Author: Gina Misiroglu
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
ISBN: 1578593247
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
Kids ask the darndest things . . . and here are the answers—all in one helpful book! Anyone who has ever been a kid, raised a kid, or spent any time with kids knows that asking questions is a critical part of being a kid. Kids have curious minds, and they come up with some very interesting questions. Why do dogs bark? Why is the sky blue? Why do people have to grow old? Questions like these are how kids find out about the world, and these questions deserve answers. But the truth is, adults don’t always know the answers. The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) comes to the rescue! Written with a child's imagination in mind, this easy-to-understand book is a launching pad for curious young minds and a life raft for parents at wits end. It addresses nearly 800 queries with enough depth and detail to both satisfy the curiosity of persistent young inquisitors and provide parents with a secure sense of a job well done. It'll equip every parent for those difficult, absurd, or sometimes funny questions from their kids, such as … Why do people speak different languages? Why do I cry? How can fish breathe underwater? Can people who die see and talk with living people after they are gone? Why do women in some countries wear veils? How did my life begin? How does a vacuum cleaner pick up dirt? How does my body know to wake up when morning comes? With numerous photos and illustrations, this tome is richly illustrated, and its helpful bibliography and extensive index add to its usefulness. A launching pad for inquisitive young minds and a life raft for parents who are at their wits’ end, The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) is a book that every parent needs, and every kid will covet!
The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents)
Author: Gina Misiroglu
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
ISBN: 1578593247
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
Kids ask the darndest things . . . and here are the answers—all in one helpful book! Anyone who has ever been a kid, raised a kid, or spent any time with kids knows that asking questions is a critical part of being a kid. Kids have curious minds, and they come up with some very interesting questions. Why do dogs bark? Why is the sky blue? Why do people have to grow old? Questions like these are how kids find out about the world, and these questions deserve answers. But the truth is, adults don’t always know the answers. The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) comes to the rescue! Written with a child's imagination in mind, this easy-to-understand book is a launching pad for curious young minds and a life raft for parents at wits end. It addresses nearly 800 queries with enough depth and detail to both satisfy the curiosity of persistent young inquisitors and provide parents with a secure sense of a job well done. It'll equip every parent for those difficult, absurd, or sometimes funny questions from their kids, such as … Why do people speak different languages? Why do I cry? How can fish breathe underwater? Can people who die see and talk with living people after they are gone? Why do women in some countries wear veils? How did my life begin? How does a vacuum cleaner pick up dirt? How does my body know to wake up when morning comes? With numerous photos and illustrations, this tome is richly illustrated, and its helpful bibliography and extensive index add to its usefulness. A launching pad for inquisitive young minds and a life raft for parents who are at their wits’ end, The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) is a book that every parent needs, and every kid will covet!
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
ISBN: 1578593247
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
Kids ask the darndest things . . . and here are the answers—all in one helpful book! Anyone who has ever been a kid, raised a kid, or spent any time with kids knows that asking questions is a critical part of being a kid. Kids have curious minds, and they come up with some very interesting questions. Why do dogs bark? Why is the sky blue? Why do people have to grow old? Questions like these are how kids find out about the world, and these questions deserve answers. But the truth is, adults don’t always know the answers. The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) comes to the rescue! Written with a child's imagination in mind, this easy-to-understand book is a launching pad for curious young minds and a life raft for parents at wits end. It addresses nearly 800 queries with enough depth and detail to both satisfy the curiosity of persistent young inquisitors and provide parents with a secure sense of a job well done. It'll equip every parent for those difficult, absurd, or sometimes funny questions from their kids, such as … Why do people speak different languages? Why do I cry? How can fish breathe underwater? Can people who die see and talk with living people after they are gone? Why do women in some countries wear veils? How did my life begin? How does a vacuum cleaner pick up dirt? How does my body know to wake up when morning comes? With numerous photos and illustrations, this tome is richly illustrated, and its helpful bibliography and extensive index add to its usefulness. A launching pad for inquisitive young minds and a life raft for parents who are at their wits’ end, The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) is a book that every parent needs, and every kid will covet!
