Klutz’s book based activity kits are exceptional for providing inspiration and convenience and for allowing children to explore and uncover new interests and talents.
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By: Jaime Temairik,
on 8/2/2014
Blog: The Official SCBWI 10th Annual New York Conference Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Illustration, picture books, klutz, typography, book covers, pop-ups, #LA14SCBWI, neta rabin, Add a tag
Neta has only been at her new job for one week and three days! So welcome her to Klutz, where she is now the Vice President of Product Development. If you were never a child, then you missed out on all of the great Klutz cooking, drawing, gardening, joke, activity, craft and magic books.
Two of the four things Neta says you want a cover to do:
"Ha, made you look!": If you see it on a shelf with lots of other face out covers, does your eye stray to your cover first?
Clarity of content: Who is the buyer? Can you tell from the cover if the book is for three-year-olds or eight-year-olds? Boys and girls, or just girls? Just lawyers?
Neta walks us through the evolution of the cover of HOW DO YOU FEED A HUNGRY GIANT?
Neta shared more cover tips, some examples of favorite covers and what they have in common, and took time for Q&A, good stuff, guys!
By: Amanda,
on 8/21/2011
Blog: A Patchwork of Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Klutz, board games, mazes, Add a tag
So, the first thing we played with was Thumb Wars: The Ultimate Guide. More of a kit than simply a game or a book, you get both with this set. A hysterically named "Sleeve of Doom" accompanies a small paperback book which includes strategies, different games to play, and my favorite: trash talk. So much fun!
Next, we opened up The 15 Greatest Board Games in the World. Now, I am going to have to disagree with the title...I don't really think they're the greatest board games in the entire world, but we certainly had fun playing most of the games.
Finally, I was sent A Super-Sneaky Double-Crossing Up, Down Round and Round Maze Book by Larry Evans, which is as cool as it's title makes it sound! I didn't actually DO the mazes...I would rather let a niece or nephew play within the pages, but these mazes look like a ton of fun. Definitely different than
By: David Elzey,
on 7/10/2009
Blog: The Excelsior File (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: 09, john cassidy, nicholas berger, film, non-fiction, middle grade, video, klutz, how-to, Add a tag
By: Stacy Curtis,
on 4/26/2009
Blog: Three Men in a Tub (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Klutz, Add a tag
By: Jackie,
on 1/9/2007
Blog: interactivereader (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Cybils, klutz, Add a tag
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By: Gi Hallmark,
on 4/29/2015
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Kaitlyn Nichols, April Chorba, Quilling, Washi Tape, Anne Akers Johnson, Jacqueline Lee, Ages 4-8, Ages 9-12, Art, Klutz, Interactive, Scholastic, Gift Books, Craft Books, Arts and Crafts, Felting, Activity Books, Tissue Paper Crafts, Kits, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Kaitlyn Nichols, April Chorba, Quilling, Washi Tape, Anne Akers Johnson, Jacqueline Lee, Ages 4-8, Ages 9-12, Art, Klutz, Interactive, Scholastic, Gift Books, Craft Books, Arts and Crafts, Felting, Activity Books, Tissue Paper Crafts, Kits, Add a tag
By: Jaime Temairik,
on 8/2/2014
Blog: The Official SCBWI 10th Annual New York Conference Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Illustration, picture books, klutz, typography, book covers, pop-ups, #LA14SCBWI, neta rabin, Add a tag
Two of the four things Neta says you want a cover to do:
"Ha, made you look!": If you see it on a shelf with lots of other face out covers, does your eye stray to your cover first?
Clarity of content: Who is the buyer? Can you tell from the cover if the book is for three-year-olds or eight-year-olds? Boys and girls, or just girls? Just lawyers?
Neta walks us through the evolution of the cover of HOW DO YOU FEED A HUNGRY GIANT?
The first sketches were very similar to what you see above, but with a tighter crop in, with no sign, just the legs of the giant... which meant the only actual blank space for the title was between the giant's legs... Neta went back and forth with the artist over how to incorporate the title into the cover image (adding a little more of the giant's body, putting the title on a sign that the giant could hold, which nicely echoes action happening in the book).
