Book Review: The Big Book of Fantasy Kid Crafts: 60 Easy, Low-Cost Projects to Create a World of Fairies, Dragons, Unicorns and More
The Big Book of Fantasy Kid Crafts: A Magical Journey of Creativity – A Comprehensive Review
🌟 Introduction: A Treasure Trove of Imagination
If you’ve ever watched a child’s eyes light up at the mention of fairies, dragons, or unicorns, you know the power of fantasy. Jennifer Buchheit’s The Big Book of Fantasy Kid Crafts: 60 Easy, Low-Cost Projects to Create a World of Fairies, Dragons, Unicorns and More is more than just a craft book—it’s a portal to a world of wonder.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver looking to spark creativity, this book is a goldmine of enchanting, budget-friendly projects. But does it live up to its promise? Let’s dive deep into this magical manual and see if it truly casts a spell on young imaginations.
📖 Overview: What’s Inside the Book?
Buchheit’s book is structured as a hands-on guide, offering 60 imaginative crafts that bring fantasy creatures and worlds to life. The projects range from simple paper crafts (like fairy wings and dragon masks) to more elaborate DIYs (such as unicorn dream catchers and enchanted forest dioramas).
Key Sections:
- Fairies & Woodland Creatures – Whimsical wands, fairy houses, and nature-inspired crafts.
- Dragons & Mythical Beasts – Fire-breathing puppets, egg carton dragons, and knight’s shields.
- Unicorns & Enchanted Creatures – Glittery horns, rainbow slime, and magical jewelry.
- Fantasy Worlds & Play – Castle building, potion-making, and storytelling props.
Each project includes clear instructions, material lists (mostly household items), and vibrant photos—making it easy for kids (and adults!) to follow along.
🎨 Crafting Magic: Strengths of the Book
✅ Accessibility & Affordability
One of the biggest wins is that most materials are low-cost or already at home—think cardboard tubes, paper plates, and fabric scraps. No need for expensive specialty items!
✅ Variety & Creativity
From quick 10-minute crafts to weekend projects, there’s something for every attention span. The book also encourages open-ended creativity, allowing kids to personalize their creations.
✅ Educational Value
Beyond fun, these crafts promote:
- Fine motor skills (cutting, gluing, painting)
- Problem-solving (figuring out assembly steps)
- Storytelling (many projects tie into imaginative play)
✅ Visual Appeal
The full-color photographs make it easy to visualize the end result, and the layout is clean and engaging.
🧐 Minor Weaknesses: A Few Considerations
While the book is fantastic overall, a few things could be improved:
- Some projects require adult supervision (hot glue guns, exacto knives), which isn’t always highlighted upfront.
- A few crafts feel repetitive (e.g., multiple variations of wands or masks).
- More cultural diversity in fantasy elements (e.g., non-European mythical creatures) would have been a nice touch.
Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar collection.
✍️ Writing Style & Usability
Buchheit’s instructions are clear, concise, and encouraging—perfect for kids and adults who aren’t crafting experts. The tone is warm and inviting, with phrases like:
“Remember, there’s no wrong way to make a fairy house—let your imagination guide you!”
The book also includes helpful tips, such as:
- How to modify projects for younger kids
- Ways to repurpose materials
- Ideas for expanding the crafts into games or stories
🌈 Thematic Depth: More Than Just Glitter and Glue
At its heart, this book is about nurturing creativity and bonding through making. It subtly teaches:
- Resourcefulness (turning trash into treasure)
- Patience & Persistence (some projects take multiple steps)
- Confidence (seeing a finished creation boosts pride)
It’s not just about the crafts—it’s about the memories made while making them.
❤️ Personal Experience: Why My Kids (And I) Love It
As a parent, I’ve tried many craft books, but this one stands out because:
- My 6-year-old could do most projects with minimal help.
- The unicorn slime was a HUGE hit (even if it got everywhere).
- We turned the dragon puppet into a week-long storytelling adventure.
It’s rare to find a book that keeps kids engaged beyond a single afternoon, but this one did.
📚 Comparison to Other Craft Books
Compared to similar titles like The Grown-Up’s Guide to Crafting with Kids or Easy Paper Projects, Buchheit’s book focuses exclusively on fantasy, making it a niche favorite. It’s less about general crafting and more about immersive, thematic play.
🎯 Who Is This Book For?
Perfect for:
- Parents of kids aged 4-12 (younger ones will need help)
- Teachers & librarians (great for themed lessons)
- Homeschoolers (integrates art, storytelling, and fine motor skills)
- Party planners (fantasy-themed birthday activities!)
Not ideal for:
- Those seeking highly structured, precision-based crafts (this is more about freeform creativity).
🔮 Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Fantasy-Loving Families
The Big Book of Fantasy Kid Crafts is a joyful, practical, and inspiring resource. It delivers on its promise of easy, affordable, and magical projects that kids will adore. While a few more safety notes and cultural inclusions would’ve been nice, the sheer variety and charm make it a 5-star pick.
If you’re ready to turn your living room into an enchanted forest (or just need a rainy-day activity), this book is your spellbook.
🔗 Get the Book: Amazon
💬 Discussion Questions for Readers:
- What’s your favorite fantasy creature to craft?
- How do you encourage creativity in kids?
- Have you tried any projects from this book? Share your experiences below!
Let’s keep the magic alive in the comments! ✨
For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.
For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.