Bloomfield, Jill Colella. Duct Tape Purim. Kar-Ben, 02/2023. 32pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES 1 – 4. $19.99. 978-1-5415-3469-8. LOW ADDITIONAL.
This Purim costume craft book recycles about 75% of the content of Lerner’s Duct Tape Costumes (Bernhardt, 2017), adding a brief introductory description of the Jewish holiday, renaming five of the original nine projects (“Custom Crown” is now “King Ahasuerus’s Crown” and “Ancient Soldier Shield” has become “Palace Guard’s Shield”). Photos clearly show each accessory and some of the steps, but other steps are left out or inadequately described. The graphics, layout, and stock photos of people doing generic crafts (not even duct tape ones!) are identical to the 2017 book. Sadly, only one project is shown being worn, a missed opportunity to show diverse Jewish children in colorful, creative costumes typical of this celebration. This reworked craft book might be useful for Jewish families who want basic, simple, tidy (no glue, sewing, or wire!) costume accessories for Purim without having to get books intended for Halloween, but ultimately lacks successful execution. Not recommended for general collections where better duct tape books are available; barely acceptable for Jewish institutions.
Erica Siskind—Oakland Public Library