Klutz Press

A simple arts and crafts book that shows kids how to hold their hands in different positions, trace them on paper, and turn the resulting outline into an animal with crayons and markers.

I was feeling a bit dismissive of the technique at first, but I followed instructions and quickly made a passable cat and a horse, so I got to give them credit. And I liked how sometimes the instructions included turning the traced image, something my linear mind might not have thought to do.

Some of the show more credited illustrators are also listed as models in the photographs, so it appears Klutz did have actual children create the pictures. That did set me to wondering why certain artists didn't make the cut for being models and what role nepotism played in the creation of this book. show less

This book has been called the 'Bible for Grown up's who never want to grow old,' and once you've read this book, it's hard to argue.

When I saw this book on the shelf, I couldn't stop think "Oh My God this is cool!" Let me remind you I was 8 back then. But now, even when i read it I feel as If I am a little kid again.

This book is filled with over 400 pages kinds of stuff: from pranks to experiments to magic tricks to brain teasers. Some are fun, some are gross, some are wildly funny, but all show more are safe and designed so that no one gets hurt.

This book may not be for every reader, but for those who hate reading long, detailed novels, this book is perfect for you. From learning to skip stones to learn how to ride a unicycle, this book will teach you all the things that kids love, and all the things most adults have forgotten.
4 ½ stars show less

Very simple instructions for making cute animals out of pompoms of various sizes. Of course, the final products in the book's photographs are waaaaay better than your child will ever make once the glue starts flying.

Jake's Review: This was so totally sic (mom's note: that means it is cool or awesome to us old people) I had so much fun playing with this book. It was loud and messy and made mom jump and made the little midget cry (mom's note: that would be his little brother). I want a whole bunch of books like this for me and my friends to play with. I wish our teachers used experiments like this to teach us science instead of the boring things they make us do. I wish the book was longer and had more show more things with it that we could experiment with. The only other thing I didn't like was that mom made me clean up everything after we were done while she sat in the front room reading and drinking a glass of wine - not fair, she was playing too!

Jake's Rating: 9/10

Mom's Review: I have to agree with Jake this book was so much fun and that kids would be far more interested in science if they had the opportunity to try experiments like the ones in this book. There are tons of bright colours, funky fonts and silly pictures to grab the children's attention and encourage them to keep looking through the book. The experiments are easy to follow and use items that most people either have available in their own homes or can easily pick up at the dollar store. This is a fabulous book to use during a rainy day and something the whole family can do together. I love that kids will learn science in such a fun and interesting way and they won't even know that they are learning something -- nothing better than tricking the kids : ) Take note teachers, if you want kids to learn make it fun and hands on, it will make your job a lot less stressful. Also the experiments are easy for the kids to clean up afterward so you can enjoy some time to yourself while the little heathens tidy up.

Mom's Rating: 10/10 show less