Young Man's Handybook (Preparing Your Son on the Homefront)

I have to admit I didn't expect this book to start in the kitchen. It "goes" all the places you might expect handyman repairs, fishing, hunting, even building a log cabin. But it does start in the kitchen. Still, it's definitely a boy's perspective on that room. Written by two homeschool moms, inspired by their active boys and handyman fathers, this is a great "how-to" for teaching all the practical aspects of a young man's education. Geared toward boys ages 9-15, I can also imagine girls enjoying both the practical kitchen basics with mom and time with dad learning some things from "his world." Regardless of how and with whom you choose to use it, you'll find this manual a handy reference. Instruction is straight-forward with just a hint of humor (you like to eat learn to cook) and peppered with helpful black & white illustrations. In the kitchen, there are practical rules like "don't put an empty pot on a hot burner it will ruin the pot!" as well as simple how-tos like washing the dishes and reading a recipe, with a nice selection of simple, healthy recipes. Other sections are more of what the title suggests manners, first aid and safety, around-the-house handyman, working with wood, gardening, outdoor adventures, and learning to manage money. There are lots of projects building a birdhouse, toolbox, log cabin, split-rail fence as well as skill-building gun safety, preparing a budget/bookkeeping, and knot-tying. We want our sons to learn these basic life skills, and it helps tremendously to have a "road map" like this one to lead us. 181 pgs, spiral-binding. ~ Janice