Little Homesteader

August 1, 2022

PreS-Gr 2-An accessible collection of recipes and crafts children can readily create with adult supervision, this cheerful treasury offers tidbits about harvesting and the natural world. Unlike those found in similar books, the family activities are attainable regardless of location, and economically friendly. It is eco-conscious; for example, Ferraro-Fanning offers ways to stretch the uses of apple cores and pumpkin seeds in recipes. This raises awareness of nature, while also keeping the budget on activities reasonable. Pumpkin seeds pop up in crafts, too, including for use in maracas. The autumnal color spreads, in colored pencils, depict the different kinds of pumpkins, apples, pears, and herbs in vivid spreads, each more delightful than the last. A table of contents will get kids into the pages, where each project is clearly titled with precise instructions. The graphic design and font are clear and the artwork is remarkably detailed. Other highlights include saving seeds, making seed packets, drying herbs, and growing windowsill herb gardens. VERDICT Educators and other adults who work with children are likely to find inspiration in this collection; recommended, too, for public libraries where families heavily circulate crafts and recipes.-Rachel Zuffa

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 13, 2021
Rosy-cheeked children of varying skin tones walk readers through cold-weather activities in this cozy amalgam aimed at readers in northern climes. After an introductory spread, subsequent pages offer straightforward recipes for hot cocoa, bread, and candied orange slices (reminders to ask for adult help are manifold), while crafts include a pinecone bird feeder, evergreen paintbrushes, and winter solstice lanterns. Ferraro-Fanning also details winter crops such as tree sap and citrus fruits, and nature-focused activities invite readers to tap trees and spot winter wildlife. Soft colored pencil illustrations by AnneliesDraws clearly attend the range of information presented. Though instructions aren’t always fully fleshed, and the book elides any mention of homesteading’s complicated history, the wealth of simple activities will please. Ages 5–8.