ILLUSTRATOR TIP! Neta says being able to do hand lettering is a great thing for an illustrator to have in their back pocket. Neta roughed in the sizes of the words for the title, and Shaw used that as a guide to handletter the title to its final style.
Remember when Neta told us that the cover should make it clear from the get-go what sort of a book it is, what sort of buyer will know this is the book for them? WELL, How Do you Feed a Hungry Giant? is a POP-UP BOOK! Yeah, I know! And the brilliant thing is that the cover has a pop-up element, look at this cool piece that you can pull out of the top of the cover:
 |
| HOW COOL IS THIS?!?!?!? |
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By: Bianca Schulze,
on 10/27/2011
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Art, Klutz, Pat Murphy, Books for Boys, Activity Books, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for Third Through Sixth Grade, Reluctant Readers: Will be begging for more, Book Lists: Specialty Picks, Interactive: Appeal to the senses, Seasonal: Holiday Books, Mike Herrod, Karen Phillips, Ages Four to Eight: Books for Pre-School Through Second Grade, April Chorba, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Art, Klutz, Pat Murphy, Books for Boys, Activity Books, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for Third Through Sixth Grade, Reluctant Readers: Will be begging for more, Book Lists: Specialty Picks, Interactive: Appeal to the senses, Seasonal: Holiday Books, Mike Herrod, Karen Phillips, Ages Four to Eight: Books for Pre-School Through Second Grade, April Chorba, Add a tag
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: October 27, 2011
Monster Comics
By Mike Herrod
Doodlers and fans of monsters and comics, unite! From freaked-out moms to thirsty vampires, using clean lines and minimal color, the talented children’s book author and illustrator Mike Herrod offers kids over 30 spook-tacular monster-pieces to finish off with their own drawings. However, it’s the “Magic Monster Pen” that steals the limelight. Kids can use the pen to compose their own secret messages or design their own hidden drawings; it also magically reveals 16 invisible ink picture pages throughout the book. This is an activity book that fans of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid are bound to enjoy.(Ages 7 and up)
Make a Mummy, Shrink a Head and Other Useful Skills
By Pat Murphy
Pat Murphy and the Scientists of Klutz Labs have put together a very unique book of activities for fearless explorers. Kids that enjoy experiments can make their very own mummy from a hot dog and a few other household items, such as toilet paper. Kids that really enjoy art and have a little patience will love turning an apple into a creepy, shrunken head. The well organized book includes fun facts and amusing photographs every step of the way. (Ages 8 and up)
PomPom Monster Salon: Create, Cut & Style Your Own Monsters
By April Chorba
This is an activity that really brings out creativity and personal style. Easy to follow instructions and simple tools make it really easy to customize homemade pompoms. Although the publisher (Klutz) recommends this activity book for 8-year-olds and up, parent or guardian participation makes it a great choice for younger children, too. (Ages 8 and up)
Wicked Cool Friendship Bracelets
This Klutz activity book offers a spooky take on the classic friendship bracelet. Including cord, charms and beads, kids are introduced to the basics of the bracelet making process before taking on the task of creating bracelets with names such as Bitten and Cobweb. And, even when the provided supplies are all used up, you can easily buy more sup
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By: Amanda,
on 8/21/2011
Blog: A Patchwork of Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Klutz, board games, mazes, Add a tag
As a book blogger, it's always fun to mix things up a little bit and review something a little different. I was recently able to review three games from Klutz, a company I'm always buying birthday and Christmas gifts from and I had such a great time doing it! The husband might have enjoyed himself a bit too...
So, the first thing we played with was Thumb Wars: The Ultimate Guide. More of a kit than simply a game or a book, you get both with this set. A hysterically named "Sleeve of Doom" accompanies a small paperback book which includes strategies, different games to play, and my favorite: trash talk. So much fun!The sleeve makes it pretty impossible to cheat, so even if you're just going to play the regular old thumb war, wear the sleeve! There's also instructions for playing with foil "hooks" and marshmallows. You can even MUD WRESTLE by using a cup of pudding in between your hands!! Seriously, this is such a simple setup, but it's absolutely hilarious to partake in. We very much enjoyed ourselves.
