ARTS AND CRAFTS: Paper Dandy's Horrorgami - Marc Hagan-Guirey

Release Date: 07/09/15
Publisher:  Lawrence King

SYNOPSIS:

Paper Dandy's Horrorgami features 20 kirigami (cut-and-fold) designs based around haunted houses and scenes from horror films by the creator of the successful Horrorgami blog and exhibition. Each project features step-by-step instructions and a template that you remove from the book. You then follow the lines on the template, cutting and folding to make your own kirigami model. All you need is a scalpel, a cutting mat and a ruler. Clear cutting tips help you with the tricky stages and give you an order in which to complete your work, while photos of the finished model show you the final design. Projects are ranked from beginner to advanced. Suitable for folding experts and beginners alike, Paper Dandy's Horrorgami makes the perfect Halloween activity.


REVIEW:

T’is the month of ghosts and ghouls, of skeletons and spirits so what are you going to do to get your home in order, well worry not as this cracking book from “the paper dandy” as a whole host of creepy paper constructs for you to create in a step by step guide to making that extra scene for you to have fun with.

OK, so its not straight forward and to be honest I had trouble with the straight edges but that’s down to me rather than the book. It is fun, the silhouettes give you something superbly creepy and if you do what I did (which was to photocopy the patterns, you can then make them each year or to give away as Halloween gifts, or if you feel extra especially tricksy, you can blow them up and create a huge design.

All round, it’s a good bit of fun and with idea’s for everyone there’s so many things that you can have fun creating to give you that extra special theme. Magic.

YOUNG ADULT FUN THINGS REVIEW: Pierre the Maze Detective: The Search for the Stolen Maze Stone - Hiro Kamigaki, IC4Design

Release Date: 07/09/15
Publisher:  Lawrence King

SYNOPSIS:

Pierre the Maze Detective has a new case. Mr X has stolen the Maze Stone, which has the power to turn the whole of Opera City into a maze. Can you help Pierre and his friend Carmen find their way through the mazes – and stop Mr X before it's too late? This beautifully illustrated book features 15 full-spread illustrations of intricate, magical mazes. Take a trip through a fantastic world of underground cities, hot-air balloons, tree-top towns and haunted houses. Trace your way through each maze, spot the clues and solve the extra mystery challenges along the way. Hours of puzzle fun, for all maze detectives aged 8+. A page of answers with the routes through the mazes and other solutions is included at the end of the book.


REVIEW:

The Japanese version of Where’s Wally and whilst I’m an adult, I had a lot of fun going through each of the images, following the clues to get from point A to point B as I chase Mr X in order to save the Maze Stone from his evil clutches. OK, so its aimed at the 8+ market but lets be honest here, adults will get just as much fun from this title as young household members.

For me, this book wonderful, bright colours, top notch clues and with so many things to find within each image, it’ll take you quite a while to uncover all the nuances within. A great book for children of all ages and a title that my Dad has already pre-booked so he can do the puzzles with his grandkids. Who could ask for more?