Make 25 Enchanting Forest Fairies, Gnomes & More from Simple Supplies by Lenka Vodicka-Paredes and Asia Currie. C & T Publishing: 2018.
Me please…I would love to try some of these projects during my slower summer months! Thank you š
This looks like a lot of fun for everyone, Annette. Thanks for sharing your sweet fairy babies & congratulations on those new grand babies, too!
These projects look like so much fun and not too difficult or costly.
Those turned out so sweet! I do not look at the “how to” books enough, I’m guessing there are a lot of young readers who enjoy them.
Those little fairies are so cute. Iād love to try making them.
Love your purple and white babies. Looks like a fun book!
Your little babies turned out wonderfully! I would so love to win this book… I have the first one but really love the new one by the photos I’ve seen- new projects that are not specifically Fairies is a fun idea. I adore felt crafts too. š I would also like to say I was not aware before of the children’s Non-fiction genre of books… I LOVE that.. I am a children’s book fan… even though I am ‘old’ I still love children’s books and to learn of more titles and that it is a ‘something’ is even better. I also tend to only read Non-Fiction books… opportunities to learn from others’ lives that I will not get to experience… just brilliant… I am so thankful for those who share this kind of writing!
Your little fairy babies turned out amazing! Thank you so much for joining in the fun. I started as a fiction writer. Learning how to write clear directions for non-fiction was a huge change in mindset. I’ve learned a lot. It also helps that we teach so we’ve made the projects with many children and know what makes sense to them (which can be wildly different from what we expect them to understand). My favorite insight was how some children turn their head upside down to see where the needle is coming through the felt- visualization is developmental leap. We love learning along with the kids š