The Handy Psychology Answer Book
Author: Lisa J. Cohen
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
ISBN: 1578595983
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 558
Book Description
Bridges the gap between today's entertainment-focused “pop psychology” on television and the dry academic research that is published in journals. A primer on human behavior and psychology. The Handy Psychology Answer Book helps answer why humans do what we do through accurate scientific data presented in a lively, accessible, and engaging way. It covers the fundamentals and explains the psychology behind how people deal with money, sex, morality, family, children, aging, addiction, work, and other everyday issues. It takes a journey through the history and science of psychology and showing how psychology affects us all. Fully revised to reflect the latest scientific research—such as the current DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association); the latest neurobiological theories; and the changing face of marriage—this timely reference has expanded to include information sections on the biology and evolution of emotions; technology and adolescence; bisexuality; optimism; autism; as well as a full section on the law, eyewitness testimony and police shootings. Featuring more than 1,500 answers to questions concerning how the human mind and the science of psychology really work, this fascinating guide delivers the real facts of modern psychology, along with fun factoids and thought-provoking insights into what motivates human behavior. This intriguing exploration provides insights into the current science of the mind by answering questions such as: How have other cultures addressed psychological issues? Why was Freud so focused on sex? How do twin studies help illuminate the role of genetics? How can I maintain a healthy brain? Why do some people hear voices that aren’t really there? Why do children see monsters in the closet at night? How have recent changes in technology affected adolescent development? Why does time seem to speed up as we age? Is it normal to argue during marriage? Does religion make people happier? How do we reduce social prejudice? How has morality changed over the course of history? What are the personality traits of people who succeed in their professions? Why do so many politicians get trapped in scandals? Does genetics play a role in voting behavior? Which therapies are best for which kinds of problems? How might the stress of police work affect decision-making in high stress situations? The Handy Psychology Answer Book also includes a helpful glossary of terms, complete reference sources for topics discussed, and an index. With a wide range of information suitable for everyone, this is the ideal source for anyone looking to get a better understanding of psychology. It provides clear answers on the history, basic science and latest research, and psychology behind everyday situations and at different stages in life.
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
ISBN: 1578595983
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 558
Book Description
Bridges the gap between today's entertainment-focused “pop psychology” on television and the dry academic research that is published in journals. A primer on human behavior and psychology. The Handy Psychology Answer Book helps answer why humans do what we do through accurate scientific data presented in a lively, accessible, and engaging way. It covers the fundamentals and explains the psychology behind how people deal with money, sex, morality, family, children, aging, addiction, work, and other everyday issues. It takes a journey through the history and science of psychology and showing how psychology affects us all. Fully revised to reflect the latest scientific research—such as the current DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association); the latest neurobiological theories; and the changing face of marriage—this timely reference has expanded to include information sections on the biology and evolution of emotions; technology and adolescence; bisexuality; optimism; autism; as well as a full section on the law, eyewitness testimony and police shootings. Featuring more than 1,500 answers to questions concerning how the human mind and the science of psychology really work, this fascinating guide delivers the real facts of modern psychology, along with fun factoids and thought-provoking insights into what motivates human behavior. This intriguing exploration provides insights into the current science of the mind by answering questions such as: How have other cultures addressed psychological issues? Why was Freud so focused on sex? How do twin studies help illuminate the role of genetics? How can I maintain a healthy brain? Why do some people hear voices that aren’t really there? Why do children see monsters in the closet at night? How have recent changes in technology affected adolescent development? Why does time seem to speed up as we age? Is it normal to argue during marriage? Does religion make people happier? How do we reduce social prejudice? How has morality changed over the course of history? What are the personality traits of people who succeed in their professions? Why do so many politicians get trapped in scandals? Does genetics play a role in voting behavior? Which therapies are best for which kinds of problems? How might the stress of police work affect decision-making in high stress situations? The Handy Psychology Answer Book also includes a helpful glossary of terms, complete reference sources for topics discussed, and an index. With a wide range of information suitable for everyone, this is the ideal source for anyone looking to get a better understanding of psychology. It provides clear answers on the history, basic science and latest research, and psychology behind everyday situations and at different stages in life.