Next, we opened up The 15 Greatest Board Games in the World. Now, I am going to have to disagree with the title...I don't really think they're the greatest board games in the entire world, but we certainly had fun playing most of the games. The pieces for every game come in a handy case, which makes it easy to store right inside the book. Each page spread includes one side for game instructions and one side for the actual game board. Boards are nicely illustrated, with each looking a bit different, which was nice.
We didn't play all 15 games (only so much free time I suppose), but the seven we did play were a lot of fun. Our favorite? China Moon.
I do definitely agree with the age minimum being 7, as some of the concepts might be a bit over the head of a younger child, but a 7/8 year old should be able to grasp the games just fine. There are a few games that actually list the age minimum as 9, so watch out for those.
This one would make an excellent family gift, as everyone can have a shot playing. And I loved that it was all contained in just the one book. No big box to store!
Finally, I was sent A Super-Sneaky Double-Crossing Up, Down Round and Round Maze Book by Larry Evans, which is as cool as it's title makes it sound! I didn't actually DO the mazes...I would rather let a niece or nephew play within the pages, but these mazes look like a ton of fun. Definitely different than
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By: Bianca Schulze,
on 4/25/2011
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Giveaways, Science, Klutz, Space, Universe, Pat Murphy, Activity Books, Galaxy, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Giveaways, Science, Klutz, Space, Universe, Pat Murphy, Activity Books, Galaxy, Add a tag
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 25, 2011
From seeing the stars to taking a tour of the moon, The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy is an educational, entertaining, intergalactic treat. The book comes with 6 tools, including a build-it-yourself telescope and a no-batteries-required sundial, to help kids ages 8 and up navigate their way through outer space. The design and layout is kid-friendly, making it easy for galactic explorers to digest information and ponder some of the greatest scientific discoveries of our universe, right from their backyards.
Is it possible you have a young galactic explorer at your house? If so, reach for the stars and enter to win one of two copies of The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy. Giveaway begins April 25, 2011, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends May 23, 2011, at 11:59 P.M. PST.
Reading Level: 8 and up
Paperback: 67 pages
Book overview: THE KLUTZ GUIDE TO THE GALAXY by Pat Murphy and the Scientists of Klutz Labs
Isn’t it time you discovered your place in the galaxy?
Explore the universe without leaving the comfort of your backyard. When the scientists at Klutz Labs tackle outer space, we not only ask questions like “Where’s the Big Dipper” but also “If I lived on planet Mercury, am I already old enough to drive?” Use the included telescope, red light for night use, sundial, and astrolab to start exploring our great galaxy.
Visit the product page!
Learn more about the galaxy!
Click to enlarge.
How to enter:
- Leave a comment in the comments field below
- An extra entry will be given for each time you twitter about the giveaway and/or blog about it. You will need to paste the link in a separate comment to make this entry valid. Click here to follow us on Twitter.
- Maximum entries: Three (3)
Giveaway Rules:
- Shipping Guidelines: This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States or Canadian address.
- Giveaway begins April 25, 2011, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends May 23, 2011, at 11:59 P.M. PST, when all entries must be received. No purchase necessary. See official rules for details. View our privacy policy.
By: Bianca Schulze,
on 12/7/2010
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Art, Klutz, Taro Gomi, Activity Books, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Goodie Bag: Books to share and give, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for third through sixth grade, Reluctant Readers: Will be begging for more, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Ages Baby to Three: Books for infants and toddlers, Interactive: Appeal to the senses, Victoria Kann, Creativity for Kids, Mike Herrod, Museum of Modern Art New York, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Art, Klutz, Taro Gomi, Activity Books, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Goodie Bag: Books to share and give, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for third through sixth grade, Reluctant Readers: Will be begging for more, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Ages Baby to Three: Books for infants and toddlers, Interactive: Appeal to the senses, Victoria Kann, Creativity for Kids, Mike Herrod, Museum of Modern Art New York, Add a tag
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 7, 2010
The holiday season can bring out the “Martha” in all of us. Unfortunately, ’tis the season to zap away the time required to be a “Martha.” So … this book list (or book-ish, at least) can be used a few different ways:
- The obvious: You are shopping for a budding artist or crafting enthusiast.
