Every Day's a Holiday book review and giveaway.

If you haven't visited Heidi Kennedy's blog My Paper Crane then you are missing out.  The blog is named after her first project ever, a paper crane - and she has kicked some big time crafting butt since then.  Can I say "butt" in my blog?  Ha!  Being that we're about to start a new year, I thought it would be a perfect time to review Heidi's book, Every Day's a Holiday: Year-Round Crafting with Kids.  It's published by Chronicle Books, and there is literally a project for every occasion, including some of the lesser known ones.  Who knew there was a Watermelon Day?  Every Day's a Holiday is a great read, and I can't believe how many awesome crafts that Heidi came up with for children.  As far as I'm concerned, sometimes coming up with kids' craft ideas is no easy feat.  Here are my five favorite things about this book.

1.  Some of the projects don't need adults, and Heidi has indicated those.  Setting a child aside and letting them go at it?  I'm guessing many of you parents won't have a problem with that.

2.  The amount of projects and holidays in this book.  I know I said it before, but you won't believe when you flip through the text how many great ideas are included.  Many can be modified with items you already have, or already use those type of supplies.

3.  These are actually fun projects for kids, and they aren't all potholders.  Remember those string potholders?  While I loved making them, I didn't love stringing them 17 times a year.  New ideas are always appreciated.  This book delivers.

4.  The crafts are amazingly gender neutral.  I see A LOT of children's craft projects that are girly, but not as many for boys.  And I know young boys love to craft because I grew up with four brothers, and they all liked making things.  I guess they get to that point where crafts are for chicks, but I'm pretty sure a book like this would keep their interest a little longer.  Check out the robots.

5.  The woodland gnomes.  I've always had a thing for pinecones.  Heidi, shut up - these are way too cute!

You're going to enjoy this book.  If you are a parent, you may one day rely upon this book to save you.  A little dramatic maybe, but I can only imagine what it's like to have children and get stuck on a rainy day with nothing to do.  As a special treat to start the new year, I'm giving away one copy of this book.  Here are the rules.

1. Comment on THIS blog entry. Why would you like to win this book?
2. Only one entry per person.
3. Contest will close this Wednesday, December 29th at midnight (EST).
4. PLEASE leave your e-mail address if it's not attached in Blogger - I need some way to reach you.

Full contest disclosure here.
Last week's winner of the Paper Blossoms book giveaway was Cassie Mary.