Review by Booklist Review
The creators of Highlights initially wanted to call their magazine My Do Book. Hearkening back to the magazine's origins, the editors of Highlights have assembled an activity book with a focus on doing. Organized into 12 broad categories, from "Things to Do Inside" to "Things to Build" to "Science Experiments to Do," the book offers hundreds of ideas to try inside and outside the home. Many of the activities involve making something, like sound effects, a time capsule, pavement paint, or even salsa, but step-by-step directions and additional suggestions guide the process. Other activities, such as five ways to play tag and games that speed up clean up, only require imagination. Finally, in Highlights' dedication to social and emotional learning, the "Do Great Things" chapter gives tips on dealing with angry feelings, being a good listener, and other topics of well-being. Multiple artists contribute to the book's light tone and inclusivity through photographs, realistic drawings, and cartoon illustrations that reflect individuals with various skin shades and ability levels. Boredom busters with a purpose.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Horn Book Review
This activity book has something for everyone. Twelve sections feature between nine and twenty-two projects and diversions, from baking and art projects to April Fools' jokes and magic tricks, from building a "Chain Reaction Machine" to gardening and birdwatching. Supported by illustrations, color photos, and lots of graphic elements, the sections all open with "6 Quick Challenges" to draw readers in or for easy distraction. The final chapter, "Do Great Things," inspires readers to direct their energy outward: e.g., "Write Sidewalk Sayings," "How to Be a Good Friend," and "Be a Family Reporter." Related websites, "Kitchen Tips," a US map and list of states and capitals, an index, and more are appended. (c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
