Magical Miniature Worlds by social media influencer Ben Newell shows readers what a terrarium is, what parts it includes, and how they work together to create a miniature world. It includes plenty of diverse projects for kids to try from a prehistoric world to a magical fairy village to an alien landscape and a spooky house. The step-by-step directions are clear and simple, with plenty of pictures. The materials seem fairly cheap and easy to obtain and some items can be upcycled. This book is great for kids or even adults who like plants, science and creativity. Magical Miniature Worlds would be a solid addition to classroom and public libraries.

I had been following Ben’s Instagram videos for quite a while. They were always so fun and relaxing to watch. When I was approved for the e-ARC, courtesy of NetGalley, I was surprised to find this was his book. I knew him by face, not by name.

I initially wanted to review this book to come up with fun crafting ideas for my nieces.

Magical Miniatures features 18 detailed and descriptive projects for various types of terrariums. What makes these projects great for little ones is that it also features beautifully photographed images of the completed terrariums. It also describes the beauty of nature through its scientific processes. This is great to inspire children’s growing passion for biology, science, nature, and wildlife.

My favorite, of course, was the spooky house terrarium. The others I enjoyed were the orchid display, just moss, prehistoric world, monster plants, alien landscape, tiny farm, and mindful garden.

Newell’s fun and magical world is sure to instill a sense of adventure for young and old.

Super cute guide to building your own terrarium. Though it's geared towards kids, adults will also find it useful and whimsical. Very basic, but perfect for most people who want to get into the hobby.

This is perfect! It breaks down the supplies and different methods in easy to understand ways. There are so many easy and cute layouts provided. I can’t wait to get one started with my child!

Terrariums are fascinating and such an ever-evolving world of its own. This book brings all the magic of a living terrarium to the reader with the vibrant photos and easy to understand information and instructions on building and caring for a terrarium, *Magical Miniature Worlds* is fun to look through and learn from for kids and adults alike.

Besides being a highly enjoyable family activity, this would make an excellent choice as a unit study (as well as an ongoing living project) for homeschooler.



Thank you to DK Children and NetGalley for the DRC

Magical Miniature Worlds is a fun, kid-friendly full of terrarium projects with tutorials by Ben Newell. Due out 1st July from Penguin Random House on their DK imprint, it's 72 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

The layout is appealing and unfussy - easy to understand and accessible. It's full of very colorful photos and graphics and step by step tutorials showing with supplies and themes which will appeal to young-at-heart (the prehistoric terrarium with dinosaur figurines and paleo-plants is amazing and cool).

The introduction covers some of the benefits of making a terrarium, selecting plants, and caring for them. The first chapters include a good introduction to selecting a container, preparing the terrarium and selecting planting substrate and other ingredients, plant selection and maintenance and aftercare.

The bulk of the book is taken up with 18 specific project tutorials (including succulent terrarium, aquarium, carnivorous planting, and more). Each of the tutorials includes a materials list with items in a bullet list, a description, and step by step tutorials with photos. They are all very attractive and appealing and the photos are clear and easy to follow. Most of the plants have both the common and botanical (Latin) names listed for clarity.

This would make a superlative choice for a family with kids or home study unit, schoolroom or library activity, makers groups and similar.
Five stars. This is also a great choice for a kid-friendly family activity.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Magical Miniature Worlds is a highly engaging, beautifully designed, and educational multimedia book on terrariums, vivariums, aquariums and more! This book introduces need to know tools, and encourages crafters to forge their own creative path in their project. Upcycling is encouraged, and learning is promoted throughout. The author gets into specifics such as, what soil will you need, and what even is substrate?! (The layer in your terrarium in which plants grow roots). The design team really knocked this project out of the park as it is easily digestible, engaging, and sure to guide many children and adults alike! I will be getting this for my public library collection, and recommend any crafty or science oriented families pick up a copy and begin working on a supplies list! This is an exciting and healthy tactile activity to encourage in the summer months during break.