General Books

The Dangerous Book for Boys

Conn Iggulden, Hal Iggulden

Amazon Price: $16.17 List Price: $26.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Collins Amazon Marketplace: 99 new & used starting at $13.70

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General AAS
Subjects -> Outdoors & Nature -> Hiking & Camping -> Instructional

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 635 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The bestselling book for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what the big deal with girls is.

In this digital age there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun--building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes.

The completely revised American Edition includes:

The Greatest Paper Airplane in the World
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Five Knots Every Boy Should Know
Stickball
Slingshots
Fossils
Building a Treehouse
Making a Bow and Arrow
Fishing (revised with US Fish)
Timers and Tripwires
Baseball's "Most Valuable Players"
Famous Battles-Including Lexington and Concord, The Alamo, and Gettysburg
Spies-Codes and Ciphers
Making a Go-Cart
Navajo Code Talkers' Dictionary
Girls
Cloud Formations
The States of the U.S.
Mountains of the U.S.
Navigation
The Declaration of Independence
Skimming Stones
Making a Periscope
The Ten Commandments
Common US Trees
Timeline of American History

Sukie Iron-Ons (Sukie)

Julia Harding, Darrell Gibbs

Amazon Price: $10.36 List Price: $12.95 Not yet published By: Chronicle Books

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Editorial Review:

This work includes a fantastic craft pad that let's you transfer popular Sukie designs onto you bags, T-shirts, anything!

Origami Fun Kit for Beginners

Dover

Amazon Price: $10.17 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Dover Publications Amazon Marketplace: 12 new & used starting at $9.90

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Subjects -> Arts & Photography
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Origami
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Surprisingly easy to learn! 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This is a super way to get started on origami! EVERYTHING, and I mean absolutely EVERYTHING that you need is right here to get your origami experience going!

There are three starter books that are ultra-clear in their explanations, with more than 50 projects. You also get a pretty good-sized assortment of papers in great colors and vibrant patterns. The papers include metallic foils!

The instructions and illustrations (there are tons of pictures) will allow you to teach yourself this terrific craft in no time. You'd never believe that you could learn it so quickly!

Beginners of every age will love it.

Editorial Review:

This affordable kit has everything beginners need to master the age-old art of paperfolding, including three books by origami expert John Montroll. Birds in Origami shows how to create a swan, flamingo, duck, stork, and goose. Favorite Animals in Origami offers basic folds for a cat, elephant, seal, and other creatures; and Easy Origami features subjects ranging from an ultra-simple hat to a rabbit. The kit also contains sheets of primary colored, multicolored, and metallic paper. * 3 great starter books * 55 fun-to-do projects * Over 1,000 easy-to-follow illustrations * 96 sheets of authentic origami paper

The Unofficial LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Inventor's Guide

David J. Perdue

Amazon Price: $19.77 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: No Starch Press Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $18.31

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Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Computer Science -> Artificial Intelligence -> Computer Mathematics
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Computer Science -> Artificial Intelligence -> Robotics
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Computer Science -> Artificial Intelligence -> Theory of Computing

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Fantastic manual to the Mindstorms NXT 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I'm a coach of a FIRST LEGO League team and I bought this book to help my son "get to the next level." I am making this book mandatory for every team member next season! It is informative, yet easy to read. It covers all the bases from good robot design to programming explanations. I can't recommend it enough!

Fun, helpful, informative for beginner and intermediate 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I've had NXT for about 10 months and have three other books. I wish I had know about this first. My strong point is programming, my weak point is gearing and this is the only book that really shows how to build gear trains. I love rover bots and have designed many but he has several fresh takes on the genre. His ball caster is much more elegant than mine and his bumper is quite sturdy. (My method of picking a random angle for a turn is better than his though: random block set for 0 to 6 wired to a switch block with 7 conditions, the equivalent of 45,90,135 degrees left and right and 180. save the whole thing as a myblock to use with all your rovers.)
I highly recommend this book if you are starting out or if you want to get some new ideas for rovers.

