Free Stuff for Kids. 13th ed.

Joan Weller is head librarian of the West Branch of the Ottawa Public
Library.

Now in its 13th edition, this handy, well-organized paperback lists more
than 150 items children can send away for. (The title is somewhat
misleading, for although most materials listed are free, others cost up
to $2.) Designed for independent use by children 8 and up, the book
encourages the art of letter writing. Included are sample formats for
order postcards and letters. Teachers will find the book helpful for
classroom use, while parents will enjoy helping younger children learn
how to order by mail.

Items available in Canada and the United States are listed under the
headings “Having Fun” (sports, hobbies, pets, crafts, posters,
books, and magazines), “Reaching Out” (history, science, nature,
ecology, and industry), “Taking Care” (health and safety), and
“Going Places” (communication, travel, and transportation). Free
items include informational pamphlets, posters, maps, postcards,
coloring sheets, stickers, and activity books. Items costing $2 or less
include craft materials, starter stamp collections, picture frames, dots
of Braille, sample magazines (OWL, Chickadee, HorsePower) and
recommended Canadian paperbacks (Beckoning Lights, Lorinda’s Diary,
and others). Just select an item, write for it, and wait for the mail.
Highly recommended for home and school.