- The handy: Use some of these books to entertain your children while you get busy baking cookies, writing Christmas cards, or putting your feet up while you sip on some spiked hot apple cider.
- The clever: You like to give books, but the kids you are buying for can’t sit still long enough to read or be read to. Art and craft books are like reading trickery: The craft keeps fingers busy while the instructions keep minds reading.
by Museum of Modern Art New York
Reading level: All Ages
Diary: 128 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (October 27, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: With eye-catching interiors and playful activities, this open-ended sketchbook encourages would-be artists of all ages to look at the world around them and take chances expressing what they see. Inspiring and colorful graphic design will unleash the artist in anyone.
Add this book to your collection: MoMA Make Art Mistakes: An Inspired Sketchbook for Everyone
by Taro Gomi
Reading level: All Ages
Paperback: 116 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 1, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: Taro Gomi invites children to punch out more than 60 fantastic playthings, including ring-toss games, finger puppets, boxes, picture frames, a zoo’s worth of animals, and more! Packed with Gomi’s fun, accessible artwork and a delightful variety of games and toys, this book will appeal to children of all ages, engaging their imaginations and entertaining them all day long.
Add this book to your collection: Play All Day
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By: Bianca Schulze,
on 11/12/2010
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Sports, Science, Klutz, Don Tate, Books for Boys, Activity Books, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for third through sixth grade, Teens: Books for young adults, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Interactive: Appeal to the senses, Kevin Sylvester, Audrey Vernick, Catherine Rondina, Effa Manley, Allen Kurzweil, Max Kurzweil, Sean Connolly, Thatcher Heldring, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Sports, Science, Klutz, Don Tate, Books for Boys, Activity Books, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for third through sixth grade, Teens: Books for young adults, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Interactive: Appeal to the senses, Kevin Sylvester, Audrey Vernick, Catherine Rondina, Effa Manley, Allen Kurzweil, Max Kurzweil, Sean Connolly, Thatcher Heldring, Add a tag
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 12, 2010
This is a book list for sports enthusiasts, young Einsteins-in-the-making, myth busters, restless minds and grown men! From Potato Chip Science to The World’s Most Amazing Facts and Records, there is seriously something for everyone. And, while I would recommend most of these books to the most reluctant of readers—particularly boys—I would suggest that you don’t rule these suggestions out for girls. Young girls in particular have very curious minds and very much enjoy a good hands-on experiment—there’s also a beautiful and energetic baseball book which tells the inspiring story of Effa Manley.
The Science Books
Potato Chip Science: 29 Incredible Experiments
by Allen Kurzweil (Author), Max Kurzweil (Collaborator)
Reading level: Ages 8-12
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (September 1, 2010)
Source: Author
The packaging of this kit (a “book & stuff”) alone has a ton of kid-appeal—it looks and feels like a bag of potato chips—but it’s not the cover from which we judge, it’s what is on the inside. Judge for yourself …
Add this book (and stuff) to your collection: Potato Chip Science: 29 Incredible Experiments
____________________________________________________________
The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science: 64 Daring Experiments for Young Scientists
by Sean Connolly
Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Hardcover: 205 pages
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (September 24, 2008)
Source: Personal collection
This is one that dad’s cannot resist working on with their kids.
Add this book to your collection: The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science: 64 Daring Experiments for Young Scientists
____________________________________________________________
Don’t Touch That Toad and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You
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By: Bianca Schulze,
on 6/7/2010
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Klutz, Happy Birthday, Activity Books, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Klutz, Happy Birthday, Activity Books, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Add a tag
I just have to share with you my two go-to books that provide (almost) instant, fool-proof birthday party action.
