Stanley Jr. Woodworking is Awesome: Projects, Skills, and Ideas for Young Makers - 12 Fun DIY Projects for Ages 8+ (STANLEY (R) Jr.)

by STANLEY (R) Jr. and Chris Peterson

Measure, hammer, and screw to make something new! For kids 8+ who love to create, STANLEY® Jr. Woodworking is Awesome gets them off the screen and into the wood shop with a dozen fun projects.

Jump right in with an introduction to building with wood! A complete basics section on tools and skills teaches kids the ground rules. (They'll also learn when parents will need to lend a helping hand in the wood shop.) The rest of the book is all about the projects, including easy builds and more challenging ideas. Chapters and projects include:

• Fun and hobby-related projects like a birdhouse, toss across game, and catapult!
• Handy projects like a tool carrier and workbench.
• Gifts, including a picture frame and jewelry box.

With clearly written steps and helpful photographs the aim is for kids to lead. STEAM/STEMlearning opportunities are part of the fun as well! Supplemental facts and explorations accompany the projects throughout the book. Kids are encouraged to develop a maker mentality, fostering creative problem-solving and open-ended exploration. Build and explore in the wood shop!

The STANLEY® Jr. series is full of books for young makers that empower creativity. They feature wholesome inspiration, learning, and fun for everyone. Filled with easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step photos, they are playbooks to build, grow, and create something new.

• ISBN13: 9780760367469
• Publish Date: 21 July 2020
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 7 January 2023
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Cool Springs Press
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 112
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Stanley Jr. Woodworking is Awesome is a guided tutorial and DIY manual aimed at youngsters from Chris Peterson and Stanley. Due out 21st July from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 112 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is a good beginner level book aimed at younger readers (circa 8-12 years, but suitable for beginning woodworkers of all ages, really). The included projects are represented by both utilitarian (birdhouse, bird feeder, workbench, tool carrier,+) and fun/games items (catapult (!!), tic-tac-toe board, toss across, toy car parking garage and more). There are (by my count) 12 different projects and all are attractive and appealing.

The introductory chapters provide a thorough beginner's reference to tools, supplies, and safety. The text is well written and clear, and would be understandable to the average reader in the target age group. The tools-workshop-and skills building content represents about half the page content, with the other half taken up by the DIY tutorials. Each of the tutorials contain a difficulty rating, a bullet list of tools and materials (measurements in American standard units, though there is a metric conversion chart included in the references), an exploded isometric arrangement drawing showing the construction parts and how they fit together, a step-by-step tutorial and abundant photographs. The photography is clear and illustrative and will help the reader to complete the projects with minimal frustration.

This would make a superlative selection for a library makers' group, school / scouts activity, or weekend build (especially when we can safely gather together again). The projects are useful, engaging and at an appropriate difficulty level to appeal to the crafter whilst only requiring minimal guidance or input from an adult. I really liked the inclusiveness of the photos (undoubtedly intentional, but nevertheless appreciated). The photos include both boys and girls of various ethnic backgrounds having fun and making useful things.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.