Solar System Scratch and Sketch Review

I consider myself pretty clued up about the subject of toys and children's books, so I'm always quite excited to get hold of a great product I have never heard of before. I'm geeky like that. The Solar System Scratch and Sketch book was brought back from New York for Tiny Toy Reviewer #1, who is art mad, and we are both really impressed with it and couldn't wait to share all about it.

What are Scratch and Sketch books?

Peter Pauper Press publish two types of Scratch and Sketch books. In the first range, the reader gets to try their hand at copying 20 illustrations onto a specially coated black page using a wooden stylus (included with the product). The stylus reveals holographic paper, colourful swirls, bright patterns and even glow in the dark pages underneath. In the second range - Scratch and Sketch Trace-Along - a white outline of the image is printed onto the black pages for the reader to trace, rather than attempting to copy the illustrations freehand. At the end of each spiral bound book there are 20 colourful pages that can be used for doodling, (normal paper rather than the specially black coated card).

What is the Solar System Scratch and Sketch book like?

The Solar System Scratch and Sketch book has 20 space related illustrations, each accompanied by some interesting and educational facts. The topics include the solar system, the sun, the planets, the moon, meteors, space suits, rockets and star constellations. When you copy the illustrations to the black pages you will produce 5 glow in the dark images, 5 glittery pictures and 10 colourful pictures. At the back are 20 good quality, thick pages that can be used for your own sketches.

Is it a good product?

This is a well thought out and enjoyable product. The facts about space are well presented and written in a clear, simple and informative way. Even though Tiny Toy Reviewer is only 6 he managed to produce good likenesses of the illustrations, so I think children from 5 years upwards would cope well with the Scratch and Sketch books.

It has been difficult to get him to put this book down and consequently he has completed most of the sketches already, but because it is curiously satisfying scratching off the black surface to reveal patterns and glittery bits I should imagine there will still be several more weeks where he keeps going back to his drawings to add more details and tiny twinkly stars. I am not too worried about the book being discarded or ignored once the pictures are complete because the space facts are so interesting, and I think he will keep going back to this book to learn more about the solar system and admire his artwork.

Any bad points?

I had to remind Tiny Toy Reviewer #1 about washing his hands after he finishes his drawings. The black residue left after the pictures are scraped off gets everywhere, so if they don't clean their hands afterwards you tend to find little black finger prints all over the place.

What other books are in the range?

Since I hadn't heard of the Scratch and Sketch books before I was worried they might only be available in America, but actually they are readily available through Amazon. So here is the current list (TA means they are part of the Trace-Along range):

General interest - Ancient Egypt, Ballet, Butterflies and Friends, Circus, Dino Dudes (TA), Dragons and Mythical Creatures, Fashion Show, Fine Art, Garden Fairies, Furry Friends (TA), Glamour girls, Knights, Pirates, Princess Bella (TA), Rain Forest, Solar System, Super Scratch and Sketch, Things that Go (TA), Under the Sea, Wild Safari

Character themed - Batman, Justice League, Spongebob Squarepants

Holiday themed - Spooky Sketches, Merry Christmas

So there is a theme to suit everyone and plenty to collect in the series.

Verdict

The Scratch and Sketch books are an excellent range of products that anyone with the slightest interest in art will get a lot of enjoyment from. I was so impressed I've already ordered Princess Bella for a friend's daughter and the Christmas one for the Tiny Toy Reviewers, and have many more of them on my wish list.

Tiny Toy Reviewer #1 says...

"Grandad bought that for me, mum. Can I have a turn please?"