75 Fun Things to Make & Do by Yourself

Crafts and activities divided into three categories (noise-makers, stuff to do outside, and stuff to do inside) and ranging from water-drop mouth noise to walking on the ceiling

Grade 3-6-Most, if not all, of these activities can be found in other sources. The projects are divided into three categories: noisemakers, outdoor activities, and indoor activities. Activities range from constructing a tin-can drum or a newspaper hat to making snow angels or skipping stones. Each project is explained in two to three paragraphs that include materials as well as steps to completion. The tone is somewhat condescending. Black-and-white drawings are included, but not always on the same page as the narrative, making for some confusion. A warning to parents and teachers regarding safety is provided in small print on the acknowledgement page, as well as mentioned in the introduction. Pass on this one.
Beth Irish, Orange Public Library, CA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 4-6. "Noisemakers," "Stuff to Do Outside," and "Stuff to Do Inside" are the three subdivisions of this book of projects. The materials and tools required are readily available (spoons, glasses, rubber bands, for example), and often the only tools needed are scissors, tape, pens, pencils, and crayons. Ruelle's opening paragraph notes that children are not always neat and advises supervision when directions call for scissors, knives, needles, or lighted candles. Many of the noisemaking and outdoor activities are things children teach one another--how to make daisy chains or blow across a bottle's mouth to make a noise--and the baking soda volcano really works as described. Some younger children may need adult help, but the projects are doable and satisfying. Mary Harris Veeder