The American Girl's Handy Book
Author: Lina Beard
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Amusements
Languages : en
Pages : 594
Book Description
A publication for young ladies instructing them in such hobbies as fancy needlework, handmade dolls, china painting, painting in oils, heraldic painting, preservation of wild flowers, golf, bicycling, holiday decorations and many others.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Amusements
Languages : en
Pages : 594
Book Description
A publication for young ladies instructing them in such hobbies as fancy needlework, handmade dolls, china painting, painting in oils, heraldic painting, preservation of wild flowers, golf, bicycling, holiday decorations and many others.
The Handy Philosophy Answer Book
Author: Naomi Zack
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
ISBN: 1578592771
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 505
Book Description
Combining a basic history of philosophical thought with the often quirky personal stories of famous philosophers, this comprehensive introduction to the world of philosophy answers more than 1,000 questions, ranging from What was the Enlightenment? to Why did the Pythagorians avoid fava beans? Analyzing the collective effort of philosophers throughout history in the pursuit of truth and wisdom, the guide explores the tangible significance of philosophical thought to modern society and civilization as a whole. With a wide range of information suitable for various knowledge basesÑfrom junior high to junior collegeÑthis is an ideal resource for anyone looking to get a better grasp of the history of thought.
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
ISBN: 1578592771
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 505
Book Description
Combining a basic history of philosophical thought with the often quirky personal stories of famous philosophers, this comprehensive introduction to the world of philosophy answers more than 1,000 questions, ranging from What was the Enlightenment? to Why did the Pythagorians avoid fava beans? Analyzing the collective effort of philosophers throughout history in the pursuit of truth and wisdom, the guide explores the tangible significance of philosophical thought to modern society and civilization as a whole. With a wide range of information suitable for various knowledge basesÑfrom junior high to junior collegeÑthis is an ideal resource for anyone looking to get a better grasp of the history of thought.
The Handy Communication Answer Book
Author: Lauren Sergy
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781578595877
Category : BUSINESS & ECONOMICS
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
The Handy Communication Answer Book traces the history, explains the concepts and examines the skills needed to master effective communication for every occasion. Providing insights and advice, this useful primer looks at how to improve verbal, non-verbal and written communications.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781578595877
Category : BUSINESS & ECONOMICS
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
The Handy Communication Answer Book traces the history, explains the concepts and examines the skills needed to master effective communication for every occasion. Providing insights and advice, this useful primer looks at how to improve verbal, non-verbal and written communications.
Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters
Author: Ann Budd
Publisher: Interweave
ISBN: 1596684836
Category : Crafts & Hobbies
Languages : en
Pages : 312
Book Description
Fiber and yarn enthusiasts nationwide will celebrate Ann Budd's latest addition to The Knitter's Handy Book series. Answering to a growing interest in knitting sweaters from the top down and knitting seamless sweaters that require little finishing, this handy book offers instructions for knitting five basic sweater types: circular yoke, raglan, modified-drop shoulder, set-in sleeve, and saddle shoulder. Patterns are offered in multiple sizes and yarn gauges and for a broad age group. Following the basics for each of the five sweater types are three diverse patterns from top designers that illustrate some of the many ways that instructions can be used as springboards for creative expression, including color, texture, and shaping variations. Also included for intermediate to advanced knitters are personal design touches, detailed charts, clear instruction, and quick tips to expand knitting possibilities and maintain creative originality. A key reference for knitters of all skill levels, this is the new essential knitting resource on your bookshelf.
Publisher: Interweave
ISBN: 1596684836
Category : Crafts & Hobbies
Languages : en
Pages : 312
Book Description
Fiber and yarn enthusiasts nationwide will celebrate Ann Budd's latest addition to The Knitter's Handy Book series. Answering to a growing interest in knitting sweaters from the top down and knitting seamless sweaters that require little finishing, this handy book offers instructions for knitting five basic sweater types: circular yoke, raglan, modified-drop shoulder, set-in sleeve, and saddle shoulder. Patterns are offered in multiple sizes and yarn gauges and for a broad age group. Following the basics for each of the five sweater types are three diverse patterns from top designers that illustrate some of the many ways that instructions can be used as springboards for creative expression, including color, texture, and shaping variations. Also included for intermediate to advanced knitters are personal design touches, detailed charts, clear instruction, and quick tips to expand knitting possibilities and maintain creative originality. A key reference for knitters of all skill levels, this is the new essential knitting resource on your bookshelf.
