The Dangerous Book for Boys

( 65 )

Overview

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 ...

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More About This Book

Overview

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 Aiplane 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

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Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

This abbreviated version of the bestselling book from across the pond ambitiously tries to live up to its billing as "the perfect book for every boy from eight to eighty." Though younger boys will find much to ponder in such "Questions About the World" as "How far away are the stars?" and "Why is the sky blue?," as well as profiles of super-courageous people, they may find denser passages on famous battles of the world (Hastings, Crécy, Lexington and Concord) a bit slower going. Wyman is a game tour guide to all things boy, infusing his narration with a 'did you know...?' enthusiasm that will hook a broad listenership. Sections on girls and first aid (including CPR and setting breaks) are also meant for a slightly older crowd, but lots of boys of varying ages (and their dads) will find this enlightened nonfiction compendium of essential guy stuff hard to resist. In addition to the wealth of information provided, Conn Iggulden reminds listeners in a brief afterword that being a man ultimately means being honest, loyal, kind and unselfish-oh, and "keeping clean, body and mind." Ages 10-up. (July)

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information
School Library Journal

Gr 4-8 - Intentionally old-fashioned and politically incorrect, this eclectic collection addresses the undeniable boy-appeal of certain facts and activities. Dozens of short chapters, in fairly random order, cover a wide range of topics in conversational prose. Simple instructions for coin tricks and paper airplanes alternate with excerpts from history such as "Famous Battles" and facts about ancient wonders of the world and astronomy. The "dangerous" aspect is more apparent in such chapters as "Making Cloth Fireproof," and "Hunting and Cooking a Rabbit," but also applies to the overall premise that action is fun and can be worth the risks. A section on stickball, for instance, includes advice to possibly "flee the vicinity" in the event of a broken window. The information is appropriately concise. The knot-tying section, for example, sticks to five basic varieties with clear instructions and useful diagrams. Occasional topics such as "Marbling Paper" and "Latin Phrases Every Boy Should Know" may not fit the stereotypical interests of young males, but support the general theme of cultivating curiosity. The authors refer to their own experiences as they tested the activities, lending an appealing personal tone. Tongue-in-cheek humor emerges throughout, notably in eight bits of advice offered in the chapter called "Girls." Already a best seller in England, this American edition features several adjustments, such as substituting "The Declaration of Independence" for "Patron Saints of Britain." Both premise and content should appeal to many boys, and might be even more successful when nostalgic dads join in.-Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780061243585
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
  • Publication date: 5/1/2007
  • Pages: 288
  • Sales rank: 32,437
  • Product dimensions: 7.50 (w) x 9.75 (h) x 1.11 (d)

Meet the Author

Conn Iggulden

Despite finding time to write historical novels and The Dangerous Book for Boys, Conn Iggulden is in some ways better known as a trainer of Tollins. His Tollin troupe, Small and Mighty, are famous in Tasmania, where they often play to packed houses. Tragically, he lost his two best-known performers earlier this year. "The thing about transporting Tollins in shoe boxes," he says, "the really important thing, is to remember to put the airholes in."

Lizzy Duncan, with her trademark blue glasses, was a founding member of the Tollins in Art program, where inner-city schoolchildren are taken to the countryside by bus and encouraged to paint and observe Tollins in their natural habitats. Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children was her first illustrated book.

Lizzy's abstract paintings of Tollins are much sought after whenever they appear at Sotheby's auction house, and she is very active in promoting Tollin rights and registering them as a protected wetland species—or as a dryland species, if the weather's been good.

Conn and Lizzy's first book together, Tollins: Explosive Tales for Children, was published in 2009 to great critical acclaim—and has ensured that no one will ever mistake a Tollin for a fairy again.

Hal Iggulden is the artistic director of the Holdfast Theatre Company in Leicester, England.