Knitted Lace of Estonia: Techniques, Patterns, and Traditions

Nancy Bush

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 2 to 4 weeks By: Interweave Press Amazon Marketplace: 3 new & used starting at $16.47

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Knitting
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Lace & Tatting
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Stunning - Lace Lovers Rejoice! 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I will preface this review with the fact that I got to take a class with Nancy Bush on Estonian Lace at SOAR 2008, and what a great preview to the book it was! I got to see these shawls, and shawls like these first hand, so I can say they really are as beautiful in real life, if not more so.

This book really has everything I enjoy in a knitting book, especially one that is based on a particular area or tradition. The front of the book is full of information on the knitted lace traditions of Estonia, informative without being boring or tedious. The tutorials are well designed to make some of the more "advanced" techniques like nupps something to enjoy rather than dread.

The patterns themselves are just gorgeous, ranging in difficulty from easy to quite challenging. My favorites have to be the Queen Sylvia, Madli, and Crown Prince shawls. There are a range of shapes, whether you like stoles, scarves, squares or triangles you'll find something that suits your style and adventure level.

As an added bonus the stitch dictionary and information in the back make designing your own shawl yet another option. The book is worth every penny, both the wow factor and how much knowledge it packs.

Tip from class: If you want a dark colored shawl, try knitting it in white to give your eyes a break and then dyeing it when you're done!

Editorial Review:

Combining some of the oldest knitted artifacts in Northern Europe with authentic tips and expert advice, this distinctive guidebook demonstrates a wide range of knitting knowledge. Featuring 14 heirloom-quality projects, this savvy reference includes traditional lace-knitting techniques such as the starburst, twig, peacock, and lily of the valley patterns. Modern variations on classic methods and adding lace edges are also explored, and photographs from several Estonian museums beautifully illustrate various completed designs. With accessible graphed and written instructions, the projects include Estonian-style shawls, stoles, and scarves.

Friendship Bracelets (Klutz)

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Klutz - Model: 08875 Amazon Marketplace: 30 new & used starting at $5.98

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 4-8 -> General
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Friendship Bracelets Klutz Book 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is our 2nd Klutz book we have purchased. (we have the Cootie Catcher) AND WE LOVE THEM!
My daughter, age 9 is a big fan, especially on the rainy days. It will remind you of those bracelets I think we all learned to make as a kid PLUS some really different versions of them. Not a whole lot of string comes with it, so if you are giving it as a gift (which we did- her best friend, age 10), Make sure you pick up some extra string. I was able to find them at pretty much any craft store for 25 cents a color. (Not bad- eh?)
It comes with a handy clip and a measuring area on the book to make things a lot easier then when I was a kid! No more putting the string under a heavy book and working that way :o)
WOrTh EvEry PennY!

Klutz craft 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

KLUTZ is the place to start for creativity for the beginner. Easy with step-by-step instructions. Bracelets can be created in team colors, flowers, hearts and other designs. Fun to make with a great product to wear or share at end learning process. Book to be returned to over and over for new designs and colors.

Editorial Review:

Super-clear directions for ten different kinds of bracelets, with all the colorful floss and beads you need to make all of them. A built-in clipboard provides the ideal work surface for this coolest of crafts.

The Big-Ass Book of Crafts

Mark Montano

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Simon Spotlight Entertainment Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $11.48

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 25 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Big-Ass Book of Crafts is packed with ideas for sprucing up your living space; concocting fabulous, all-natural body products; designing your own unique stationery; and creating countless other crafts that will convince your friends and loved ones that you're the secret love child of Martha Stewart (only much, much cooler).

