Crochet Stories: Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland by Pat Olski

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to Dover Publications and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Crochet Stories: Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland by Pat Olski. This book is a feast for crocheters and readers combined. The crocheted characters are introduced through excerpts from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and right after the story sections, comes the crochet projects’ details. The key of crochet abbreviations is at the beginning of the book and each pattern uses these abbreviations. The detailed instructions give information on finished measurements, materials needed and the gauge of stitches per row and number of rows when complete. The colored photos of the finished products are too cute to not crochet! My favorite photo is of Alice, the dormouse, the Mad Hatter and the tea set – all crocheted pieces. The Queen and King are comically cute. The skill levels for crocheters are easy and intermediate. There are even patterns for a croquet card arch and a flamingo mallet. Adorable and fun! 5 stars!

Manga Art by Mark Crilley

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for the opportunity to read and review Manga Art: Inspiration and Techniques from an Expert Illustrator by Mark Crilley! Mr. Crilley shares his story with his readers, encouraging artists everywhere. The beautiful artwork in this book will open up worlds for aspiring artists and I especially like the “your turn” sections that encourage artists to think outside the box and create out of their norm. I will purchase this book for the library where I work because I can see it being beneficial to many students. They will enjoy this book as much as I do- 5 stars for this nonfiction art instructional book!