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First Chapter

The Dangerous Book for Boys

Chapter One

Essential Gear

It isn't that easy these days to get hold of an old tobacco tin—but they are just the right size for this sort of collection. One of the authors once took a white mouse into school, though considering what happened when he sat on it, that is not to be recommended. We think pockets are for cramming full of useful things.

1. Swiss Army Knife.

Still the best small penknife. It can be carried in luggage on planes, though not in hand luggage. It is worth saving up for a high-end model, with as many blades and attachments as you can get. That said, there are good ones to be had for about $30. They are useful for jobs requiring a screwdriver, removing splinters and opening bottles of beer and wine, though this may not be a prime consideration at this time.

Leather holders can also be purchased and the best ones come with a few extras, like a compass, matches, pencil, paper, and Band-Aid.

2. Compass.

These are satisfying to own. Small ones can be bought from any camping or outdoor store and they last forever. You really should know where north is, wherever you are.

3. Handkerchief.

There are many uses for a piece of cloth, from preventing smoke inhalation or helping with a nosebleed to offering one to a girl when she cries. Big ones can even be made into slings. They're worth having.

4. Box of Matches.

It goes without saying that you must be responsible. Matches kept in a dry tin or inside a plastic bag can be very useful on a cold night when you are forced to sleep in afield. Dipping the tips in wax makes them waterproof. Scrape the wax off with a fingernail when you want to light them.

5. A Shooter.

Your favorite big marble.

6. Needle and Thread.

Again, there are a number of useful things you can do with these, from sewing up a wound on an unconscious dog to repairing a torn shirt. Make sure the thread is strong and then it can be used for fishing.

7. Pencil and Paper.

If you see a crime and want to write down a license plate number or a description, you are going to need one. Alternatively, it works for shopping lists or practically anything.

8. Small Flashlight

There are ones available for key rings that are small and light. If you are ever in darkness and trying to read a map, a flashlight of any kind will be useful.

9. Magnifying Glass.

For general interest. Can also be used to start a fire.

10. Band-Aids.

Just one or two, or better still, a piece from a cloth bandage roll that can be cut with penknife scissors. They probably won't be used, but you never know.

11. Fishhooks.

If you have strong thread and a tiny hook, you only need a stick and a worm to have some chance of catching something. Put the hook tip into a piece of cork, or you'll snag yourself on it.

The Greatest Paper Airplane in the World

In the 1950s, an elementary school principal found a boy throwing paper airplanes from a high window. The head was considering punishments when he noticed the plane was still in the air, flying across the playground below. The boy escaped a detention, but he did have to pass on the design to the principal—who passed it on to his own children. You will find more complicated designs. You may be sold the idea that the best planes require scissors and lessons in origami. This is nonsense.

The plane on the right—the Harrier—is simple, fast and can be made from a letter-size sheet of paper. It is the best long-distance glider you'll ever see—and with a tweak or two, the best stunt plane. It has even won competitions. One was to clear the entire road from a hotel balcony next to Windsor Castle in London on New Year's Eve. Four other planes hit the tarmac—this one sailed clear across. The one on the left—the Bulldog Dart—is a simple dart, a warm-up plane, if you like. It's a competent glider.

The Bulldog Dart

1. Fold a letter-size sheet of paper lengthways to get a center line.
2. Fold two corners into the center line, as in the picture.
3. Turn the paper over and fold those corners in half, as shown.
4. Fold the pointy nose back on itself to form the snub nose. You might try folding the nose underneath, but both ways work well.
5. Fold the whole plane lengthways, as shown.
6. Finally, fold the wings in half to complete the Bulldog Dart.

Good—now you know a design that really works. You may have noticed the insectlike plane in the middle of the first picture. It does have complicated "floats" and inverse folds. However, it just doesn't fly very well and neither do most of the overcomplicated designs. We think that matters. Yes, it looks like a locust, but if it nose-dives, what exactly is the point?

Here, then, is the gold standard. It flies.

