Construct-a-Kit Fort and Playhouse with Paper Linx

Kelly L. Green is editor of the Canadian Book Review Annual’s
Children’s Literature edition.

This is an ingenious kit that allows families or any group of children
and adults to create personalized structures from materials they already
have around the house—newspapers, magazines, and other used paper. The
structures range from simple cubes, which can be used for small
playhouses or castles, to furniture and elaborate buildings (although
these may require more than one kit). The kit comprises a book and
plastic forming and connecting pieces. The book includes not only
instructions for making the struts that form the structures, but ideas
for structures ranging from chairs to spaceships.

The instructions are clear and accurate, and the book also provides a
plethora of information about the elements of structure. The struts do
require considerable time and precision work, but a couple of adults and
young children, or older children on their own, can make the foundation
of a basic structure in a couple of hours. These are long-term projects,
but the play value is also long-term as the structures will withstand a
fair amount of wear and tear, and even a little rain. The plastic parts
can also be used many times. This is an inspiring package that is highly
recommended for builders and pretenders alike.