Show & Tell : Crafting Fun, Cooking Fun

I have to confess, I judged these books by their covers. When Rae Grant contacted me to see if I'd be interested in review copies of her two new books, I took one look at the covers--with their vintage illustrations and drawings and immediately said yes. They reminded me of the old go-to Betty Crocker cookbook from my childhood.

And when I got them in hand, the goodness went beyond what was on the outside. I like Rae's note to families on the first few pages:

Crafting Fun : 101 Things to Make and Do with Kids is a collection of classic childhood projects that kids and families can use all year long. It's a ticket back to a less busy time, and a reminder of how much fun it can be to make and do simple things.....Like a family dinner, crafting brings kids and parents together and allows for a quality time that the TV or computer just can't provide.

The first Book, Crafting Fun: 101 Things to Make and Do with Kids , is a collection of classic crafts categorized by season. Though many are new, some are the time-honored, best-loved crafts of our childhood. The book has clear, simple directions that make it easy enough for even the youngest crafter to be involved, and older crafters to work through independently. Animal track casting, seashell candles, natural dyes, paper chains, and tinsel stars, there is definitely something for everyone.

Her next book, Cooking Fun: 121 Simple Recipes to Make with Kids would make a great first cookbook, gift, or addition to any kitchen library. I love (and appreciate) the helpful sections at the beginning which give how-to's and insights on kitchen tools, measuring, cooking terms, equipment and equivalents. Baked apples, heirloom brownies, icebox cookies--can you tell which section my children turned to first? Aside from yummy desserts, the book is filled with great recipes to make with your children in the kitchen.

Find Rae's blog here at My Little Hen

and her Author's website : Crafting Fun For Kids

I have one copy of each of Rae's books to giveaway this weekend. Leave a comment on this post and I will pick and announce the two random winners on Monday.

Happy Weekend, friends!

Comments

[Tamra]

Oh please, oh please, oh please pick my mommy! (Lia, age 8)
Sorry, I will result to using my children it seems.

[Arwen]

Those do look like fun!

[Dawn]

I've seen these books and also fell in love with the vintage illustrations! Good to know they are just as deligtful inside as well! My little chefs would love these!

[Alina]

We love to cook in this house and enjoy crafting. The do look vintage :)

[JenR]

These look like wonderful, must have books! Thanks for the chance to win one!

[Janet]

I'd love to get my hands on these! Thanks!!!

[Michelle]

My 3 year old loves to help me cook! We don't have cable so I'm always trying out new crafts and projects that we can work on together!

[Colette]

Oh those look so fun!! Sign me up! :) Thanks for sharing. :)

[kathy]

Oh yeah both books look terrific..put my name in the hat.

[beth]

what great giveaway! I would love these books, my son is really getting into helping me in the kitchen. I had a childrens first cookbook when I was little, probably betty crocker and the illustrations reminded me of it :)

[Heather]

I love the retro covers and back to basics family recipes! What a great giveaway.

[Lisa]

Books my girls could really sink their hands in, yes...

[Nerak]

Fun!!

[jody]

Both of those books sound fantastic! Thanks for the great review. Sign me up!!!

[Jill]

SO nice to find out that the content is as good as the cover :) My daughter and I have spent many hours crafting and cooking and would welcome a new addition to our resources. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on these books with us.

[Annwen]

would love to win! They both look fabulous!

[Katy M]

These books would definately get a lot of use in our house....I think just as much by me as my girl!

[Leslie]

My five year old is working on her independence, so the cooking book would be blast to do together and give her some confidence in the kitchen. Thanks for the giveaway.

[Kelly]

Count me in ~ these books are great ~

[Kate]

These look great! I would love some new projects. And some fun inspiration...

[Tana]

I still cook and craft with my Mom and want my daughter to have those memories too! These books look like they would be a great source of inspiration.

[angela]

What great books! I am homeschooling my girls (ages 6 and 4) and there is nothing more fun than crafting and cooking together. Thanks for a chance to win!

[Jen]

I've looked at these books many times at the bookstore, but haven't yet bought them. They are so well done, and I know my kids would enjoy them!

[Martha]

I would love to win either of these books. My children and I love to cook and craft and I adore books about cooking and crafting, so what a great combination.

[alison]

What fun books. My daughter is always begging to help with the cooking or to start a new craft. Perhaps these books might inspire us (or me).

[Ilana]

I think anytime spent with your children is priceless. Thank goodness people write books that show us "how to" do fun things with our children.
Making candles out palm wax i.e.the term palm wax candles is great, and also soy wax, it burns at a much lower temperature, you can even dip your finger in the melted wax and use it as a moisturizer on your hands.

[Sarah]

Both books look great - always looking for new ideas!

[Cassie]

My daughter has become quite the helper in the kitchen. The cookbook sounds wonderful!

[Jill]

The covers alone would have grabbed me, too, on these books. I'm so glad to hear that the insides are equally as charming! My kids all love to cook and craft (I think all kids do, right?!), so we'd love to win the giveaway. Thanks for telling us about another great product!

~Jill~

[Mary]

I saw these and wondered about them... thanks for the review; I think we would enjoy both of them!

[Marissa]

My four year old LOVES to help me cook...and we're always looking for new crafting inspiration! What a great giveaway!

[ale]

these books look like so much fun! Thank you for the giveaway!

[Julie]

Oh, these books look great. I was impressed by the Amazon reviews of both - inspiring dishes for young palates and young chefs, crafts that make a parent feel competent. I'll file them away whether or not I come up on your random number generator for the giveaway. Thanks for another great idea.

[Beth]

I would love these books, I hope they end up at my library! Thanks for the chance!

[Andrea]

These look great, Molly. My daughter is just at the age where we're working together in the kitchen more often. . . . and crafting. Thanks for bringing great product to our attention!

[mary]

Oh, am I too late? I've been meaning to get that cookbook-- didn't know there was a craft book as well!

[~Heather]

My lads and I love working on projects together - this would be great to share with them! ~H

[mandy]

Oh my, I hope it's not too late! WE would love to put these books to use here.
Thanks!

[Cindy Bandemer]

I'd love, love, love one or both. My three year old is kitchen and crafting crazy right now. I hope I win!

[Carly N.]

I would love to have either one of these books!

[Banana]

OH, These books look so cute! I would love to have one for my kiddos! Thanks, for doing these great giveaways.

[Niki]

My daughter would love those books. Count me in!

[Jacqueline]

I think these look lovely, and would help turn intention into action! Thank you for sharing!

[caron easley]

if my girls could spend the entire day, evening, & dream-time doing crafts, they would. it is wonderful & exhausting when i run out of ideas. SIGN ME UP!