The Horn Book Guide

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Stephens, Sarah Hines , Mann, Bethany

Show Off: How to Do Absolutely Everything One Step at a Time

224 pp. | Candlewick | September, 2009 | Trade ISBN 978-0-7636-4599-1 $18.99

(3) 4-6 This book turns the conventional step-by-step guide on its head--literally (see: "land a handstand fingerflip," "perform a barracuda," "perfect a back walkover," etc.). Activities are grouped by category: amaze, investigate, create, explore, cook, move. Since the logic behind the volume's organization isn't obvious, it's best to just go with the flow. Success relies heavily on the copious (and stylish) owners-manual-type illustrations.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz