Reddit mentions: The best children arts, music & photography books

Not in any particular order, but any of these would be perfect for your young 10 year old aspiring student of magic! None of these will break your bank! :


The Magic Digest by George B. Anderson I picked up a used copy of this book 5 years ago for around 2 dollars. In my opinion, you should acquire a copy for your son for cheap before the prices go up! Don't worry about getting a pristine/good copy, my copy is in "acceptable" condition, but that doesn't take away from the secrets and advice it holds. It's an old book, but it's excellent! It is filled with solid advice for magicians of any age and very solid magic all throughout. It still falls into the realm of a "beginners" book, but I'm definitely not a beginner in magic but was still blown away by its content! Most of the tricks are self working, some use very basic sleight of hand that is also expertly taught in this work. This is truly a book I wish I could have had earlier on in my study! I simply can't recommend this enough!


Big Magic for Little Hands: 25 Outstanding Illusions for Young Magicians by Joshua Jay Despite his young age, the author Joshua Jay is without a doubt one of the most knowledgeable and thoughtful students of magic that I've encountered over the years. This book is a fantastic example of why I have this opinion about him! I picked this up a year ago for one of my co-workers kids that loved watching some of the magic I do. I was humbled to have my co-worker tell me that because of me and some of the tricks I taught his father, that she too wanted to learn magic. I was so humbled that I wanted to do her father and her a solid and get them both a quality magic book that was suitable for a 7 year old. I got wind of this and ordered it. After reading half the book over the weekend before handing it to her father the following Monday, I was so inspired and blown away by the content in here that I ordered a copy for myself to study also. The magic and advice in here is that solid and it I don't care if it's targeted at young magicians! I still learned from it! Fantastic!


Magic: The Complete Course by Joshua Jay There is a nice mix of basic sleight of hand and self working tricks in this big book for an outstanding price! The magic taught in here is top notch and this book encompasses many, many areas of magic! Heck, they even tip a way for an aspiring magician to make something like an Invisible Deck, which is considered by many top professionals to be one of the best "special decks", with a common household item. I've tried it myself and it works beautifully in a pinch! This book even comes with a DVD to accompany some of the amazing content in this work!


The Magic Handbook by Peter Eldin This holds a special place in my heart! I believe it was 1988 when my grandmother gifted me this very book when she thought I was "outgrowing" my Fischer Price magic set. This book is outstanding and it's easy to tell that Peter Eldin has a deep love and respect for magic as an artform. There is only a few basic sleights in here, but don't let that scare you or your son. I was 5 when I started learning a lot of this stuff and thanks to the clear illustrations and text, I had very little trouble learning basic card handling from this as well as ways to conceal a coin. One of the highlights for me in this was a very unique handling of a classic coin trick known as "The Miser's Dream". Your son will have the ability to seemingly and continuously produce coins out of thin air and get this...without sleight of hand technique....This version is still a "go to" for me...Need I say more? :D

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Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic This book truly lives up to what the title promises. I would be hard pressed to find a more comprehensive course in magic for 15 bucks! Sponge Balls, Cards, Coins, Mental Magic, Stage Illusions that can be made at home, solid advice from a legend, information that I haven't found elsewhere, among other things! This book will keep both and your son busy for a long, long time! Self Working tricks, basic sleights and tricks to accompany them, great methods, inspirational food thought. I simply wouldn't feel right not recommend this to anyone who loves magic!

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Karl Fulves "Self Working" Series: All of these are dirt cheap and worth any students time and study regardless of age or experience! Collect them all or simply pick a subject that your son favors! This series encompasses mental magic as well as magic with cards, coins, numbers, paper, rope, handkerchiefs, and household objects! Any one of these will serve your son well.

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Scarne on Card Tricks and Scarne's Magic Tricks I would recommend getting both of these together. There are hundreds upon hundreds of quality tricks from some of magic's legends including: Paul Rossini, Dai Vernon and Harry Blackstone to name a few! All these tricks were re-worked by those magicians with the help of John Scarne to eliminate most or all sleight of hand while not sacrificing the clarity of effect! These two books are classics for a reason! Highly recommended!


Lots of recommendations here for sure and yes these are all books, but I'll even recommend a fantastic and entertaining DVD for you and your son!


Amazing Magic and Mentalism Anyone Can Do by Jay Sankey 39 stellar tricks that are as fun to learn as they are to perform. Very basic sleight of hand tricks and even some self working ones taught by one of my favorite teachers, Jay Sankey!


