American Girls Handy Book: How to Amuse Yourself and Others (Nonpareil Books) Reviews

• A breath of fresh air!

  
  By on 1998-03-15
  Originally published in 1887. Not politically correct! And lots of fun. My daughters and I can learn how to: make Easter egg dolls; weave a rope net for lawn tennis or a hammock; make May-baskets to hang on neighbors' and friends' doors; plan a picnic, burgoo, or corn-roast; make our own daytime "fireworks" for Independence Day; make leaf prints, cornhusk dolls, flower sprays and a variety of seasonal garlands; host autumn nutting parties; understand the decorative language of flowers and heraldry; furnish a seaside cottage with beach-gathered items; and make fairy-dancer boxes and sachets to give as Christmas gifts. This book shows girls how to: be creative, curious, and crafty; make lots of fun out of very little material; notice nature and nurture their bodies, minds, and spirits. This book is a marvelous antidote to everything that irks me about the end of THIS century. A breath of fresh air.
  
  

• Low tech fun for children of all decades.

  
  By on 1999-04-27
  I used this book when a child. I used my mother's copy and never was bored during the long hot summer days before air conditioning in the 1950's. The partner book, American Boy's Handybook is also fun. Wow, what resources for parents and kids (especially for home schoolers and scout leaders)!
  
  

• A book of exuberant charm

  
  By AEG3I82BVE2ZK on 2002-07-22
  Sure, it might be a little outdated, but it's a great glimpse into a past time. And today's kids would probably enjoy the chance to do some old-fashioned things described in this book, like making their own hammock or refurbishing some old furniture. The instructions for painting and drawing and basic and useful, and many of the ideas presented are things forgotten about and could stand resurrection. Lots of attention paid to girls getting exercise and being healthy, contrary to modern perceptions of Victorian women. Good for parents and teachers, and kids who are fond of history and open to old-fashioned ideas.
  
  

• This book amused myself and others!

  
  By on 2005-12-29
  I received this book for Christmas and it is one of my favorite books. It has crafts and activities ranging from preserving flowers in wax to turning an old straw hat into a drawstring bag. Along with fun crafts and games, and even interior decorating, this book shows one how life was like back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This book is over 100 years old, and the activities are still really fun and easy to do! I recommend this book to any girl, young or old!
  
  

• A 1887 Gem!

  
  By on 2000-05-15
  For mothers who are not ashamed to have their young girls grow up knowing "feminine" arts, this book is a gem! There are some complicated projects (hammock making) which most of us would not have time or inclination to do, but others (corn husk dolls, botanic art, flower pressing, and home-made candy recipes) which any mother could help even very young daughters accomplish. In addition to the projects resource that it is, the book is a homey, nostalgic history of the things which used to occupy the time of young women preparing for homekeeping.
  
  

• The American Boy's Handy Book: What to Do and How to Do It (Nonpareil Book, 29)
• The Daring Book for Girls
• How To Be The Best At Everything (The Girls' Book)
• The Field and Forest Handy Book: New Ideas for Out of Doors (Nonpareil Book, 94.)
• The Dangerous Book for Boys