Knitting Block by Block

  Knitting Block by Block. by Nicky Epstein.
                             Potter Craft (Random House), 2010. Adult nonfiction.


Nicky Epstein is a rock star in the knitting world and any new book from her creates a buzz! This title is subtitled "150 Blocks for Sweaters, Scarves, Bags, Toys, Afghans, and More". It's a hefty 240 pages of full-color photographs, with diagrams, patterns, and techniques included. The paper is sturdy and the colorful blocks are shown clearly. Knitters can choose different blocks and vary them by color, size of needles, and types of threads. Basic blocks like seed, stockinette, and garter stitches would work for easy dishcloths while the blocks shown on the cover are more complex.  The majority of the patterns are not for beginners. With cables, ruffles, and woven stitches, some of the blocks would be at home on Project Runway clothing! Still, if you need a challenge, Epstein provides inspiration and ideas.














Information from publisher:

More Info

Author Bio

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

My Secret Guide to Paris

My Secret Guide to Paris by Lisa Schroeder.
                                  Scholastic Press, February, 2015.
                                  Children's fiction (chapter book).




Some advanced reading copies are just too good not to talk about immediately! Lisa Schroeder's latest title, due out in 2015, centers on Nora's upcoming twelfth birthday and the trip to Paris that she and her beloved grandmother are planning. Unfortunately, her grandmother dies. Nora finds three plane tickets with instructions for things to do, people to meet, and adventures awaiting in Paris. Mom and Grandma Sylvia seemed to not really get along so Nora worries about telling Mom about the trip. And, who will use the third ticket?




Things fall into place as Nora grieves, continues to research Paris, and the trip comes to be. Meeting her grandmother's friends teaches the family more about Grandma Sylvia and just how much she loved them. The book is a bittersweet romp with a little mystery, some new friends, and much love tucked together.




While it could have been maudlin, the death and grieving are presently in a way that seems realistic. The mother/daughter relationship in both generations rings true, too. The fun and adventures in Paris will have readers closely examining maps and photographs of the places the characters visit. All in all, a well written third through seventh grade chapter book that both captivates and teaches.