Monday, December 30, 2013

Book Review: ‘Cool Creations in 35 Pieces’ by Sean Kenney

(from blogcritics.org
by xoxoxoe)



The Danish company Lego, born from the mind of Danish carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen, began marketing its signature bricks on a massive scale in the late 1950s. Since that time Lego has become a household word and toy enjoyed by millions of boys and girls (and their parents). The basic building set has expanded over the years to include character pieces, bigger blocks aimed at tinier hands and players, and even computer games and movies. Any parent who has struggled to help their child build some of the more elaborate brick systems (Harry Potter Lego Hogwarts Castle I’m looking at you) will be happy to check out Sean Kenney’s new book, Cool Creations in 35 Pieces, a Lego modeling guide.

Kenney is a Lego master builder. A quick look at his website reveals original sculptures that include everything from home decor to custom portraits. Cool Creations in 35 Pieces is his sixth building guide for kids. It takes builders back to the basics, featuring just 35 Lego bricks which, with Kenney’s guidance, can be made into a wide range of objects, including animals, vehicles, and robots.

Kids will love the not only the creative inspiration, but the easy-to-follow directions, illustrated in large-scale photos. The cool creations are presented in primary colors, but intrepid builders can probably piece together their own basic 35 piece set from their old Lego sets, like that Hogwarts Castle that mom or dad never got around to finishing. If any pieces are missing, they can also order them from Kenney’s site. Kenney also encourages kids to come up with their own creatures and objects using the 35 pieces and share them online.

Who knows, maybe after having fun building all of these cool creations and more, that Lego castle won’t seem so daunting in future.

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