23 Things to Do Before You Are 11 1/2: A practical step-by-step guide for things to make in your backyard

by John Haslam (Illustrator), Mike Warren

Overview

An essential guide to activities a child can enjoy with their parents or grandparents. From understanding basic woodworking skills to constructing a kite, the reader will also learn about the science and eco side of invention. Activities are broken down into easy steps and technical information comes alive in bite-size facts. Dare-devils can make stilts, a rope ladder, and even a go-cart! Budding adventurers will learn how to put together a survival bag, campfile and fishing net. Aspiring conservationists can build their own bird nesting box and wormery. Outdoor activities have never been such fun, and if it's raining there are plenty of other fun things to do!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781609928254
Publisher:	QED Publishing
Publication date:	08/03/2015
Series:	23 Things to Do Series
Pages:	64
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

John Haslam has been working as an illustrator for most of his professional life. John worked in advertising for 10 years and worked on various projects including TV storyboards, to illustrating for all kinds of accounts from Pritt Stick (the Pritt Stick Man was his invention), to comic pages such as Danger Mouse, Disney and Transformers.

Mike Warren is a lifelong maker with a passion for making weird and wonderful things. He-s published over 200 DIY projects online and is an author of a number of DIY books. He is an editor at Instructables.com and the Man Crafts contributor at DollarStoreCrafts.com.

Editorial Reviews

07/27/2015
Readers can learn how to use tools like drills, saws, clamps, and craft knives as Warren—who emphasizes safety throughout—presents 23 hands-on projects. Numbered steps and digital illustrations clearly demonstrate how to complete activities that include building a kite, bird house, “wormery” for compost, motor, and “Vroom balloon racer” (a race car made from a juice carton and balloon). With a broad focus and compact presentation, the book’s format makes it easy for readers to browse for projects that interest them most (they are grouped into categories that include “Workship Wizard” and “Outdoor Adventurer”). Mischievous cartoon children appear throughout, demonstrating the steps to make the projects and enjoying the fruits of their labors. DIY-minded readers (and their parents) should find plenty in these pages to keep themselves busy. Ages 9–12. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

"Mischievous cartoon children appear throughout, demonstrating the steps to make the projects and enjoying the fruits of their labors. DIY-minded readers (and their parents) should find plenty in these pages to keep themselves busy." - Publishers Weekly

"A solid offering for crafts and activities sections."- School Library Journal

From the Publisher

11/01/2015
Gr 4–7—With a pair of work clothes and a willing adult to assist, readers will be ready to dive into this attractive collection of projects in no time. The activities are broken down into easy steps. Clever cartoon characters point readers to bite-size facts. The book begins with a section called "How to Use your Tools Safely" and the author lets readers know that he accepts no liability for injuries sustained. The projects are divided into four color-coded sections: "Super Scientist," which describes how and why projects work; "Workshop Wizard," which requires readers to use heavy-duty tools; "Outdoor Adventurer," activities for campers and explorers; and "Eco Dude," which emphasizes the use of recycled materials. The book uses metric, rather than U.S., measurements. Some terms are also not defined, such as neodymium, surgical spirit, and hypotenuse. Those who enjoy hands-on activities will get hours of fun out of this title. However, because of the fragile binding, this title may not last long. VERDICT A solid offering for crafts and activities sections.—Janene Corbin, Rosebank Elementary School, Nashville, TN

School Library Journal