TL;DR: Just click on the links provided. Hope you like what you see! :)

I wrote this out yesterday morning, but didn't get a chance to post it, so some ideas might sound repetitive, so I apologize for that:


There are so many hobbies that don't involve spending thousands of dollars and if you find something you're passionate about, even if your boyfriend isn't, I'm sure he'd love hearing you talk about it.


I love to read. There are tons of free books online (especially on Amazon) as well as super cheap books you can buy just about anywhere. I like researching new things online (everything from medical info to history and biographies) or learning the backstory/ideas behind the shows and movies I watch on tv. I love video games and there are plenty that are free to play or very affordable to buy on so many different platforms. Being fit and working out is free. YouTube has countless channels dedicated to every different style of fitness you can think of. I'm subscribed to so many different channels, it's like having my own personal trainer tailored to my exact interests. It's also a great place to watch tutorials on doing pretty much anything you can imagine.... from makeup to cooking to gardening to singing to programming to woodworking and everything in between. The amount of things you can learn or watch on Youtube is pretty much endless. It might even inspire you to start Vlogging or making your own videos. You could take up playing an instrument or learning a new language with free apps like Duolingo. Since you like wine and Netflix, I've heard of a lot of places where you can have a girl's night out drinking wine and painting together. It would be an interesting change of pace! I'm an avid gardener and you can can garden indoors and out for a pretty small investment just starting with a few seeds.


There are tons of kits that you can buy without spending too much money to see what you're into. I'll list some of my favorites below. Some of the Klutz kits might seem juvenile, but they really aren't. They are all-inclusive, well packaged and have awesome instructions and tips: Gardening, Sewing, Clay, Watercolor, Coloring and Knitting.

Honestly the possibilities are endless, you just have to open your mind up to what a hobby can be. I'm pretty passionate about most of the things I mentioned, plus things like interior design, fashion, Art, electronics, cars, tattoos and tons of things that would cost a lot of money to actually purchase and engage in, but I learn about them, make Pinterest boards about them and discuss and share my interest with friends and family. Actually Pinterest is a great way to discover new hobbies and interests and Etsy is pretty inspiring since most things are homemade or vintage.

Aight girl-

Foreign Cuisine-
How to Eataly - Oscar Farinetti - We made the most AMAZING brisket meatballs and a super simple yet completely delicious red sauce out of this book
Around My French Table - Dorie Greenspan - Where the Cornish hens and gougeres came from.
Real Korean Cooking - Maangchi - Korean Fried Chicken. We've made them twice now because they're so good and can't wait to do more.
Mexican Everyday - Rick Bayless - Learned how to make perfect guac from this book and so far we've made these v tasty chorizo/mushroom/potato tacos. The recipe is SO cheap and SO voluminous that we had it as a taco filling, a quesadilla filling, and we're making a hash with it for brunch this morning.
Every Grain of Rice - Fuchsia Dunlop - We haven't tried anything out of here yet but there are sooooo many good-looking recipes in here.
Entice with Spice - Shubhra Ramineni - Likewise, haven't made anything out of here yet but looking forward to trying it all out soon.
Jack's Wife Freda - Dean & Maya Jankelowitz - This is actually a book from a restaurant that my fiance and I LOVED when we last visited NYC. It's got a lot of fusion recipes. Mediterranean/Israeli/South African/etc. Really unique flavors and also v comfort-food based. We're making rosewater waffles out of this book tomorrow!


Baking-
Rose's Baking Basics - Rose Levy Barenbaum - This book is incredible. She has tons and tons of step-by-step photos which is SUPER helpful. We made the dark chocolate caramel tart out of this book, but pretty much everything in here looks amazing.
Modern Baking - Donna Hay - I mean... There is some INSANELY decadent looking stuff in here. We haven't tried any of these recipes yet but I can't wait to!


Misc-
Cook Like a Pro - Ina Garten - It was really hard to pick just one Ina book but I liked most of the recipes in this one. She has this ridic recipe for a dijon mustard chicken that is INCREDIBLE. Also, this bitch knows how to cook some veggies. Big fan of this one.
The Food Lab - /u/j_kenji_lopez-alt - I just love this guy, tbh. We've made a really fantastic beef tenderloin out of this book and an incredible red wine sauce to go with it and of course, his famous roasted potatoes which are now my holy grail recipe for roasted potatoes. This book is like a science textbook only instead of boring stuff it's FOOD science, which is my favorite kind.


