Sunday, November 17, 2019

Librarian's Picks: Some Awesome Maker Books I Bought This Year

I generally go very low-tech in our maker space (or STEAM lab) and in my selections for the collection. As I've said before (frequently) I have no problem with technology and maker spaces that rely heavily on it, but I DO have a problem with "every library must have x" pronouncements. Our middle and high school are amply supplied with 3D-printers, laser cutters, robotics, and all students have their own chromebooks.

On the other hand, a lot of crafts, recipes, and instructions are available online. I generally stay away from "10 cute things you can make with toilet paper tubes" types of crafts, since that's what Pinterest is for, in my opinion. Also, the things I think are cool aren't necessarily going to be what kids and their caregivers check out. So, of the books I purchased or otherwise added that were "how to" type books, these are the ones I think were pretty awesome!

Science and Nature experiments and activities

  • Mason Jar Science by Adolph, 9781612129860
  • Gardening with Emma by Emma Biggs, 9781612129259
  • Backyard adventure by Thomsen, 9781612129204
  • 101 Kid's activities that are the ooey, gooey-est ever, 9781624146619
Cookbooks
  • Bake it, 9781465486141
  • Cooking class: Global feast by Deanna Cook, 9781635862300
  • 20 recipes kids should know by Esme Washburn, 9783791385075
Art
  • Super simple sumi-e by Palka, 9781632172044
  • Art lab for kids: Express yourself by Schwake, 9781631595929
Making things
  • Wood shop by Margaret Larson, 9781612129426
  • Hello, crochet friends by Jonah Larson, 9780999143704
  • Maker comics: Create a costume, 9781250152077
  • Stitch and string lab for kids, 9781631597367
Other
  • Miss Violet's Doll's House, 9781911216131

1 comment:

Roberta Gibson said...

Great list. There are some many important reasons to encourage kids to make things with their hands.