Tag: hobbies

Posted in Uncategorized

Tales from the TBR: How Not to Kill Your Plant

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

How Not to Kill Your Plant, by Magda Gargulakova & Lenka Chytilova/Illustrated by Hannah Abbo, (Dec. 2023, Albatros Media), $15.95, ISBN: 9788000069968

Ages 6-10

Kids love gardening programs. Remember in science, when you (or your kids) grew a sprout from a bean? Gardening is magic, and houseplants are pretty. How Not to Kill Your Plant is a kid-friendly, illustrated guide to caring for houseplants. Organized into areas like “The Basics of Care”, “Encyclopedia of Houseplants”, and “Cultivation Practice,” the book has everything kids need to get started on a new hobby and set them up for a lifetime of loving and caring for plants. The “Encyclopedia of Houseplants” section features detailed drawings on 16 popular houseplants that are great for beginners. Yes, I said beginners, because I’m using this book to take care of my plants, too. Kids’ books are the best way to learn things and develop a solid base understanding! There are troubleshooting suggestions and step-by-step instructions on plant care, including taking cuttings, propagating, and repotting. Helpful icons on the plant pages let readers know the basics at a glance: how much to water, how much sunlight, is it okay to have around pets? At only 56 pages, it’s not overwhelming for new plant hobbyists. I loved this book and think you will, too.

 

Posted in Middle Grade, Non-Fiction, Non-fiction, Tween Reads

Craft time? Any time!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

During this last year, lots of us have started some new things: yes, I made my own sourdough starter in the beginning of the shutdown. I finally picked up my knitting needles again, and even managed to finish projects, rather than leave them in various tote bags stuffed into my closet. But one thing I haven’t been able to get back to is sewing. The wonderful folx at Schiffer sent me these two adorable sewing books, though, and I’m thinking that this may be where I pick up some felt, some thread, and a needle, because these are just too cute.

Sewing Simple Softies with 17 Amazing Designers, by Trixi Symonds & Deborah Fisher, (March 2021, Schiffer Publishing), $16.99, ISBN: 9780764361272

Ages 8-12

This book is ADORABLE. They have a softie sandwich! And a tiger with a tooth pouch for the Tooth Fairy! Seventeen projects, loaded with color photos, and with bright, easy-to-follow instructions make this a book I need in my home collection and my 745 section. The book is big on being accessible: no expensive threads, fancy machines, or pricey fabrics needed. This is all about learning to love creating with fabric and thread. Inspired by Trixi Symonds’s Sew a Softie initiative to teach kids how to sew, the book offers all you need to get you up and running on a sewing habit, from choosing tools and materials to deciphering the different kinds of stitches. A section for parents on teaching kids to sew is a reminder that this is supposed to be a fun learning experience where the kids get to have a say. Just offer a guiding hand, try not to take over the project. Designs are offered by popular creative bloggers around the world and include such fun projects as a koala softie, circus pincushion, and mermaid snuggle friend. The book includes templates for each softie, making this a fun book to pick up a new hobby. I love it!

 

The Zenki Way: A Guide to Designing & Enjoying Your Own Creative Softies, by Trixi Symonds, (March 2021, Schiffer Publishing), $22.99, ISBN: 9780764361494

Ages 8-12

What’s a Zenki, you ask? The simplest way to use your imagination and create a softie that speaks to you! Trixi Symonds of Sew a Softie also came up with this great idea to get kids sewing: two squares of felt, four straight lines to sew, and wide seam allowances to let all sorts of limbs, hair, and features be added in with no pinning. Just stick ’em in and sew! These little folx are loaded with character and will inspire kids to make their own Zenkis. All you need is materials and imagination (and a grownup to help out)! Fourteen Zenki patterns include the basics: square, circle, triangle, and mixed-up Zenkis; other patterns let readers add features and character to their Zenkis once they feel ready. Templates are in the back, and the book is filled with color photos and tips and ideas to help you along. A section on the Zenki pattern testers from ages 7-17 with their creations. SO kid friendly, with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions make this a definite must-buy.