Those were all the ones we purchased ourselves (though technically Eataly was a gift BUT we love it and plan to use it often.) We have other cookbooks in our stable that we've received as gifts, which is what resulted in my fiance and I deciding we wanted to embark on this journey. We kept being given cookbooks and never doing anything with them. But man, do people love it when you send them pics of stuff you cooked out of a book they gave you. If people give you cookbooks, use them!! It will make their day to see it's being used. Here's what else is on our cookbook shelf-


The Forest Feast Gatherings - Erin Gleeson - This is a vegetarian book my fiance's mom gave us a few years ago for Christmas. We have a bunch of veggie friends (and friends with a lot of different allergies) so we turn to this book to have a few things that are edible by all of them when we have them over, as we often do. This book has a really delicious salad that has pomegranate seeds, pear, and hazelnut that is out of this world good. I also got my HG salad dressing from this book.
The Salad Bowl - Nicola Graimes - Another gift from my fiance's mom. Is she trying to tell us something?? Honestly haven't looked much into this book yet but it sure is pretty.
The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook - Dinah Bucholz - This was a gift from the assistant in my office. Everyone in my office knows me as the Harry Potter girl because I have a lightning bolt tattoo, haha. We haven't made anything out of this yet, but we probably will have some sort of epic feast with recipes from this book when GoT starts back up later this year.
Talk About Good - Louisiana Lafayette Junior League - My boss gave this to my fiance and I as part of an engagement gift. My fiance went to school in New Orleans. It's primarily New Orleansian/Cajun food. Haven't made anything out of it yet, but we are looking forward to it.

And that's what's on our cookbook shelf for now.

edit also omg thanks for the gold!! <3

Hi Pendred!

Your idea is quite thoughtful, and man are there alot of elements to your plan!

While reading your post I wondered if this might work for the scavenger hunt:

Have seven professors write the letters for the hunt. (Dumbledore, McGonagal, Snape, Flitwick, Sprout, Firenze, and Lupin. There;s other professors that would work too, but these are just my personal top seven.)

Maybe have each item being found for each letter, be one of the Horcruxes. You could get a cool old gold thing for the Hufflepuff, a wicked ring, a diadem that your lady could actually wear, a black diary, etc. (Goodwill & other thrift stores are your friend,)

Personally, as a fan of the series since childhood, I always wanted to go on a horcrux hunting quest. That might be a fun thing for your lady too!

SNACKS! Great idea. There is an unofficial Harry Potter Cook Book to help you with that. Homemade butter bear is amazing!
http://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Harry-Potter-Cookbook-Knickerbocker/dp/1440503257

Also what do you think about the theme park in Orlando?
https://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter/
Many Potter fans are dying to visit there, who knows maybe it would be a cool place to go?

Oh and I have one last idea. Based on the list you made, I see a format that might fit your event.

1. Scavenger hunt
   
2. Wizarding World Dinner!
   
3. Super Awesome Proposal Time.
   
   Good luck with your planning!
   I took interest in your post, because its can be fun to plan such nerdy, personal surprises for your loved one. For example, I recently did a Mars/Constellations space theme thing for my boyfriend. Totally worth the effort! ^_^
   
   Cheers!
   -Freyja_Dragon
   

Of course! Let's see...

So, this is a weird one, but if you have the room/if you're outdoors, this is the funnest thing in the world to play with! Get one can for each of them and then let them spray it aaaaaall over a nice clear surface. Encourage them to make it all fluffy and then draw their favorite things with their fingers in the foam. You'll be the coolest aunt ever, guaranteed. It worked like a charm when I babysat.

You can't go wrong with Pokeballs, and these ones are soft, so they're great for games of catch with lil' kiddos. Pseaking of Pokemon, this is a nice little pack of stickers and pencils, just silly little favors you can add in both baskets. There's also a really cheap and cute book on how to draw Pokemon that could be fun to do together!

These Dinosaur eggs grow into real dino action figures, which is always fun to watch! I used to LOVE these as a kid. And frankly, these are hysterical and sure to be fun. Finally, here's a dino book that RAWRS!

Oh, I <3 looking for books for my kids!! They are 14, 13, 12, 11, and 5. Our son is the youngest, and he loves all the books that his older sisters loved when they were younger. :D

Oh my gosh...Get those kids some books!

• This is my favorite children's book.
  
  
• The Story of Ferdinand.
  
  
• This is one of my son's favorites...IronMan!.
  
  
• The Day My Mommy Quit.
  
  
• Dragons Love Tacos.
  
