Had my grandkids (ages 4 and 7) up this weekend and got them shooting a bow and they loved it, especially the 4 year old boy.  He said his parents would like it if I built him a bow!  The question is, would poplar work OK?  I can get some for a reasonable price at the local Woodcraft store.  Obviously, they would be short in draw and light in weight.

PS.  I'll post some pictures of them shooting soon.

Poplar has never been pop'lar....couldnt resist.  Home depot has red oak that is quarter inch by an inch and a half wide by four feet long that will work well for the four year old for sure and probably for the seven year old....I am going to be building a pair soon. Elk ninja has a buildalong somewhere on this site that could help you out lots.

Here is the link:

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=035877

Good luck and have fun

Rattan kids bows! They're indestructable! My Daughter still has hers from 6 years ago.

I made a poplar bow....well almost. It cracked at 22" of draw....six inches short. I would suggest oak or some other wood that is tried and true.

Thanks for the info.  I'll start on something soon.