
A parent might reach for this book when their child asks 'how is that made?' or shows a sudden interest in a new hobby like skating or woodworking. It is perfect for the child who is more interested in the process than the final product, helping them slow down and appreciate the labor behind the objects they use every day. Through high quality photographs and clear text, this book follows a master craftsman as he transforms raw wood into a custom skateboard. It emphasizes the values of precision, patience, and the immense pride that comes from creating something with one's own hands. While technically informative, it also serves as a meditative look at craftsmanship for children aged 6 to 10. Parents will find it a great tool for fostering a growth mindset and a respect for technical skill.
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Sign in to write a reviewThis is a purely secular, instructional nonfiction book. There are no sensitive social or emotional topics addressed beyond the potential safety concerns of using power tools, which are shown being used by a professional.
An 8-year-old 'tinkerer' who loves LEGOs or taking apart old toys, or a child who has just started learning to skate and wants to understand their equipment on a deeper level.
This book can be read cold. Parents may want to emphasize that the craftsman in the book uses dangerous tools that require adult supervision and years of training. The parent likely just witnessed their child get frustrated because they couldn't fix a toy, or perhaps the child is showing a 'disposable' attitude toward their belongings and needs to see the value of handmade items.
A 6-year-old will be captivated by the 'transformation' of the wood and the colorful photos. A 10-year-old will engage more with the STEM components, such as the physics of the deck's curve and the engineering of the trucks.
Unlike many 'how-to' books that focus on industrial factories, this book highlights the individual artisan. It dignifies manual labor and treats the skateboard as a piece of functional art rather than a mass-produced toy.
Part of the 'Made by Hand' series, this nonfiction title provides a step-by-step look at the fabrication of a custom skateboard. It covers the selection of wood, layering, pressing, shaping, and finishing, accompanied by diagrams and crisp photography.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.