The Handy Chemistry Answer Book
Author: Justin P. Lomont
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
ISBN: 1578594561
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 402
Book Description
Don't be mixed up about chemistry! Simplify the complex chemical reactions that take place everywhere in our lives with this engaging, easy-to-follow, question-and-answer guide! Where would we be without atoms and compounds? Gas, liquids, solids, and plasma? Acids and bases? Bonds and reactions? Matter and energy? The Handy Chemistry Answer Book covers the building blocks of life and the universe. The secret life of atoms, how polar bears aren’t actually white, why oil and water don't mix, and much, much more are revealed and explained. This informative guide covers the basics of chemistry (history, atomic structures, chemical bonds and reactions, organic and inorganic chemistry) to more advanced material (nuclear chemistry, biochemistry, physical and theoretical chemistry) by answering nearly 1,000 common chemistry questions, including ... What causes lightning? How does photosynthesis work? What are hard and soft Lewis acids and bases? What makes a fabric “waterproof”? What are the twelve principles of green chemistry? When did alchemists finally abandon trying to make gold? What is Le Chatelier’s principle? What do the different octane ratings mean at the gas pump? What is genetic engineering? Why is calcium important for strong bones? What is the 18-electron rule? Why does chocolate turn white as it ages? Chemical reactions that rule the world; their properties, structure, composition, behavior, and history are tackled and explained in plain English in The Handy Chemistry Answer Book. With many photos, illustrations, a few formulas, molecular diagrams, and other graphics, this fun, fact-filled tome is richly illustrated. A history of chemistry timeline, appendices on Nobel Prize in Chemistry winners, a bibliography, further reading section, glossary of terms, a table of physical constants, a table of conversion factors, and extensive index add to its usefulness.
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
ISBN: 1578594561
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 402
Book Description
Don't be mixed up about chemistry! Simplify the complex chemical reactions that take place everywhere in our lives with this engaging, easy-to-follow, question-and-answer guide! Where would we be without atoms and compounds? Gas, liquids, solids, and plasma? Acids and bases? Bonds and reactions? Matter and energy? The Handy Chemistry Answer Book covers the building blocks of life and the universe. The secret life of atoms, how polar bears aren’t actually white, why oil and water don't mix, and much, much more are revealed and explained. This informative guide covers the basics of chemistry (history, atomic structures, chemical bonds and reactions, organic and inorganic chemistry) to more advanced material (nuclear chemistry, biochemistry, physical and theoretical chemistry) by answering nearly 1,000 common chemistry questions, including ... What causes lightning? How does photosynthesis work? What are hard and soft Lewis acids and bases? What makes a fabric “waterproof”? What are the twelve principles of green chemistry? When did alchemists finally abandon trying to make gold? What is Le Chatelier’s principle? What do the different octane ratings mean at the gas pump? What is genetic engineering? Why is calcium important for strong bones? What is the 18-electron rule? Why does chocolate turn white as it ages? Chemical reactions that rule the world; their properties, structure, composition, behavior, and history are tackled and explained in plain English in The Handy Chemistry Answer Book. With many photos, illustrations, a few formulas, molecular diagrams, and other graphics, this fun, fact-filled tome is richly illustrated. A history of chemistry timeline, appendices on Nobel Prize in Chemistry winners, a bibliography, further reading section, glossary of terms, a table of physical constants, a table of conversion factors, and extensive index add to its usefulness.
