Seasoned woodcarver Peter Benson guides readers through the basics of whittling, explaining what equipment is needed, giving essential advice on best practice and showing how to carve safely. The projects have clearly presented, easy-to-follow instructions that increase in difficulty. Readers can hone their whittling skills as they make their way through the book.

Projects include a dolphin, polar bear, kingfisher and more.

This is the perfect book for those who want to expand their skills and try their hand at whittling.

Peter Benson first learnt to carve as a child and has been sharing his skills through classes, books and, of course, Woodcarving articles, for decades. In his latest book, Whittling Wildlife, he shares his carving tips and techniques along with 15 projects to make. The book begins with an overview of tools and materials and a guide to essential techniques, such as tool sharpening, knife holding and different methods for adding eyes. The projects section focuses on aquatic animals, including various sea birds, fish and mammals such as a polar bear, walrus and otter. They range in difficulty, getting progressively harder as you work through the book. For each project, Peter provides a design and talks through how he made the piece step by step, however, his work is really just a starting point as he encourages readers to personalise the carvings and follow their own imaginations. Throughout the book, he shares useful tips he has learnt over his carving career that will elevate your work. This book is sure to inspire you to get carving!

Peter Benson, is the former Chairman of the British Woodcarvers Association, runs courses for carvers of all abilities throughout the UK. He has travelled widely in the United States to give seminars and talks and is in regular demand as a judge for carving competitions. His own work centres on miniature carvings, including fantastic Japanese netsuke. His books published by GMC Publications are: Art of Carving Netsuke, Woodland Whittling, the Whittling Handbook and Whittling Woodland Animals. He lives in Essex.