You don't need to spend a fortune on your own cool, custom-made stuff. Ingenious ways to use inexpensive materials - many of which you may already have lying around mean you can bake, sew, make and grow loads of brilliant things. Four lovely step-by-step books that encourage readers to use the materials and environment around them to encourage creativity. Can also be used to demonstrate ways to recycle and reuse everyday materials and encourage discussions around wasting food and other resources.

Discover the science of the natural world - on your doorstep! Lakes and ponds are found at all corners of the planet, from deserts to rainforests. But, did you know, the lakes and ponds near you are also brimming with life? This book uncovers the science and wonders of life in the water. The Great Outdoors aims to get kids looking at nature on their doorstep. Instead of larger biomes, the series looks at places children are most likely to have access to, such as the local park, their back garden, or a beach. It encourages them to observe the wildlife and the ecosystems at work within these places, while taking in broader concepts. Each volume contains a minimum of 6 activities, which vary from observation to crafts, suitable for ages 7+.