The Handy Islam Answer Book
Author: John Renard
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
ISBN: 1578595444
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 602
Book Description
A western Islamic scholar demystifies and explains one of the world’s great religious traditions! In an age of continued Middle East volatility, religious extremists, and terrorist threats, the mere mention of Islam and Muslims too often provokes misunderstanding and even rancor. Often overlooked are the important links between the Qur'an and the Bible. Also ignored are the significant historical overlap between Islamic interpretation of history with those of Christianity and Judaism. Islam is too often confusing and even opaque to those unfamiliar with it. Truly a must-have reference for our changing and trying times, The Handy Islam Answer Book, is clearly and eloquently written by John Renard, Ph.D., a scholar of Islam with more than 40 years of research and teaching experience. This user-friendly guide answers nearly 800 questions and offers fun facts that cover Islamic history, religious practices, and Muslim cultural perspectives, including … When did Islam begin? Why is Mecca a holy city for Muslims? Do Muslims worship Muhammad? What was the fate of Medieval Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land? What do Muslims mean by the term "Allah"? What does the crescent moon and star symbol mean to Muslims? What is the Muslim “call to prayer”? Is it similar to “church bells”? Do Muslims believe that God “tests” people? Does Muhammad play a role in Islamic spirituality in a manner similar to Jesus’ role in Christianity? Is jihad a legal concept for Muslims? Is it true that Muhammad both preached and engaged in military campaigns? Do Muslims, Christians, and Jews worship the “same God”? Why do Jews, Christians, and Muslims all claim parts of Israel/Palestine as “Holy Land”? Why do some people, such as the Taliban, not want girls to get an education? Does Islam require wearing face veils? Is there any similarity between Muslim and Christian art? Muslims are diverse, and they have a vast spectrum of views about Islam, and The Handy Islam Answer Book is a resource for reliable information about Islam and Muslims. This helpful books also provides a historic timeline, a glossary of commonly used terms, a genealogy from Adam to Muhammad and beyond, a calendar of major observances, an extensive index, and a bibliography help further exploration of one of the world’s great religions.
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
ISBN: 1578595444
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 602
Book Description
A western Islamic scholar demystifies and explains one of the world’s great religious traditions! In an age of continued Middle East volatility, religious extremists, and terrorist threats, the mere mention of Islam and Muslims too often provokes misunderstanding and even rancor. Often overlooked are the important links between the Qur'an and the Bible. Also ignored are the significant historical overlap between Islamic interpretation of history with those of Christianity and Judaism. Islam is too often confusing and even opaque to those unfamiliar with it. Truly a must-have reference for our changing and trying times, The Handy Islam Answer Book, is clearly and eloquently written by John Renard, Ph.D., a scholar of Islam with more than 40 years of research and teaching experience. This user-friendly guide answers nearly 800 questions and offers fun facts that cover Islamic history, religious practices, and Muslim cultural perspectives, including … When did Islam begin? Why is Mecca a holy city for Muslims? Do Muslims worship Muhammad? What was the fate of Medieval Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land? What do Muslims mean by the term "Allah"? What does the crescent moon and star symbol mean to Muslims? What is the Muslim “call to prayer”? Is it similar to “church bells”? Do Muslims believe that God “tests” people? Does Muhammad play a role in Islamic spirituality in a manner similar to Jesus’ role in Christianity? Is jihad a legal concept for Muslims? Is it true that Muhammad both preached and engaged in military campaigns? Do Muslims, Christians, and Jews worship the “same God”? Why do Jews, Christians, and Muslims all claim parts of Israel/Palestine as “Holy Land”? Why do some people, such as the Taliban, not want girls to get an education? Does Islam require wearing face veils? Is there any similarity between Muslim and Christian art? Muslims are diverse, and they have a vast spectrum of views about Islam, and The Handy Islam Answer Book is a resource for reliable information about Islam and Muslims. This helpful books also provides a historic timeline, a glossary of commonly used terms, a genealogy from Adam to Muhammad and beyond, a calendar of major observances, an extensive index, and a bibliography help further exploration of one of the world’s great religions.
Handy Dad
Author: Todd Davis
Publisher: Chronicle Books
ISBN: 0811879852
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 570
Book Description
The host of HGTV’s Room Crashers presents twenty-five awesome projects for dads to build with their kids—including skate ramps, zip lines, go-carts, and more! On his popular home improvement show, Todd Davis is known for transforming interiors with eye-popping DIY design. But in Handy Dad, he uses his know-how to create twenty-five simple yet super-fun projects that dads can build with their kids. Dads can choose from projects that range from basic to challenging and take anywhere from five minutes to a full weekend. Readers are given all the directions they need to grab materials that can be found around the house or at the local hardware store and get to work banging up a sweet BMX ramp or half-pipe, building a tree house or tire swing, or throwing together a slip-and-slide or tie-dye station for an afternoon of fun. With plenty of color photographs, easy-to-follow instructions, and detailed illustrations, Handy Dad is chock-full of creative and inexpensive ways to keep kids (and dads) endlessly entertained.
