Books : The Curious Boy's Book of Adventure

Rating: - Courtesy of Teens Read Too
THE CURIOUS BOY'S BOOK OF ADVENTURE follows the new trend of writing quirky, informative, and entertaining books for young boys that teach the essentials of finding things to do that will keep you out of trouble. Broken down into five categories -- Exploring, Hunting, Experimenting, Building, and Playing -- this handy reference guide presents 100 things to build and do that are fun for all ages.

From bird-watching to fishing, from building a fire without matches to bug-hunting, from making an electromagnet to levitating a ping-pong ball, it's all there. Each of the 100 "hijinks and escapades" comes with a complete list of materials you'll need, step-by-step instructions, any applicable warnings, and a fun and interesting "did you know" section.

This is a great book for boys to share with their friends and fathers, and it's actually something that could be incorporated quite well into a Cub Scout or Boy Scout troop. Most of the activities are quick and easy, and many are definitely useful.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"

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Rating: - The best book of its kind
My son and I were given this as a present, and I have to say I was a bit dubious at first. But I'm happy to say I was wrong - both of us have been having a great time trying out the different games and activities.

There's a nice dose of good old-fashioned Swallows and Amazons stuff, like making fires, rigging tents and spotting planets. But there's also more complex indoor stuff like making a crystal radio or a periscope. And there are some things in there that are just for fun, like bottle rockets, card tricks and paper planes.

The author's sense of fun is infectious. He clearly gets a kick out of everything in the book, and his suggestions are all clearly laid out and easy to follow. And there are clear diagrams to help out with the tricky bits.

All in all it's the best book of its kind that I've read. It's full of things you ACTUALLY want to do, and ways you can ACTUALLY do them. Fantastic, and definitely recommended.

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Rating: - A little electric tape, a piece string and cardboard box beats 21st century technology every time!
At last, there is a way to get my child out of his room and away from his computer and into the fresh air without the use of threats or cunning bribes!
I recently bought this book for my son on his birthday, and as he had just turned fourteen, shrugged it off like he would any other book. I began to read out some of the things and he actually said some of the things sounded `cool'. When this happens you cannot force your will on a teenager so I left the book well insight of him and hoped he would pick it up and decide for himself to undertake one of the numerous adventure ideas Sam Martin has written so wonderfully about. I didn't have to wait long; he was soon at my side asking if I could help him get the materials needed to make a homemade radio. I couldn't have been happier.
It has been nearly a week since then and it we have completed the radio, made the pin-hole camera and practiced our diving technique at the swimming pool, we decided against the tracking as we live in Wembey. However, my son has decided we will be attempting this adventure when we go camping in the spring!
This book has helped me to show my son there is more to life than electronics and MTV. Thanks Sam!