The Harrier

1. Begin in the same way as the Bulldog Dart. Fold in half lengthways to find your center line and then fold two corners into that line, as shown.
2. Fold that top triangle down, as you see in the picture. It should look like an envelope.
3. Fold in the second set of corners. You should be able to leave a triangular point sticking out.
4. Fold the triangle over the corners to hold them down.
5. Fold in half along the spine, leaving the triangle on the outside, as shown.
6. Finally, fold the wings back on themselves, finding your halfway line carefully. The more care you take to be accurate with these folds, the better the plane will fly.

This plane does well at slower launch speeds. It can stall at high speed, but if you lift one of the flaps slightly at the back, it will swoop and return to your hand or fly in a great spiral. Fiddle with your plane until you are happy with it. Each one will be slightly different and have a character of its own.

The Dangerous Book for Boys. Copyright © by Conn Iggulden. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Available now wherever books are sold.
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 65 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(41)

4 Star

(13)

3 Star

(3)

2 Star

(4)

1 Star

(4)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 65 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 28, 2007

    If gender means so little to you...

    This is an amazing book. I realize it is targeted more towards my little brother, and I will probably buy it for him. I intend to buy the author's book for girls for my sister. I have no problem reading a book that says 'boys' on the title. I am interested in stars, and wars, and navigation... but instead of having a tantrum, I'll just read the book. Actually, I'll read both. :)

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 20, 2011

    Rainy day book

    On so many levels this book is worth its weight in gold. Popular in our family was the treehouse and go-cart how-to pages. Now that it's winter, the inside activities are used quite a bit. On our wish list: the Dangerous book for Girls.

    It's not just for kids, the uncles and aunties have borrowed it too. It makes a wonderful gift, easy to buy and send right here on this site.

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  • Posted March 22, 2010

    Not for kids

    I read this book and some of the concepts would be way too complicated for a child. I am a 30 year old engineer and a lot of the concepts were complex, especially while in the car. The book does not translate well to audio and I thought I would learn something new. Some of the stories are good but a lot of the battles were long and drawn out. I would not recommend this book if you are trying to learn what you missed as a kid.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 20, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    Daring Book for Girls

    FANTASTIC BOOK!!!!

    I've given this book as a present to many boys and they've loved it! I have one at our home for child guests to read and often find my 70+ year old husband reading it! He loves it! There's so much information in it - it's like a Boy Scout handbook 100 times bigger! It even has a section on "Girls" in it and it's well done! I love to read it myself!

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  • Posted January 23, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    Daring Book for Girls
    The Double-Daring Book for Girls

    Getting my cousins into plenty of trouble!

    My cousin has 3 kids - 6, 8, and 9, girl, boy, girl. For Christmas I got them The Double Daring Book for Girls, The Dangerous Book for Boys, and The Daring Book for Girls respectively. The boy was hooked as soon as he saw a project that included a Swiss Army Knife. The girls immediately sat down with me and we looked through both books in their entirety. They can't wait to try out the projects and activities and kept calling out to their dad and uncle all the things they're going to do. There was also a bit of "Girls rule, boys drool" flying back and forth as they compared books. I'd say they were definitely a hit!

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 19, 2010

    Truly Perfect for Boys 8-80!

    I bought for my son (5), my nephew (9) and my grandfather (80). They all loved it. Great general fun. Pirates! Building go carts! Girls! Games!

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  • Posted January 18, 2010

    Great Book -- Lots of things to do and learn!

    I really enjoyed this book. Lots of things to learn and things to do. Great for Cub Scouts, etc. Great way to spend some time with your boys.

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  • Posted July 11, 2009

    I Also Recommend:

    Dangerous Book for Boys Illusions
    Dangerous Book for Boys Card Tricks
    The Dangerous Book for Boys Game
    Dangerous Book for Boys Magic Kit

    My 8-yr-old loves it!

