It's a fact: most kids love mucking around with clay. And the spread of glaze-it-yourself pottery shops 'round the country has made it easy for young artists to fan the flames of their creativity in the fire of a kiln. Now, any child can find creative fulfillment -- and gloriously messy hands -- in these step-by-step, illustrated pages. Readers will learn how to set up a ceramics studio, make cool gifts and family heirlooms, and fashion their wildest dreams from a simple lump of clay. Includes ceramic techniques, tools customized for young beginners and projects for home or school. 2000 Parents' Choice Recommended Book 2000 Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award Grade 1-6-A collection of appealing ideas using professional materials and techniques. Readers will need access to commercial glazes and kiln firing, and use of an electric wheel when possible. Projects include bowls, cups, bookends, and candle holders. Small, colorful photographs of children and their work are interspersed with illustrated numbered steps for creating the projects. Most of the information is basic, accurate, and pretty clear, but cautions about safety can get a little silly. This book will be most useful to youngsters whose parents have the time, space, interest, and resources to be at hand, as well as access to ceramic supply companies or schools where they can collect additional information and advice beyond these basics. The bibliography lists five adult books on ceramics. There is no mail-order source for supplies but subject headings for searching the Internet and phone book are suggested. For the right family, with plenty of resources, this book provides an introduction to an exciting artistic arena. Marilyn Iarusso, New York Public Library Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. Arima offers techniques developed by ceramics teacher Kevin Nierman and suggestions for projects for kids as young as 5 and as old as 16. The clear explanations of materials and tools, the glossary of terms, and the step-by-step directions for hand-built and wheel-thrown projects all bode well for the success of children and instructors who use this practical guide. Ideas include a breakfast bowl, storytelling bookends, and a prickly porcupine. Each section begins with a color photo of the completed project, followed by clear instructions illustrated with black-and-white drawings. A good guidebook for children intrigued with making things from clay, and the adults who want to help them. Carolyn Phelan "The clear explanation of materials and tools, the glossary of terms, and the step-by[step directions for hand-buildt and wheel-thrown projects all bode well for the success of children and isntructors who use this practical guide." Booklist Elaine Arima is a multimedia manager at an advertising agency. Curtis Arima, a Kids 'N' Clay instructor, is also proficient in many media including metal arts. KEVIN NIERMAN, Berkeley-based potter and founder of the Kids 'N' Clay Pottery Studio, has been teaching ceramics for over 14 years. Used Book in Good Condition