Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

This Book Made Me Do It

Rate this book
Can you run from an alligator? Ride a wave? Land an airplane? escape from handcuffs? Avoid a vampire's bite? No? Well now you can learn these tricks and more in Necessary Skills and Then Some. Previously published as This Book Made Me Do It, Necessary Skills and Then Some shows readers step-by-step how to make, explore, and do pretty much everything. With content appropriate for kids ages 9 and up, the book covers useful information including how to perform CPR, sooth a burn, and eat a balanced diet; mind-boggling magic tricks like sawing people in half, pulling out a tablecloth, or making balloon animals; plus tips to develop fun skills in photography, sports, and crafts. Perfect for rainy days, science projects, and exploring possible new hobbies, Necessary Skills and Then Some will provide hours of fun.

192 pages, Hardcover

Published September 20, 2010

2 people are currently reading
52 people want to read

About the author

John Woodward

432 books11 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
13 (35%)
4 stars
12 (32%)
3 stars
9 (24%)
2 stars
2 (5%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
149 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2022
I simply just love how random and cool the things in it are. I remember when I was younger and saw it with my friend and asked her to take a picture of every page and she told me I could have it. I felt like a win some gold! So many things I indeed wanted to learn. I love love love it!
Profile Image for MK.
626 reviews3 followers
January 24, 2024
This book introduces ideas for playing with children from around 3 years old to around 10 years old, who are showing interest in various things.

All of them were interesting ideas, but the following surprised me.

”Walk a tightrope?”
Don’t try this at home!
Profile Image for Star Stuff.
28 reviews4 followers
October 19, 2018
It was my favorite book growing up. I spent a lot of time reading and re-reading this book.
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
1,485 reviews315 followers
March 17, 2011
"Mom, I'm borrrrred." It's like nails on a chalk board, isn't it? Here's a perfect antidote: This Book Made Me Do It is full of great ideas, perfect for planning projects or dreaming up cool things to do one day. It's perfect fuel for imagination, plans and fun.

As one student said, "If you want to do something that wouldn't usually be in a 'how-to' book, try looking in this book. It has lots of things you wouldn't expect - not just crafts and tricks, but how to build an igloo and how to escape a shark attack." Divided into six sections, This Book Made Me Do It covers magic tricks, cooking, creative art projects, backyard projects, survival tips, and sports feats. Some projects are perfect for an ordinary afternoon, like exploding cola with mints, while others like hiking safely in bear country will prepare kids for bigger expeditions.

Each page includes colorful graphics, clear how-to steps, and detailed extra information. The instructions are clearly written for 4th graders to follow independently, especially since they are broken down into steps and supported by clear pictures illustrating each step.

Kids love the variety of information in this book. Some projects they'll want to do right away - like making homemade popsicles or an ice bowl decorated with edible flowers. Other projects will have them squealing: how to dissect an owl pellet, or identifying deadly snakes. It's full of facts and information, too. Did you know if you're seized by a shark, you should try to keep your back to it? You can also punch a shark on its nose and eyes. I'm not sure I really want to do that, but what great information for those "Did you know" questions kids love.
Profile Image for Christiana.
1,591 reviews27 followers
March 30, 2011
The next time someone asks me for a how-to book I AM GIVING THEM THIS BOOK. It reminds me a little of 1,000 things to do before you die (or whatever that book is called) except, you know, no one tells kids/tweens/teens about mortality.
Profile Image for Sarah .
1,141 reviews23 followers
Read
January 30, 2012
A fun book talk book, though I'm not sure if it is a good book for an assignment on reading a non-fiction book, because it would be difficult to read through.
336 reviews4 followers
September 6, 2013
Unusual Book: Sections of Cooking/ Crafting/ Science Projects/ Magic etc. A little bit of everything put together to create a good rainy day idea book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.