FROM THE PUBLISHER

Craft expert Kelli Ronci loves to crochet and she's figured out the easiest way to teach it to kids. In this delightful book, she demonstrates how to make 15 fun, colorful projects, including an earflap hat, a patchwork poncho, and a cupcake-shaped pincushion.

Kids Crochet presents everything from finger-crocheting to crocheting in the round, all supported by easy-to-follow instructions, full-color illustrations, and charming photos of boys and girls busily stitching. In addition, intriguing sidebars explore such subjects as crochet around the world, the origins of yarn, and popular crochet-for-charity programs. Both an ideal educational tool and an entertaining introduction to a creative leisuretime activity, Kids Crochet brings one of the biggest trends in adult crafting to children of all ages.

Author Bio: Kelli Ronci is a New York-based craft designer, photo stylist, and illustrator. She has created and styled projects for many magazines, including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Kids, In Style, Parent and Child, and Child. Visit her website at www.kellironci.com. John Gruen is a photographer specializing in interiors, still life, and people. His photographs have been published in many magazines and in the book Kids' Embroidery (STC). Lena Corwin is a textile graphic designer and illustrator. She has worked for Calvin Klein, Jill Stuart, Elle Decor magazine, and many others.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

"A ball of yarn-that's all you need to get started learning how to crochet," begins the reassuring Kids Crochet: Projects for Kids of All Ages by Kelli Ronci, photos by John Gruen, illus. by Lena Corwin, part of the Kids Craft series. This liberally illustrated book gives clear step-by-step instructions and diagrams to help novices find their way. Each project is laid out like a recipe, with a list of materials, including the estimated yards of yarn needed. From a "patchwork poncho" to "critter cushions," plenty of diverse projects will catch crocheters' fancies. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

Richly illustrated with photos of children crocheting and modeling their crocheted items, this beginner's book should appeal to middle-school girls and boys as well as to adults wishing to teach themselves the art of crochet. Craft designer Ronci covers most aspects of beginning crochet, including choosing yarns and tools, making a gauge swatch and foundation chain, single crocheting, crocheting in the round, and counting rows and stitches. Fifteen projects-all in single crochet-include friendship cuffs, a colorful patchwork poncho made with scrap yarns, dolls, hats, a pullover, and even crocheted balls for juggling. Ronci omits half double, double, and triple crochet, suggesting that these topics are better pursued once the possibilities of single crochet are mastered. Included is some guidance for lefties-certainly a plus in a book for beginners. Recommended for public libraries. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-In this handsomely designed volume, a combination of softly hued illustrations, sharp, colorful photos (including dozens of full page), and step-by-step instructions clearly guides young people (including "lefties") through l5 projects. All aspects of crocheting are covered: yarns, tools, hooks, size, sides, rows, attaching a new color, borders, texture, increasing/decreasing, stitches (chain, single crochet, woven, rib). Handcrafted items include a neck cozy, tool pouch, friendship cuffs, patchwork poncho, triangle-square quilt and pillow, and critter cushions. Boxed text provides useful information on winding a ball of yarn, weaving in tails, sewing on a button, keeping track of rounds, etc. Along with Susan O'Reilly's Knitting and Crochet (Thomson Learning, l994), this title is a good choice for craft collections.-Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.