Wood Shop solves all these problems!
This is a fabulous non-fiction book for crafty kids who like to hammer, measure, build and create.
And I love that it has been specifically designed with kids in mind.
The first section introduces kids to the world of woodworking, going over workspaces, tools, materials, safety and different kinds of wood.
The next section delves deeper into tools, teaching kids how to properly measure, clamp, saw, drill, glue, sand and more. There’s also a section about finishing projects and adding that perfect pizazz.
Projects to try come next, starting with creating the tools and supplies that will help kids with other projects in the book. The kids can make a jig, compass, toolbox, storage pegboard and workbench.
The other projects are divided into ‘fun and games’, ‘my room’ and ‘house’, each with fun creations for the kids to try.
All the projects receive a skill level rating of one to three nails (one nail for beginners, two nails for when you have more experience and three nails for aspiring woodworkers). There’s also cost advice for each project, so you know what you’re getting yourself into. But I do love that author Margaret Larson keeps things as simple as possible, using lots of recycled materials and offcuts from other projects.
Each project has a materials list and provides clear step–by-step instructions with accompanying photos to guide kids through the building process. Helpful tips scatter the pages and there’s lots of advice on how to solve unexpected challenges, such as bent nails.
Visually, the book is very clearly set out, easy to follow and also engaging. Large headings, numbered steps and lots of photos make it really easy to read and explore.
The measurements are in inches and feet, so if you are used to the metric system, you will need to convert the measurements, but there is a metric conversion chart at the back which tells you exactly what you need to multiply by to convert measurements to millimetres, centimeters and metres.
This is a great book for aspiring woodcrafters. It would make a fantastic gift for Christmas and provides a fantastic opportunity for parents and kids to get creative together.
Title: Wood Shop
Author: Margaret Larson
Publisher: Storey Publishing, $39.95
Publication Date: 13 November 2018
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781612129426
For ages: 9+
Type: Junior Non-Fiction
