Stanley Jr. Woodworking is Awesome

Stanley Jr. Woodworking is Awesome is a guided tutorial and DIY manual aimed at youngsters from Chris Peterson and Stanley. Due out 21st July from Quarto on their Cool Springs Press imprint, it's 112 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is a good beginner level book aimed at younger readers (circa 8-12 years, but suitable for beginning woodworkers of all ages, really). The included projects are represented by both utilitarian (birdhouse, bird feeder, workbench, tool carrier,+) and fun/games items (catapult (!!), tic-tac-toe board, toss across, toy car parking garage and more). There are (by my count) 12 different projects and all are attractive and appealing.

The introductory chapters provide a thorough beginner's reference to tools, supplies, and safety. The text is well written and clear, and would be understandable to the average reader in the target age group. The tools-workshop-and skills building content represents about half the page content, with the other half taken up by the DIY tutorials. Each of the tutorials contain a difficulty rating, a bullet list of tools and materials (measurements in American standard units, though there is a metric conversion chart included in the references), an exploded isometric arrangement drawing showing the construction parts and how they fit together, a step-by-step tutorial and abundant photographs. The photography is clear and illustrative and will help the reader to complete the projects with minimal frustration.

This would make a superlative selection for a library makers' group, school / scouts activity, or weekend build (especially when we can safely gather together again). The projects are useful, engaging and at an appropriate difficulty level to appeal to the crafter whilst only requiring minimal guidance or input from an adult. I really liked the inclusiveness of the photos (undoubtedly intentional, but nevertheless appreciated). The photos include both boys and girls of various ethnic backgrounds having fun and making useful things.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Woodworking is Awesome is an awesome book. Easy to follow, clear instruction with lots of beginner information.
If you have no experience with tools and projects Woodworking is Awesome is a great place to start. The photos are clear and it is easy to follow instructions.
Will definately recommend this book to young enthusiasts.

A great book to introduce children into the joys of woodworking, with lots of information on safety and equipment to start with, the books works its way into introducing some basic woodworking skills to children, and into making projects. Well illustrated with step y step photos, the projects grow in difficulty until picture frames and boxes are achieved.
With all this screen time, that is used these days it is great to see children being exposed to woodworking and practical creative skills. a really good book for any parent to work with a child to achieve something with their hands. .

A great book of woodworking with a lot of detailed instructions and fun projects. My 9 year old loved the book and inspired him to be creative with his thinking. I love how to book included the tools and their uses and ground rules/safety instructions. I would highly recommend this book to someone who is interested in learning how to build. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.