★Lucas, Jen. Pocket Guide to Crochet: Take-Along Information on Tools, Popular Stitches, Tips, and Tricks. Landauer. Jul. 2024. 72p. ISBN 9781639810727. pap. $8.50. CRAFTS

Lucas (Top-Down Shawls) offers a slim and practical guide to crocheting. Divided into seven chapters, the book teaches readers how to get started in crocheting, with the end goal of making a baby blanket. Color photographs accompany explanations of how the different types and sizes of crochet hooks impact the final creation. There are also photos that show which yarns, measuring tools, and stitch markers to use for specific projects. In this case, the project is a round simple pattern known as the Sophie blanket. It’s ideal for beginners. Lucas gives detailed instructions for making foundational stitches, reading patterns, gauging stitches, and beginning and finishing a project. Most helpful is a guide to the different terminology used in the U.S. and the UK. There’s also a handy chart for crafters who want to use patterns from the UK. VERDICT An incredibly helpful guide for beginners, but readers who just want a refresher on crocheting techniques will appreciate this title too.