Green Fun: Plants as Play

Ray Doiron is an assistant professor of education specializing in
children’s literature at the University of Prince Edward Island.

This attractive nature-craft book includes a wide variety of simple
crafts young children can create using the natural plant material found
in most areas of North America. In assembling these projects from her
personal memories and from the recollections of friends, the author has
attempted to capture for children today the simple pleasures of
exploring nature and using found materials to make all sorts of
decorations, simple toys, and tiny treasures. The projects are arranged
alphabetically (starting with acorn whistles and burdock baskets and
ending with a thistle tassel and a violet princess) and described in
conversational and easy-to-follow prose. The color photographs provide
an attractive visual aid.

Parents and children will enjoy trying to find the plants needed for
the projects. The book may also give primary teachers ideas for projects
that can be incorporated into nature-study themes. Recommended.