The Kids Winter Handbook

by Jane Drake, Ann Love, Heather Collins (Illustrator)

Winter is a special time. As the snow begins to fall, it sets the stage for a whole array of wintry activities, like searching for special effects in the winter night sky. Or sewing up a pair of cozy fleece mitts. Or enjoying an outdoor picnic on a blanket of snow. This book in the Family Fun series is packed with over 120 pages of unique ideas for celebrating winter. In fact, there are so many wonderful ways to enjoy this frosty season -- winter just isn't long enough! Kids can * learn to identify animal tracks * tell silly fireside stories * make marshmallow s'mores * build sparkling sun catchers * set up their own goofy winter Olympics.

128 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Jane Drake and Ann Love are a sister writing duo. Together they have published 25 non-fiction titles for junior/intermediate students. Their first book to hit the bestseller list was The Kids Cottage Book published in 1992. Since then they have written many bestsellers and award winners including Cool Woods: A Trip Around the World's Boreal Forest (2003), The Kids Book of the Night Sky (2004), Snow Amazing: Cool Facts and Warm Tales (2004), and Trash Action: A Fresh Look at Garbage (2006), Sweet! The Delicious Story of Candy (2007), Alien Invaders: Species that Threaten Our World (2008). Ann and Jane have shared a lifelong love of the outdoors enjoying everything from snow shoeing, to camping, bird watching, tree planting and photography. They get along magnificently, except on the tennis court.

Jane lives in Toronto. She and husband escape the city whenever possible and recharge with weekends of sandhill crane sightings, star gazing, gardening and rigorous outdoor exercise. Nellie the ginger cat entertains Jane as she writes and Angus, the dog, makes sure she gets her daily walk. Jane would love to visit Siberia.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great variety of ideas.... ranges from simplistic (paper crafts and simple science experiments) to complex (making real maple syrup). Easy to dive in and cure winter boredom!

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drake, J. & Ann Love (2001). The kids winter handbook. Kids Can Press.


Reviewed by: Kris Grimm

Reference Type: Handbook

Call Number: Ref

ISBN: 1-55074-969-2

Content/Scope: This 127 page book is written with an audience of 3rd-5th graders in mind. It is intended to provide independent child-focused activities to combat boredom during holiday and/or snow days. The projects are inexpensive and use easily accessible materials. Some activities would be suitable for classroom use as well.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: The authors have written two other handbooks- Kids Campfire Book(nd) and Kids Can(1998).

Arrangement/Presentation: The book uses just one color (green) for all illustrations, with the intent to make it look vintage. There are step-by-step instructions about how to complete the activity.

Relation to similar works: There are other craft books in the library. They are quite popular and are well circulated. This book has some unique crafts that are not found in other books, such as how to make your own snowshoes.

Accessibility/Diversity: This book would be appealing to all ages, though some of the younger students may require adult assistance with some of the crafts.

Cost: $18.95

Professional Review: Edwards, L. School Library Journal (2001), Vol. 47 Issue 11, p. 174. Retrieved on November 22, 2015 from http://web.a.ebscohost.com.libsrv.wku...

[Allison Burgess]

Drake, J., Love, A., & Collins, H. (2001). The kids winter handbook. China: Kids Can Press.

Citation by: Allison Burgess

Type of Reference: Handbook

Call Number: 790.1

Content/Scope: This book provides a plethora of winter themed activities for fun and learning.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: The author Jan Drake has several books reviewed by the School Library Journal.

Arrangement/Presentation: The 127 page book

Relation to other works: This is the companion book to The Kids' Summer Handbook.

Accessibility/Diversity: The reviews state the activities are inexpensive and supplies are easy to obtain. Not only can the book be used for fun at home but could be incorporated into classroom activities.

Cost: $18.95

Professional Review: Bookverdict.com. (2001). Retrieved November 22, 2015, from http://bookverdict.com/details.xqy?ur...