Book Review And Giveaway Monster Magic

Monster Magic – Scribble and Erase Book. by best-selling Japanese author/illustrator La ZOO

In this wipe-off activity book, erasable markers work like magic wands! Every wipe-clean page provides a challenge, a story, or a piece of starter art to be contemplated and completed by curious children from preschool age on up. Wielding an erasable marker, kids will discover that giants love meatballs, ice cream cones can become monsters, ghosts can appear and disappear, and that they have the power to turn spooky creatures into silly ones. The pictures and activities in Monster Magic are cleverly, irresistibly designed to keep children engaged and using their imagination. Wipe-off pages mean that every day is a new adventure. La ZOO is an award-winning, best-selling Japanese author/illustrator whose books have sold millions of copies around the world.

We love this book because it is the perfect addition to your handbag or car trip bag. When my kids were little I had a box of ready to go “Busy Bags”. In the snaplock bag I would put random activities. Then as we were walking out the door I would grab a bag for each of them. Books like this are the perfect addition and the fact that it can not only be used again and again, but it can be handed down to the next child too.

Giveaway

We think this book should be a part of your kid’s bookshelf. We love it so much that we are giving away 5 copies to 5 lucky Craftgossip.com readers (US address only)

For your chance to win a copy all you have to do is comment below.

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Entries close on the 30th of September 2018 – Winners will be contacted via e-mail at the close of the giveaway.

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Whimsical, textured, and bursting with nature-inspired charm — this blanket is a true heirloom in the making.

Every so often, a pattern comes along that makes you stop scrolling and go, “Oh wow… I need to make that.” The Woodland Wonders Blanket is exactly that kind of project. Designed by Hooked on Sunshine (who’s known for her richly textured masterpieces), this one is all about celebrating the beauty of the natural world, one magical stitch at a time.

And yes — it’s trending hard right now, with good reason. It’s part blanket, part fairytale.

This pattern isn’t just pretty — it’s thoughtful. Each section represents a little moment from nature: pinecones, leaves, mushrooms, trees… even the tiny bumps of acorns and wild berries. It feels like crocheting your way through an enchanted forest, and it’s honestly one of the most joyful projects I’ve worked on this year.

There’s a story behind every row, and it’s the kind of project that invites slow making and sweet daydreaming. Perfect for autumn evenings or those quiet pockets of time when you just want to lose yourself in stitches.

The pattern is written in rounds and comes with incredible support — detailed row-by-row instructions, gorgeous step-by-step photos, and full video tutorials for visual learners. Hooked on Sunshine really knows how to take care of her crocheters!

Skill-wise, this one leans intermediate to advanced. There are front posts, popcorns, clusters, cables — it’s a full buffet of textured stitches. But it’s so well explained that even an ambitious beginner could take it on with patience and practice.

And can I just say? It’s wildly satisfying to watch each textured motif bloom beneath your hook.

This blanket is stunning in earthy tones — soft moss greens, bark browns, golden wheat, mushroom greys. But I’ve also seen versions in rainbow brights, moody jewel tones, and even all white (which gives it a beautifully classic lace look). There’s endless room for creativity here.

Most versions use DK weight yarn, and the pattern gives excellent guidance on quantities, including options for different blanket sizes.

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