Forget crocheted doilies and itchy knit sweaters -- TLC's While You Were Out top designer Mark Montano has created stylish and imaginative projects that range from a Warhol-esque Ultrasuede iPod case to photo-adorned boxer shorts to African mask patio chairs to wooden night-light boxes. Divided into sections that include Outdoorsy (ideas to enhance your backyard), Dishing It Out (decorating plates using different techniques), You've Been Framed (innovative picture framing ideas), and Can I Have a Light? (creating and decorating lamps, lanterns, and chandeliers), it's as entertaining to read as it is endlessly inspiring. With more than one hundred and fifty inventive and fun projects, The Big-Ass Book of Crafts is the perfect activity book for readers of every mood, budget, and skill level.

Taking Flight: Inspiration And Techniques To Give Your Creative Spirit Wings

Kelly Rae Roberts

Amazon Price: $15.63 List Price: $22.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: North Light Books Amazon Marketplace: 11 new & used starting at $15.35

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Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Psychology & Counseling -> Creativity & Genius
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Reference
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 56 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Stretch Your Wings * Learn to Soar * Take Flight

In Taking Flight, you'll find overflowing inspiration--complete with a kindred spirit in author and mixed-media artist Kelly Rae Roberts. Join her on a fearless journey into the heart of creativity as you test your wings and learn to find the sacred in the ordinary, honor your memories, speak your truth and wrap yourself in the arms of community.

Along the way you'll be inspired by:

• Step-by-step techniques--learn the most-loved mixed-media methods of the author and seven talented contributing artists, and combine them in fresh and unexpected ways.
• Thought-provoking prompts and quotes--along with encouraging stories, insights and gentle guidance for finding your bliss, whatever your art or craft.
• Plenty of eye candy--pages and pages of the author's endearing artwork, along with the varied works of the contributors.

Of course, learning to fly isn't entirely a step-by-step process--sooner or later, you just need to take a deep breath and spread your wings. With Taking Flight as your guide, there's no doubt that when you do, your creativity will soar.

ARTLAB: Car Design Studio (Artlab)

Frank M. Young

Amazon Price: $22.99 List Price: $22.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Smart Lab - Model: 7066 Amazon Marketplace: 4 new & used starting at $13.25

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 9-12 -> General
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 9-12 -> General AAS
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Arts & Music -> Crafts & Hobbies

Editorial Review:

This all-inclusive art kit puts young gearheads behind the wheel of their dream car! Kids will learn how to illustrate customized cars using a light table, colored pencils, acetate overlays printed with simple traceable outlines of car silhouettes and 95 traceable "cling" accessory add-ons. Includes instructions for creating 10 customized cars, but that's just the beginning! Kids, start your engines and let your imagination race toward the finish line!

Includes:
horizontal light table
10 artist grade colored pencils
6 car body acetates
95 car accessories acetates
36 sheets of paper
32-page fully illustrated book

Forbidden LEGO: Build the Models Your Parents Warned You Against!

Ulrik Pilegaard, Mike Dooley

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: No Starch Press Amazon Marketplace: 49 new & used starting at $14.95

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Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Software -> General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Software -> General AAS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 26 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

It just may be impossible to exhaust the creative potential of LEGO bricks. With an active imagination as your guide, there are endless possibilities--provided you follow the LEGO Company's official (and sensible) rules. This means no cutting or tampering with bricks, creating models that shoot unapproved projectiles, or using non-standard parts with any LEGO product. After all, those little precision-molded ABS bricks can be dangerous in the wrong hands! Well, toss those rules out the window.

Forbidden LEGO introduces you to the type of free-style building that LEGO's master builders do for fun in the back room. Using LEGO bricks in combination with common household materials (from rubber bands and glue to plastic spoons and ping-pong balls) along with some very unorthodox building techniques, you'll learn to create working models that LEGO would never endorse. Try your hand at a toy gun that shoots LEGO plates, a candy catapult, a high voltage LEGO vehicle, a continuous-fire ping-pong ball launcher, and other useless but incredibly fun inventions.

Once you get into the spirit, you'll want to try inventing your own rule-breaking models. Forbidden LEGO's authors, share tips and tricks that will inspire you and help you turn your visions into reality. Nothing's against the rules in this book!