Crazy Crafts: Jungle Animals

This children's craft video offers an imaginative approach: after creating animals out of construction paper, pipe cleaners, and household items, the demonstrator uses the critters to tell a traditional tale. “The Great Inbetween,” “The Lion and the Rabbit,” and “The Spotted Zebra” are illustrated by various members of the animal kingdom--including an elephant, mouse, hummingbird, deer, lion, rabbit, monkey, rhinoceros, zebra, giraffe, and leopard--all made from typical craft supplies (unfortunately not listed onscreen, so public libraries will need to keep multiple copies of the enclosed flyer). Part of the Crazy Quilt series from YTV Canada, each craft/story is 27 minutes long. While the box lists the target audience as children ages 3-9, my own experience teaching crafts to children suggests the lower age is way too optimistic (even nine-year olds will have some trouble crafting the animals given the rapid-fire demonstrations; younger children will enjoy the stories, but do not have the dexterity to create most of these animals). A DVD bonus activity guide features some good suggestions for elementary school art instructors. A strong optional purchase. [Note: also available at the same price is Crazy Crafts: To the Rescue.] Aud: K, P. (R. Reagan)