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By: Bianca Schulze,
on 3/31/2010
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Events, Science, Klutz, Current Affairs, Peter H. Reynolds, Roxie Munro, Earth Day, Jonah Winter, Linda Smith, Joanna Cole, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Goodie Bag: Books to share and give, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for third through sixth grade, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Ages Baby to Three: Books for infants and toddlers, Diane Muldrow, Cultural Wisdom: Books that teach, Biscuit, Environment & Ecology: Earth conscience, Aidan Potts, Alyssa Satin Caucilli, Jess M. Brallier, Seymour Simon, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Events, Science, Klutz, Current Affairs, Peter H. Reynolds, Roxie Munro, Earth Day, Jonah Winter, Linda Smith, Joanna Cole, Ages Four to Eight: Books for pre-school to second grade, Goodie Bag: Books to share and give, Ages Nine to Twelve: Books for third through sixth grade, Book Lists: Specialty picks, Ages Baby to Three: Books for infants and toddlers, Diane Muldrow, Cultural Wisdom: Books that teach, Biscuit, Environment & Ecology: Earth conscience, Aidan Potts, Alyssa Satin Caucilli, Jess M. Brallier, Seymour Simon, Add a tag
The following books, no matter how simple or complex, have been selected to motivate the earth-conscious spirit within all of us ... Read the rest of this post
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By: Bianca Schulze,
on 2/12/2010
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: General, Klutz, Presidents, David Rubel, Deborah Hopkins, Add a tag
Blog: The Children's Book Review (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: General, Klutz, Presidents, David Rubel, Deborah Hopkins, Add a tag
Monday, February 15, is Presidents' Day. I've put together a list of three books that are very well suited. One about the First Family, another that lists all of the presidents—with biographical details, and one that is simply a lot of fun and includes wacky facts about the United States.
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By: David Elzey,
on 7/10/2009
Blog: The Excelsior File (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: 09, john cassidy, nicholas berger, film, non-fiction, middle grade, video, klutz, how-to, Add a tag
The Complete Guide to MakingMovie Magicby John Cassidy and Nicholas BergerKlutz 2009Sometimes it's fun to be the grumpy old man and talk to kids about what life was like back in the stone age. Before streaming and downloading, before DVDs, before VCRs, heck, even before cassette tapes! It's fun to see them try and imagine how different things were, and then to watch their faces cringe in horror
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By: Stacy Curtis,
on 4/26/2009
Blog: Three Men in a Tub (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Klutz, Add a tag
Here's a book that I had a hand in illustrating, "Invasion of the Bristlebots."It was a fun job from KLUTZ. The artwork I did for this book is nothing like I have done before, I played the role of KLUTZ Scientist Sam, my finished illustrations were actually Sam's notes! Very loose and very, very fun to draw!Invasion of the BristleBots comes with two mini-robots — basically motorized toothbrush
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By: Jackie,
on 1/9/2007
Blog: interactivereader (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Cybils, klutz, Add a tag
Today I slipped on the ice and fell. My knee is now rather purple and it's swollen into a bit of a knot. My hand is all scraped up and all I want to do is whimper, whine, take an aspirin and curl up with Becoming Chloe. Of course, there's no point in wallowing, so I'll post instead. Besides, compared to what the Scottish sisters Jeannie and Sarah experience in Helen Frost's The Braid, I'm a big klutzy wuss. There are no grounds for denial of this statement (follow the 'klutz' label for more classic examples).
1850. The Highland Clearances are forcing thousands of people to emigrate from Scotland. Jeannie leaves with her parents and two younger siblings. Sarah hides herself away until her family has left, then travels with her grandmother to live on an island - a place where it isn't more profitable for the landlords to raise sheep than collect rent. Connecting the sisters is the titular braid - a twist of each girls' hair - held safe for remembrance. Each girl faces hardships. Not everyone makes the crossing to Canada, where there isn't a home or work waiting for the family anyway. Their struggles are different; Jeanie's are more physical and environmental, where Sarah's are more emotional and social. Each find reserves of strength and become women in the poems before our eyes.
Frost's form is elaborate, inspired by the Celtic knot and explained fully in the afterward. I have to acknowledge the ingenuity of the endeavor, but must admit that had it not been covered in the afterward, I would have missed the importance of what she had done. This can also be attributed to my laziness as a reader who has become to expect less from prose poetry. I'm happy that she has added a degree of difficulty to the genre in this moving and readable story.
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So, did your knee get better....you know you do have health insurance. Where did you slip? Nag, nag. Better get better for your trip.
Mom
Does my knee look better? No.
Does my knee feel better? Not really.
Am I complaining about it anymore? Only when I slam it against my desk.