Publisher: Chronicle Books
ISBN: 0811879852
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 570
Book Description
The host of HGTV’s Room Crashers presents twenty-five awesome projects for dads to build with their kids—including skate ramps, zip lines, go-carts, and more! On his popular home improvement show, Todd Davis is known for transforming interiors with eye-popping DIY design. But in Handy Dad, he uses his know-how to create twenty-five simple yet super-fun projects that dads can build with their kids. Dads can choose from projects that range from basic to challenging and take anywhere from five minutes to a full weekend. Readers are given all the directions they need to grab materials that can be found around the house or at the local hardware store and get to work banging up a sweet BMX ramp or half-pipe, building a tree house or tire swing, or throwing together a slip-and-slide or tie-dye station for an afternoon of fun. With plenty of color photographs, easy-to-follow instructions, and detailed illustrations, Handy Dad is chock-full of creative and inexpensive ways to keep kids (and dads) endlessly entertained.
Wild Things
Author: Bruce Handy
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1451609957
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 336
Book Description
An irresistible, nostalgic, insightful—and totally original—ramble through classic children’s literature from Vanity Fair contributing editor (and father) Bruce Handy. “Consistently intelligent and funny…The book succeeds wonderfully.” —The New York Times Book Review “A delightful excursion…Engaging and full of genuine feeling.” —The Wall Street Journal “Pure pleasure.” —Vanity Fair “Witty and engaging…Deeply satisfying.” —Christian Science Monitor In 1690, the dour New England Primer, thought to be the first American children’s book, was published in Boston. Offering children gems of advice such as “Strive to learn” and “Be not a dunce,” it was no fun at all. So how did we get from there to “Let the wild rumpus start”? And now that we’re living in a golden age of children’s literature, what can adults get out of reading Where the Wild Things Are and Goodnight Moon, or Charlotte’s Web and Little House on the Prairie? In Wild Things, Bruce Handy revisits the classics of American childhood, from fairy tales to The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and explores the backstories of their creators, using context and biography to understand how some of the most insightful, creative, and witty authors and illustrators of their times created their often deeply personal masterpieces. Along the way, Handy learns what The Cat in the Hat says about anarchy and absentee parenting, which themes link The Runaway Bunny and Portnoy’s Complaint, and why Ramona Quimby is as true an American icon as Tom Sawyer or Jay Gatsby. It’s a profound, eye-opening experience to reencounter books that you once treasured after decades apart. A clear-eyed love letter to the greatest children’s books and authors, from Louisa May Alcott and L. Frank Baum to Eric Carle, Dr. Seuss, Mildred D. Taylor, and E.B. White, Wild Things will bring back fond memories for readers of all ages, along with a few surprises.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1451609957
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 336
Book Description
An irresistible, nostalgic, insightful—and totally original—ramble through classic children’s literature from Vanity Fair contributing editor (and father) Bruce Handy. “Consistently intelligent and funny…The book succeeds wonderfully.” —The New York Times Book Review “A delightful excursion…Engaging and full of genuine feeling.” —The Wall Street Journal “Pure pleasure.” —Vanity Fair “Witty and engaging…Deeply satisfying.” —Christian Science Monitor In 1690, the dour New England Primer, thought to be the first American children’s book, was published in Boston. Offering children gems of advice such as “Strive to learn” and “Be not a dunce,” it was no fun at all. So how did we get from there to “Let the wild rumpus start”? And now that we’re living in a golden age of children’s literature, what can adults get out of reading Where the Wild Things Are and Goodnight Moon, or Charlotte’s Web and Little House on the Prairie? In Wild Things, Bruce Handy revisits the classics of American childhood, from fairy tales to The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and explores the backstories of their creators, using context and biography to understand how some of the most insightful, creative, and witty authors and illustrators of their times created their often deeply personal masterpieces. Along the way, Handy learns what The Cat in the Hat says about anarchy and absentee parenting, which themes link The Runaway Bunny and Portnoy’s Complaint, and why Ramona Quimby is as true an American icon as Tom Sawyer or Jay Gatsby. It’s a profound, eye-opening experience to reencounter books that you once treasured after decades apart. A clear-eyed love letter to the greatest children’s books and authors, from Louisa May Alcott and L. Frank Baum to Eric Carle, Dr. Seuss, Mildred D. Taylor, and E.B. White, Wild Things will bring back fond memories for readers of all ages, along with a few surprises.