What to Do with a String

by Jane Yolen, C.F. Payne (Illustrations)

Snag the spirit of adventure and lasso the limitless horizons of imagination to discover all the simple yet fantastical things one can make out of a string—from slingshots to sails, swings to phone lines—in this sequel to Jane Yolen's popular picture book, What to Do with a Box (2016).

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Poetry, Fiction, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

Published July 16, 2019

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many things you can do with a string! Jane Yolen and C.F. Payne have collaborated to make a great how to book for just that very thing! A lilting, rhymed text and creative illustrations will bring children age 2 - 7 back for repeated hearings of the book What to Do with a String.

[Willow · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this nearly as much as I did What To Do With a Box. Maybe I was just more of a box kid than a string kid.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars - disconnect and imagine the possibilities of a string

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my new favorite illustrations of a girl! She is delightful!

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and creative imaginings

[Tanya Konerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though simply told and short as well, this book is whimsical and fun, and inspires kids to see something as simple as a string in a whole new light!

[Nan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I were a kid again. Then I wouldn't feel so bad about putting this lovely picture book on my read list. The illustrations were wonderful.

[Miss Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the concept and some of the double page spreads, however when the text says make a slingshot it is an illustration of the girl making a lasso.

[Norkett · Rating 3 out of 5]

We enjoyed all the possibilities of a string!

[Anjanette]

Imagine.....what would you do with string....

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A preschool and up book where a child spends the day playing with a string and letting their imagination run wild.

[Ammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

We enjoyed her "What to Do with a Box" book more.

[Relyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful little poem of a book. The creativity of our little heroine will send little kids off searching for strings of their own.

[Jennifer Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

you can do so many things with a string... and some imagination! Love Jane's poetry!

[Lisa Huninghake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun rhyming verses and great illustrations as we follow this little girl through her day and her imaginative play. Pair with What to Do with a Box?

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The power of imagination can turn any ordinary thing into the best of adventures...

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for encouraging imagination. I think I would read this book and then have students explore what all they could do with a random item I gave them.

[Christopher Lepage · Rating 4 out of 5]

What creativity and imagination, so much to do with a string!

[Christine Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imagination Storytime
Things to do with string. Okay at best, but it fit the theme.

[Norah Colvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for discussing creativity and technology.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the words and the idea. I didn't love the pictures.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book fun and inspiring with cool illustrations that provide plenty to talk about.

[Aragon Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

String + imagination = fun

Storyline = simple & fine

Illustrations = large artworks that are nice

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and oh so true!