Woodworking Books

Making Toys That Teach
by Les Neufeld

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.

Carving for Kids
By Robin Edward Trudel

An Introduction to Woodcarving

The simple and beautiful art of woodcarving is adapted for children of all ages in this introduction to coaxing shapes and figures from solid blocks of wood. Requiring only a few tools and some inspiration, the projects in this collection are perfectly suited to building the skills it takes to work with wood. Safety and adult supervision are emphasized, but children will be able to complete the age-appropriate designs all by themselves. The graded projects range from carving a name stamp—for the youngest woodworkers—to carving a face—for teenaged craftspeople. The book also touches on computer-aided pattern-making, teaching children who face learning challenges, and methods for instructing kids of each age group—from elementary through high school. With its quick results and cumulative skill-building, learning to carve fosters hand-eye coordination and confidence as young carvers turn out unique handicrafts.

Building the Fastest Pinewood Derby Car
by Troy Thorne

There is no secret to creating a winning pinewood derby car; all racers need is a great design and an understanding of these tips that trick their cars out for maximum speed. In three sections, this handbook takes builders from the beginning of car construction to ultimate derby-winning modifications. The "basic car" section addresses broad building concerns such as cutting the design, attaching and lubricating the wheels, and balancing the weight. "Winning car" secrets include extending the vehicle base, polishing axles, and modifying and aligning the wheels. Finally, the championship techniques of the "ultimate car" are revealed, allowing builders to shave those last tenths of a second off their times and go home with the trophy.

Pine Derby Designs and Patterns
by Troy Thorne

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.

Pinewood Derby Speed Secrets
by David Meade

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.