(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lauren Eldridge. Two blobs of clay--one gray, one brown--are pleased when an artist molds them into a wolf and an owl, respectively. Unfortunately, they get carried away with self-alterations while the artist is away ("I'm an alien!"; "I'm a Cyclops!"); can they resume their original forms before she returns? The grand concept is relayed in crisp color photos of the outlandishly morphing critters.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Cool Toys & Games series. This genuinely creative series goes beyond the usual children's craft books, presenting engaging new ideas for ambitious kids (with adult help) to make colorful homemade toys: a working paper slinky, mini magnetic clay blocks, glow-in-the-dark goo, and more. The books, featuring colorful layouts, step-by-step instructions illustrated with photographs, and (mostly) simple materials, encourage middle graders to "make your own fun." Glos., ind. Review covers the following Checkerboard Library: Cool Toys & Games: Cool Action Figures & Dolls, Cool Board Games, Cool Construction & Building Blocks, Cool Crayons, Chalks & Paints, Cool Doughs, Putties, Slimes & Goops, and Cool Springy, Slinky & Stretchy Projects.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Toy Trailblazers series. Each of these engaging biographies introduces readers to the creator(s) of a popular classic kids' product. The texts are generally positive (and overuse exclamation points) but don't ignore difficulties and hardship, both personal and business-related. Captioned photos, archival reproductions, and "Fun Fact" boxes liven up the pages. The topics have ready-made kid-appeal; readers will glean insight into product development and the challenges of running a business. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Toy Trailblazers titles: Barbie Developer Ruth Handler, Board Game Builder Milton Bradley, Crayola Creators Edward Binney and C. Harold Smith, Lego Manufacturers the Kristiansen Family, Play-Doh Pioneer Joseph McVicker, and Slinky Innovators The James Family.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) K-3 Earth-Friendly Crafts in 5 Easy Steps series. These are simple projects environmentally conscious children will enjoy. Composed of ordinary, recycled/recyclable materials and explained in five easy steps, the resulting items are original toys, gifts, or decorations. Each volume's fourteen projects call for paper, clay, scissors, glue, and other easily accessible crafting components. The rather unattractive books suffer from cheesy design touches. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Earth-Friendly Crafts in 5 Easy Steps titles: Earth-Friendly Christmas Crafts in 5 Easy Steps, [f2]Earth-Friendly Clay Crafts in 5 Easy Steps, Earth-Friendly Crafts from Recycled Stuff in 5 Easy Steps, Earth-Friendly Crafts with Nuts and Veggies in 5 Easy Steps, Earth-Friendly Papier-Mâché Crafts in 5 Easy Steps, and Earth-Friendly Wood Crafts in 5 Easy Steps.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Randall Pijoan. In 1790, with drought threatening his Spanish colonial village in the Kingdom of New Mexico, young Raymundo must figure out how to keep his family's bean field watered. He turns to the Clay Woman--a Native American and suspected witch--who helps him craft clay pots that ultimately save the village. Though the story is overwritten, its powerful themes--racism, violence, and survival--are compelling. Glos.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull

(3) 4-6 Checkerboard: Cool Crafts series. This series offers an introduction to six popular crafts. Background information and step-by-step directions for four appealing projects in each book may be too complicated for children under ten. Layout, design, and safety with tools and materials are covered. Unfamiliar terms are defined in the context and in a brief glossary. Ind. Review covers these Checkerboard: Cool Crafts titles: Cool Rubber Stamp Art, Cool Scrapbooks, Cool Beaded Jewelry, Cool Clay Projects, Cool Melt & Pour Soap, and Cool Painted Stuff.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 4-6 Lark Kids' Crafts series. This compendium of information for young crafters is devoted to the pliable, brightly colored clay that can be molded and blended endlessly and won't dry out until it's baked. Clear instructions for thirty projects--photo frames, jewelry, refrigerator magnets, etc.--are illustrated with crisp color photos of the required tools and the finished products (frequently to scale), shown off by clowning kids. Ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 Start to Finish series. Photographs by Cheryl Richter. Color photos and simple texts characterize the books in this series designed for beginning readers. Children interested in these topics will find most of the illustrations helpful, but those seeking detailed information about these manufacturing processes will need to look elsewhere. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Start to Finish titles: From Cocoa Bean to Chocolate, From Cotton to T-Shirt, From Wax to Crayon, and From Clay to Bricks.]

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA Historical American Biographies series. Four prominent figures in American political and cultural history are profiled in these volumes. In general, the competently written books offer informative, well-balanced portrayals of each subject. Clay, in particular, is marred by some poor transitions and confusing photo captions. Dark black-and-white photos and reproductions illustrate the texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Historical American Biographies titles: Eugene V. Debs, Emily Dickinson, Amelia Earhart, and Henry Clay.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(3) 4-6 Readers can learn how to make pinch pots, hanging birdbaths, piggy banks, and more in this easy-to-follow book. Each project provides a materials list, detailed step-by-step instructions, and color photos. Instructions for decorating with glazes and underglazes, as well as for making your own sawdust kiln, are included. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Rizzuto