Product reviews for Den Building

Here is a truly exciting and comprehensive book about building all kinds of den. These authors think of a den as -˜a space where you and your friends can play and be creative'. The book is organised in five sections: Cardboard Box Dens; Table Dens; Indoor Dens; Outdoor Dens and (tantalisingly) Extreme Dens.

The written text lists the easily accessible resources and then gives practical guidance for the actual building of each den. The -˜top tips' on each spread are helpful too. I like the way these authors address young readers directly. For example, after instructions to make a simple shop out of a large cardboard box, young readers are asked: -˜Does your shop have a name? How would you decorate it?' So thinking and imagining are encouraged. The tone of the writing is conversational but also gives good reinforcement of procedural language in context: paragraph starters include -˜set up', -˜once you have' and -˜next'. The book is alive with colourful photographs, many giving inspiration by showing children building dens or enjoying them with friends when completed. There is a Dr Who Tardis den and young Harry is pictured in the Tank den he has made of cardboard boxes painted in camouflage colours. The White den, one of the -˜table' dens, has lots of silver and white objects and white fairy lights - it's ideal for chatting with friends or reading books together. Now - just in case you are still wondering what -˜extreme dens' might be like - towards the end of the book are pictures of the hugely imaginative creations of the authors:dens with wonderful shapes and colours, made of interesting materials and often atmospherically lit so they look mysterious and sometimes almost ethereal.

Many of the dens would be a good focus for play dates. I particularly like the Sleepover den for a friends' -˜sweetcorn and movie' evening. The book would also be a good resource for teachers of young children who might particularly like the ideas for Outdoor dens and Miniature dens. Over 5s, with a little adult support, would be able to bring their own ideas to the creation of their den and to related drama and writing.