Book excerpt: From the traditional straw guy to a painted sheet-metal mermaid, these 30 scarecrows and their yard figure cousins are simply out of the ordinary—and that’s great news for the many crafters who compete in “Best Scarecrow” contests held at fairs and other venues throughout America. It’s easy to construct one of these wildly creative figures with the information and instruction contained in this whimsical, charming celebration of scarecrow art. Some are crafted from organic materials such as gourds and bamboo. Others use recycled items, including a “Tin Can Man” and a quirky woman made from old umbrellas. A few double as a planter, trellis, or address marker. Whether to scare away birds or attract attention to the garden, these make great additions to any outdoor space.