  
• If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.
  
  
• I'd Know You Anywhere, My Love.
  
  
• The Day The Crayons Quit.
  
  
• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
  
  
• Boom Chicka Rock.
  
  
• Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Mama Hook Knows Best: A Pirate Parent's Favorite Fables with CD.
  
  
• Are You My Mother?.
  
  
• Love You Forever.
  
  
• I Love You, Stinky Face.
  
  
• The Runaway Bunny.
  
  
• Oh, The Places You'll Go. Cool idea I saw on Pinterest with this book: Buy a copy and have each of your kids' teachers write a little note somewhere in it at the end of every year. Give the book to your kid as a graduation gift. I am doing this with our son now, I saw the idea too late to start it for our girls.
  
  
• Ten Little Monkeys Jumping On The Bed.
  
  
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
  
  
• The Velveteen Rabbit. -- A HUGE FAVORITE!!
  
  
• Locomotive.
  
  
• Sleep Like A Tiger.
  
  
• The Lion And The Mouse.
  
  
• Blueberries for Sal.
  
  
• David Gets In Trouble.
  
  
• Press Here. This is a very fun book!
  
  
• The One and Only Ivan.
  
  
• The Polar Express.
  
  
• Flotsam.
  
  
• Only One You.
  
  
• Beautiful Oops!.
  
  I would love this book for our oldest daughter if I win, please.
  
  /u/DrUsual...can you think of any?
  
  Thank you for the contest!

You could always catch up on the comics. There's 8 issues in the original series, which you can buy in two volumes here and here (or, you know, read elsewhere). There's also a newer series that currently has one issue out, and another series will be starting in April.

I also recommend checking out the Guide if you haven't yet. There's not really anything new in it, but it's pretty cute.

If you've missed any of the shorts, here are all of them as far as I can remember:

• The Classroom Gems one, two, and three.
  
  
• Wacky Sack Hot Dog Duffel Bag
  
  
• The extended theme song
  
  
• Lion loves to fit in a box
  
  
• The original pilot
  
  You can also find various cool articles and interviews with crewniverse members.
  
  
• Early interview with Rebecca Sugar
  
  
• Another early interview with Sugar
  
  
• Sugar's AMA
  
  
• Interview with Rebecca and Steven Sugar (There are a few video interviews with various members but this one is my favorite thus far)
  
  
• Article that mentions the visual inspiration for "The Answer"
  
  
• Great interview with Aivi and Surrashu, the composers for the series
  
  You can check out the Crewniverse Blog for general behind-the-scenes stuff, and the official Keep Beach City Weird blog for Ronaldo's shenannigans, though it hasn't been terribly active lately. The crew has also uploaded a few full storyboards to Scribd
  
  And when you burn through all that... well, good luck. If you need something else to watch in the meantime, there's We Bare Bears, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Gravity Falls (concluded). I've also heard good things about Wander Over Yonder, but haven't gotten a chance to watch it myself.
  
  There's also Adventure Time, though it can be daunting if you haven't watched any of it.
  
  Edit: Added more stuff

Try different types of paper, I love how Nicolas Marlet draws on darker backgrounds. Play with more white and different white colored pencils, for those highlights (instead of relying on the white of the paper) white pencils
You can get blending sticks with different thickness, for blending small or larger areas. blending
There are artist gloves, I like to use these because I’m lazy and don’t like to pick up my hand off the paper, and I don’t like my art smudging where I want those sharp crisp edges.
Blacks, blacks, blacks, I love blacks, use different ranges. Go darker, go lighter.
Search for how to protect your drawings, you can spray fixative on them.
This piece looks like you have skill. Don’t sell yourself short as an artist, have confidence. Not everyone has the same taste, if someone doesn’t like something just listen to learn, respect their time to give you a critique. Number one rule - don’t take any bad critiques personally, everyone is different you don't need to change if that is your thing and you like it. Pick up Quentin Blake’s Drawing for the Artistically Undiscovered book. He has such a joy for art and the pencils are great. My favorite part is his On Misteakes section. He writes, “We don’t believe in them. You’ll note, in fact, that the erasers have all been painstakingly removed from our pencils. We did this ourselves, by hand, at our eraser-removal plant because you won’t (can’t) make any mistakes in drawing with these particular pencils. This is not to say you won’t get some drawings that succeed more than others. That’s our next point.” book

Hello! It seems like a lot of people love Charmander, and that includes me! :D I mean, who wouldn't love this adorable guy? My next favorite is Eevee and followed by Cyndaquil! :D

I remember watching the episode where Ash meets Charmander and crying! It was so sad but heartwarming :3 They have it on Amazon with two other episodes :D It's a little pricey for just 3 episodes though ): I just found this... kyaaaa it's in an egg! I had a book like this as a kid. My younger brother and I would spend hours trying to draw our favorite pokemon.

