Kites

Dave Jenkinson is a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba and the author of the “Portraits” section of Emergency Librarian.

This slim book provides clear instructions that will allow children 7 to
12 to construct nine different kites, principally unaided, using
materials found in most homes.

An introduction presents kite vocabulary as well as a section on
materials and general instructions. Each of the double-page spreads that
follows focuses on a single kite. A prefatory “You will need” box
delineates required materials and construction tools (measurements are
provided in both imperial and metric units). Accompanying the
step-by-step, numbered instructions are helpful full-color
illustrations. The kites range in construction difficulty from the
simple “Classic two-stick” or “Mini-kit” to the complex “South
American bird.” There are useful tips on launching, flying, and
landing kites, and a list of safety rules. Kites is a must for public
and school libraries, for adults who work with youth groups such as
Cubs/Scouts or Brownies/Guides, and, of course, for children themselves.
Highly recommended.