This is not a book dumbed down, but rather built from the ground up for young people. There is, of course, the expectation that the book will be used under adult supervision, at least with preteen and younger children. At 128 pages, this book is as thick as your average carving book, but at 8”x 8” is a size better suited to young hands. I found the book to be well written and well designed. If you have a child or grandchild whom you’d like to interest in woodcarving, then this book may be a perfect Christmas or birthday present. If you have no young children or grands, but would like to help spread the art and craft, consider becoming a BSA woodcarving Merit Badge councilor; this publication would be an excellent adjunct to the merit badge handbook. Matt Kelly
Techniques & Projects for the First-Time Carver
Meets requirements to achieve Scouting Woodcarving Merit Badge
Learning to carve is easy and lots of fun. All it takes is a few simple tools, a piece of wood, a lively imagination - and the techniques in the new book from Everett Ellenwood. With step-by-step photographs and easy-to-follow instructions, kids of all ages can discover just how easy and exciting it is to carve. Each of the projects teaches a new skill and builds confidence so that by the end of the book kids will know how to transfer patterns, use carving tools with poise, and finish their project like a pro. In addition, they'll learn how to work safely, pick the right wood, and to sharpen and care for their tools. Before they know it, kids will be finished with these 11 cool projects and looking for more! Soap Boat, Snowman Holiday Ornament, Wooden Whistle, Arrowhead, Name Plaque, Eagle Head, Musical Frog, 5 minute Wizard, Ball in Cage, 5-Minute Owl, Stylized Grizzly Bear.