Christmas Crafts from Around the World by Judy Ann Sadler, illus. by June Bradford, offers projects based on craft traditions from 14 countries, from a Dutch Sinterklaas sack to a Mexican party pinata. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Gr. 4-6. Count down the days until Christmas on a German Advent calendar. Host a Mexican pinata party. Weave a Danish heart basket, fill it with treats, and hang it on the tree. Starting off with instructions for making cranberry-and-popcorn garlands and felt ornaments from the U.S., Sadler explains and shows how to make traditional Christmas projects from 13 different countries. Most of the materials can be found around the house, and the step-by-step directions are easy to follow, illustrated with Bradford's clear line-and-watercolor diagrams. The focus is mostly on Europe and the Americas (there's a token crinkle-paper chain from South Africa), but there's a lot here to make an international Christmas and extend the holiday fun. The tone is enthusiastic, and the attractive design, with an illustrated double-page spread for each project, will invite kids to give it a try. Another successful entry in the stellar Kids Can Do It series. --Hazel Rochman Copyright 2003 Booklist

These seventeen projects, ranging in skill level, combine familiar activities (garlands, ornaments) with less conventional crafts (silver spider webs, piñatas). Though the projects have child-appeal, the instructions lack detail, supplies are not always well defined (dowel, skein), and the illustrations would be more helpful if they included labels. Elementary schoolers will need adult assistance. From HORN BOOK Spring 2004, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 4-6-From cranberry and popcorn garlands (U.S.) to woven hearts (Denmark) to a pi-ata (Mexico) to a crinkle-paper chain (South Africa), these 17 projects for craft-confident readers also include snippets of information on how and why the holiday is celebrated in a variety of countries. A photograph of each finished product is provided, along with a list of materials needed and succinct but clear instructions. Small but clear illustrations guide readers through each step. Most of the materials are readily available (a toilet-paper roll) with a few craft-store commodities (tulle, balsa wood) mixed in. A worthy addition to holiday craft collections.-S. P. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.