Little Homesteader

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.

July 1, 2022
Short days, wintry weather, and cold temps may have kids at loose ends; this book gives them some things to do. The activities run the gamut from taking a few minutes and requiring almost nothing to requiring both patience and some easily gotten supplies. Readers can try their hands at several cocoa recipes, whip up homemade bread, or attempt to tap some trees for sap and make maple syrup and candies. Citrus is prominent in the book: Along with making candied orange slices, readers can create garlands from dried slices and plant and grow the seeds. And those seeds aren't the only kitchen waste that can be used to regrow food. Children who don't mind the weather can venture outdoors to forage materials for a wreath or evergreen paintbrushes; find tracks or other evidence of winter wildlife; and hang pine cone bird feeders they've made. For those who prefer staying cozy, there's finger knitting, making a compost bin out of a plastic bottle, and crafting solstice lanterns and salt dough ornaments. The directions are short and sweet and get the ideas across. Colored-pencil illustrations have a bit of a Scandinavian vibe to them in the little details and repeated motifs. Two delightfully round and rosy-cheeked children appear throughout, one with light skin and short blond hair, the other with brown skin, Afro puffs, and a cloud of bangs. Wildlife is cartoon cute but at the same time accurately depicted. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A good starting point for banishing winter boredom. (Activity book. 4-10)

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