Instructions and plans for heirloom toys that delight children and teach essential skills

The difference between a good toy and a great one is its ability to entertain -- and instruct -- a child at the same time. In Making Toys that Teach, Les Neufield combines his skills as an educator and woodworker to show you which toys are most effective for early childhood education and gives you all the information you need to build the toys yourself.

There are nine fun projects -- from Pattern Blocks and Dominoes to a Puzzle Train -- that will get little ones learning without them even realizing it. Kids will learn basic motor skills, color matching, organizing by size and shape and problem solving. Step-by-step instructions and detailed photos make it easy for you build the toys.

In this new book, any child can discover the fun of woodworking while building self confidence, developing a can-do attitude, and establishing hand-tool skills that will last a lifetime. Featuring 10 enjoyable projects requiring only ordinary lumber and readily available supplies, new woodworkers find everything they need to successfully complete each project.

In this ultimate design guide, Troy Thorne - woodworker, artist and derby-winning dad - shares his expert tips, techniques and amazing patterns so parents and scouts can build a jaw-dropping, prize winning car that's quick out of the gate. Officially licensed by the Boy scouts of America, this valuable guide provides 34 amazing patterns and designs.

Hundreds of color photographs, and clear diagrams, this is the only book on the market to guide parents and children through the process of building a winning Pinewood Derby race car. Instructions enable readers to build the car body, prepare the axles and improve the wheels. Inside secrets that will separate their children from the rest of the pack.

Kids are naturally curious. They love to build stuff and projects that involve cars will entertain children for hours. In this guide written by a Teacher-of-the-Year winner, your kids will learn how to construct race cars from ordinary, affordable household materials, while learning the science behind how they work, in language easy enough for a 7th grader to understand. With color photos, diagrams, fun illustrations, and four complete projects, your family will be racing vehicles that go the distance and go for the gold! A bonus project is included for students looking for super science fair project.

With just a simple set of tools and only five basic skills, kids can learn the easy techniques of leather working while building self-confidence and establishing safety skills that will last a lifetime. Basic projects include easy-to-follow instructions for making a portable video-game case, a cell-phone case, moccasins, a tooled-leather wallet, and a book cover.