Klutz was incorporated in Palo Alto, California, by three friends from Stanford University. They began by selling sidewalk juggling lessons along with a trio of no-bounce bean bags. A week’s effort earned the group $35. “It was then we realized the sky was the limit.”Today, how-to books from Klutz come packaged with the tools of their trade (from juggling cubes to face paints to yo-yos), and are designed for doing, not just reading. “We think people learn best through their hands, nose, feet, mouth and ears. Then their eyes. So we design multi-sensory books,” Cassidy says. The appeal of this hands-on approach is borne out by sales figures; Klutz is a fixture on U.S. book and toy bestseller lists, and is available in 24 countries around the world.In Scholastic Inc., the largest children’s book publisher and distributor in the world, acquired Klutz. For those of you who collect corporate mission statements, here’s the Klutz credo: Create wonderful things, be good, have fun. -Klutz
THE KLUTZ GUIDE TO THE GALAXY
by Pat Murphy and the Scientists of Klutz LabsExplore the universe without leaving the comfort of your backyard. When the scientists at Klutz Labs tackle outer space, we not only ask questions like “Where’s the Big Dipper” but also “If I lived on planet Mercury, am I already old enough to drive?” Use the included telescope, red light for night use, sundial, and astrolab to start exploring our great galaxy. $19.99Who isn’t curious about what is out in the Galaxy?! When you think about it, we here on Earth are such a small part of the universe. As I started reading some of the facts out of the book, I was surprised at how much my girls already knew. Did you know that those of us living half way between the North Pole and the Equator are moving with the Earth at a rate of 800mph!! We just don’t realize how fast we’re moving because everything around us is travelling along with us. I liked the galactic passport that the children were able to write down what they explored while viewing the sky. We also enjoyed making the included paper telescope kit and sitting on our raised patio trying to observe kraters on the moon. I think this is a wonderful tool to get your family talking and thinking about where we are in the Galaxy.
FABULOUS FLOWERS
Let your creativity bloom with this book of can’t-go-wrong instructions for life-sized, dimensional, paper blossoms inspired by our favorite flowers: roses, daisies, daffodils, hibiscus, zinnias, cosmos, poppies, and larkspur. Sparkly embellishments, fresh paper colors, whimsical design variations, and a custom shaping tool give these blossoms a twist that’s pure Klutz — and quite possibly, even prettier than the real thing. Ages 8+ $19.99
