Cute Crochet World: A Little Dictionary of Crochet Critters, Folks, Food & More

Gr 7 Up—Readers will find loads of crocheted animals, people, seasonal creatures, and more in this delightful craft collection. Thompson opens by explaining that this book isn't intended for beginners. The crafter who pulls it off the shelf will need to know basic crochet stitches and understand what the abbreviations mean in a crochet pattern. Supplies for each project, including needles and yarn, are given in both the metric and U.S. system of measurement. Skill level is noted, as well as materials and tools, and suggested applications for the particular motif are listed. Each pattern is accompanied by clear, colorful photographs with several examples of the motif that can be created. The author suggests some inventive uses of the motifs, which may not be as practical as hats or scarves but are certainly creative: filling an aquarium with crotcheted fish, adding a weiner dog to a skirt for a fun take on the 1950s poodle skirt, or sewing slices of kiwi onto a tea towel. Though this is an additional purchase due to the limited audience, libraries serving patrons who are looking for unusual and fun designs to make out of yarn will find lots to keep them busy with this compendium.—Elizabeth Kahn, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Jefferson, LA