Book Review
When you first open Halloween Treats: Recipes and Crafts for the
Whole Family there is an introduction that includes an interesting
section on the origin of Halloween and trick or treating. It is
followed by a must read section on how to use this book. The author
explains the background behind the book and the recipes/crafts included
in it but also outlines who can do what from the four year old to
the adults participating in the activities. I like the advice the
author gives because it shows she cares about children participating
in and learning from these activities as well as using safety measures
that we both feel is of great importance. She also outlines kid
tips for cooking and crafting including what you need to do to get
started, what to do when you are finished crafting or cooking and
special cooking tips to use for safety (especially working with
knives and other sharp tools) when cooking with children or anytime.
The crafts/recipes included in Halloween Treats are divided into
three main chapters: Halloween anticipations (recipes and crafts
for pre-Halloween fun), Halloween enchantments (food from the cauldron,
menu for a Halloween dinner party, and crafts for dressing up Halloween)
and Halloween excitements (recipes and crafts for sweets and treats).
With each of the recipes or crafts there is a short paragraph from
the author about the project and even linking it to the necessary
page if it is connected with another project (i.e. the roasted pumpkin
seeds are connected to the pumpkin carving). The instructions include
an ingredients/materials list and variations where applicable (i.e.
roasted pumpkin seeds).
I really like the how-to sections on carving jack-o’-lantern,
squash-o’-lanterns and hanging squash-o’-lanterns. For
someone who has never carved a pumpkin squash or other root vegetables
(I know there are some of you out there, especially if you don’t
have children or someone else always does it) there are complete
and detailed instructions starting from choosing the right pumpkin
to the equipment necessary and how to create and carry out your
design. I didn’t like that there weren’t pics of all
of the crafts in the book or the pics weren’t always close
to the instructions. There are some drawings next to the instructions
but they are just representations of the craft, spider, pumpkin,
bat, etc.
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