The Review Zone 
logo       by Tina Velgos

How I Built Rusty

Build a better dog with this book!

You can buy

How I Built Rusty

now, from

     written by Mark Shulman, created by Phillip Fickling  
Scholastic Inc.
$8.99 US/$13.99 CAN
0439376483
2002
30 pages/softcover with pre-cut cardboard pages
ages 8-11
How I Built Rusty is a clever creativity book which shows kids how to build their own cardboard dog, while treating them to a fetching tale about a kid named Wilbur whose parents won't let him get a dog. You guessed it--Wilbur builds his own dog from scratch! I liked this book because it applies reading and creativity. Kids read along with story rhymes and learn to follow instructions to put together their own 3-D dog, Rusty.

Cartoon-style illustrations makes this book a fun read. Your kids will also get hands-on learning as they push tabs into slots, and pay close attention to directions.

No glue, scissors, or power tools required other than an active imagination. Just remember you can't walk this dog or take it swimming. It's paper!

This book would make a great gift for younger kids (grades 2-5) and makes for a fun rainy day project. Don't be surprised if Rusty the dog takes up a prominent space on your child's bookcase.

Building Rusty can be a great bonding moment for parents and kids.Parents can take this book to the next level by creating their very own recycled art project out of junk with their kids! No rust required, just a good dose of imagination!