cover image Show Off: How to Do Absolutely Everything

Show Off: How to Do Absolutely Everything

Sarah Hines Stephens, . . Candlewick, $18.99 (224pp) ISBN 978-0-7636-4599-1

This lively illustrated activity book delivers concise instructions for a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Projects include crafts, pranks and magic tricks; ideas for nature exploration; and other purely entertaining feats (such as building a “jiggly city” out of gelatin). Many activities are basic—with makeup, it's easy to “become a zombie”—but a good number of them, like “sport a comic-book tote,” will require additional skill. The instructions are heavy on graphics and light on detail, making for an eye-catching but potentially frustrating experience. But readers should enjoy the irreverence and variety. Ages 10–14. (Sept.)