Alter This!

Alter This!
by Alena Hennessy
Lark Books, 2007. 96 pp. Juvenile nonfiction.

This is a great how-to book on ways to transform old or unwanted books into art. Not only does the book come with step-by-step instructions about the technicalities of the craft, it has several clever ideas and suggestions for altering books, too! There are craft ideas on how to make drawers, purses, a working clock, shadow boxes, game boards, and all kinds of nifty creations. Several of the book alterations require use of a craft/exacto knife and specific measuring and cutting, but there are also many that include simply painting and pasting and perhaps some scissor cutting. Overall, the book is directed to 9-12 year olds. There are projects that would interest both boys and girls. If you are a person who loves to create, this is the perfect book for you!