Kid Konnection: Made by Dad

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a book that's perfect for the "dad" in your life!

Summary: The Snail Soup Can Decoy to keep the candy stash safe. The Customizable “Keep Out” Sign to deter meddlesome siblings and parents. A Bunk Bed Communicator made from cardboard tubes (“Psst! Can you keep the snoring down?”). Clever, whimsical, and kind of genius, here are 67 unique projects that will turn any dad with DIY leanings into a mad scientist hero that his kid(s) will adore.

No screens, no hi-tech gadgetry. Made by Dad combines the rough-edged, handmade ethos of a Boy Scout manual or The Dangerous Book for Boys with a sly sense of humor that kids love. Scott Bedford, a creative director by day and Webby Award–winning blogger by nights and weekends, wields an X-ACTO knife, magic marker, and prodigious imagination to create endlessly delightful projects for his two sons. He knows that kids like contraptions and gadgets, things that are surprising—a chair that appears to be balanced on eggshells. Things that are complex—a multilevel city, with buildings, tunnels, and roads, built from old boxes around the legs of a table. And especially things with humor—the Snappy Toast Rack, made to resemble a crocodile’s gaping mouth.

The projects are shown in full-color photographs, and the instructions are illustrated in detailed line drawings that exude personality. Some are quick and simple enough to be done in a coffee shop; others are more of an afternoon project— yielding hours and hours of rich, imaginative playtime. -- Workman

With Father's Day right around the corner, I thought it was the ideal time to feature the book MADE BY DAD: 67 BLUEPRINTS FOR MAKING COOL STUFF by Scott Bedford. This 336-page craft book teaches dads how to turn regular old household items into fun projects that kids are guaranteed to love!

I thought MADE BY DAD was absolutely adorable... and so original. I've never seen a book quite like this one -- namely because there aren't a lot of craft books aimed at men. However, I was even more surprised by the number of crafts included in this manual. There are 67 different ideas that are aimed for all levels of crafters.

And can I just say that the ideas in MADE BY DAD are so unique? For example, MADE BY DAD has instructions for making a Slingshot Car Launcher which shoots toy cars using a rubber band and a ramp. (Do I even need to tell you how much Booking Son would enjoy making and playing with this toy?) There are also instructions for a Spaghetti and Marshmallow Eiffel Tower and a Jelly Bean Reward Rocket. I especially liked the Magnetic Bookends and would love a set. (Hint! Hint!) In fact, the list of blueprints that caught my eye could go on and on!

Photo Credit: Scott Bedford

MADE BY DAD is even designed with dads (and kids) in mind. The book begins with a section titled "Dad's Toolbox" which gives information about materials, tools, measurements, tips and techniques. Then, the book jumps into the actual blueprints! The first chapter is called "Dangerous Decor" followed by "Home Hacks," "Suspect Science," "Geeky Gadgets," "Covert Creations," "Arty Party," and "Playful Parenting." You can see that there is quite an assortment of project ideas! And in the back of the book, there are templates for all of the projects.

MADE BY DAD is even designed with dads (and kids) in mind. The book begins with a section titled "Dad's Toolbox" which gives information about materials, tools, measurements, tips and techniques. Then, the book jumps into the actual blueprints! The first chapter is called "Dangerous Decor" followed by "Home Hacks," "Suspect Science," "Geeky Gadgets," "Covert Creations," "Arty Party," and "Playful Parenting." You can see that there are quite the assortment of project ideas -- a little something for everyone. And of course, there are templates for all of the projects in the back of the book.

The author Scott Bedford has done a fabulous job of making this book fun... and funny. It's obvious that Mr. Bedford has a wonderful imagination just based on all of the unique ways that he uses ordinary household items to create special projects. However, he also does a remarkable job of keeping the instructions simple while also making them interesting and humorous. There are comic book illustrations, step-by-step instructions, and lots of photos. In addition, there are trouble shooting tips to help just in case Dad has a few problems along the way!

Check out this video for making a One Ton Lampshade:



MADE BY DAD is a fantastic gift idea for Father's Day. I can pretty much guarantee that this book will provides loads of fun (and lots of laughs) for kids and dads alike!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!