Bobbie Kalman's acclaimed Historic Communities Series provides a close-up view of how people lived more than two hundred years ago. Colorful photos, many taken by Bobbie Kalman herself at restored historic villages across the country, help support the fascinating information. Children will have fun learning about:

-- early homes and the settler community

-- what people wore and the crafts they made

-- how settlers made their living

-- how they spent their leisure time

-- the values, customs, and traditions of the early settlers In the past, people could not buy all the goods they needed. Instead, they used and reused materials to make things for themselves. Leftover strips of cloth were woven into rag rugs, and cooking fat was burned in candles. Children will be intrigued by pioneer ingenuity in Home Crafts, a step-by-step account explaining how the settlers:

-- made candles and soap

-- carded and spun wool

-- dyed cloth and sewed samples

-- made quilts and leather goods