    I got this book for my son and it is a big hit with him! He got very enthusiastic about it, which made me buy him the other books related to the subject. Absolutely recommend it!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted May 23, 2009

    I Also Recommend:

    Daring Book for Girls
    The Double-Daring Book for Girls

    great book for boys!

    this is a great book for boys! The title is a little misleading and may turn some parents off, but the information inside is great! I used this book as a gift for my younger cousins, and they all loved it. One of them started trying some of the skills in the book right away! The series reminds me of the old Girl Scout and Boy Scout handbooks- like the ones my mom used when she was a girl scout!

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  • Posted April 3, 2009

    enjoyable to read

    made a great Christmas gift!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 9, 2009

    great book

    Has a lot of neat & interesting facts for all ages

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 9, 2009

    I Also Recommend:

    Daring Book for Girls

    This is one of those rare books you want to recommend to everyone you know, especially is they have a son or a grandson.

    I bought this book for my teenage grandson and have recommended it to everyone who has a son, a grandson or a male in the family.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 9, 2009

    Dangerous Book for boys helps with Family time

    I bought this book for my 8 yr old son for a Christmas gift and we have all loved it thus far. It has given me a place to go for those curiousity questions that young boys love to ask. and the topic he wondered about is usually expanded upon more than I would've expected. Our family time has greatly increased as well due to using the book with the Dangerous Book for boys board game which I found at Walmart and Toys R us. We look up stuff in the book that the game is asking questions about like constellations. The game however seems to be fading away becasue I found the game on clearance at both locations. The book is both informative and experiential. Lots of things to learn and do like tying knots and building things. Highly reccommend!

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  • Posted December 30, 2008

    I can't wait to live vicariously through my son!

    This book is so much fun! It is like a survival guide for boys, everything you ever needed to know. From making fires, to how to build a tree house. I think every house needs this book, and it should become the bible for father-son bonding.<BR/><BR/>Matt.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 8, 2008

    Great Review By:Gideon C. Brown

    I think it is filled with great, also I made my dream tree house thanks to that book.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted June 19, 2008

    Almost like special forces

    I bought this book and read it. Then I gave it to my son and told him that if he learned all that is in this book he would be almost like a mountain man or a green beret. This book shows a boy all different ways to have fun in the woods as well as ways to survive in case of some kind of catastrophy while camping. I can't write enough good things about this book, so buy it for your sons and allow them to impress you.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted May 21, 2008

    Every boy should have this book...

    Every boy should have this book. Do you know why? Because it's awesome! It has everything from making a battery, to latin phrases every boy should know. Being a professional reader myself makes this review even more true. Remember, every boy has to have this book!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 20, 2007

    A Piece of Reality...Mom knows best

    What a wonderful book for young boys! A collection of fun and exciting activities that strengthen friendships, stretch the imagination and get them outdoors! And for those gender sensitive girls...get a grip..like all those super chick shows/movies aren't gender twisted?? I'm one female who says let the boys be boys, and if once in awhile they don't want to play with the girls..its okay!! Thanks for one for the boys!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 28, 2007

    Way excellent!

    This book not only shows you how to do cool stuff your dad and grandfather did when they were kids, but explains a lot of things that kids everywhere wonder about. It's like a boy scout manual, but without all the meetings and uniforms. Some of the stuff is silly but cool, but other things are really useful to know, especially the first aid information. (You could save somebody's life!) On the other hand, a few things are somewhat dangerous like the book title says, such as the slingshot and bow and arrow. Oh well- at least you'll know first aid to treat any wounds! (Just kidding!) I would say all kids should read this book.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 25, 2007

    A must for any boy age 8 - 80!!!

    This is a wonderful book. I just got it for my 5 year old son and 9 mo nephew. While they are too young to appreciate it now, I certainly expect the cover to be well worn as they grow. The book is very easy to read, and has a little bit about most everything. Every little boy (or big boy!) needs this book!!!

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