I would REALLY love a postcard because I love love these pokemon and this contest is awesome!! <3 Gotta catch em all!

OK. Made a pear-shaped body. Then made cones for arms and ears -- the ears started with black for about 3 rounds and then switched to yellow. All of these pieces got very tightly stuffed with polyester fiberfill.

For the tail, I started with brown slipstitched vertically for about 4 stitches... about 3-4 rows. Then switched to yellow doing a chevron pattern that increased from slip stitches to single crochets to half doubles at the end of the tail. The feet are slip stitched, then single crocheted, then slipstitched back again. Eyes and ears are embroidery thread crocheted in a little circle with slip stitches to finish the edge. Face is embroidered with thread straight onto the body. Stripes on the back were single & hdc to create an arc, with slip stitches around the border. All the individual pieces are sewn on with a yarn needle to create smooth, secure seams.

My best suggestion for learning how to do something like this without a pattern is actually this book. It helped me learn to look at any figure and break it down into its basic shapes, which I can then assemble into my end product.

As for the use of different stitches, as long as you know the basics (chain, slip stitch, single, half double, double) and how to make a ball, you just play around with them until you get the shapes you want. One of the things I like about amigurumi is that it breaks the rules of typical crochet (at least any that I'd ever done before) and mixes stitches in the same row. Whatever it takes to get the desired shape.

I'll admit -- I tore out a LOT of my work and do it over again because I was trying to get it to look like something specific. Usually I just start out and make it up as I go. Everything on this project got torn out and redone at least three times. I spent about 3 hours just trying to get the eyes right, which seems silly in retrospect because they ended up being so easy.

Also, getting things symmetrical is almost impossible, but I think that's also part of the charm. If it were supposed to be perfect, a machine would make it.

I hope this helps. More than skill and artistry, I find that patience with myself is the most important factor. The process of creating is extremely enjoyable, ultimately ending a point of satisfaction when the project is done.

This! Drawing with the Right Side is a fantastic book and will really let you develop a method and the technique to accurately draw things. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, but there's something I recommend even more: drawing. Just draw a ton and draw some more, draw whatever you want. It doesn't need to be great. If this sounds hard to you, try Quentin Blake's book. It's really great for just getting out there and drawing.

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is a fantastic book if you want to draw a picture of the mug on your desk or your mother or something, which is a hard skill to learn, but isn't everything that drawing is. I really recommend also getting Quentin Blake's book and pushing yourself and your boundaries with it. It focuses on making you feel like it's OK to mess up, to try new things, and forces you to create.

An idea that came to mind: one of those giant fuzzy trippy posters, but beware that they come with really shitty markers. You'll need to get a nice set of crayons or markers or watercolors or something so that she can really do something cool with that. Of course, that only applies if she likes art.

In a similar vein if she likes to draw, there's an awesome series of coloring books that started with one called Scribbles that you might want to take a look at.

Checking out a good bookstore and just poking around might be a good idea. Also, thrift stores that aren't giant chains will often have amazing finds if you can think creatively.

Since he's been very young he seems to have gravitated towards things with details, drawings and explanations.

I happened to find a book called "Castle" at a yard sale which lead me to find a bunch of other books by the same author (City, Underground, Pyramid, Mill) which I bought as well.

This lead us to all of the amazing Stephen Biesty cross-section books .

We have also really enjoyed the Ken Jennings Junior Genius books - he spends a lot of time reading these books.

The older Magic School Bus books are really great as well for an overview of how things work.

I'll grab any "the way things work/science/explanation" type of book that I see just to throw on his shelf.

We'll often go into his room at night and he'll have half a dozen books spread over his bed, it's super gratifying to see.

For computer games he is into a thing called Algodoo which is sort of a physics-simulator, Poly-bridge, Beam NG (a realistic physics driving game), Sim City, Cooking Simulator, Minecraft (of course). He's dabbled in Scratch a little bit as well.

I don't know that we've done anything specifically to encourage this or if this is just the way he is. I happen to have a pretty broad (but relatively shallow) base of knowledge that lets us talk about pretty much whatever comes into his head - and when I don't know we use google pretty heavily to get the real answer.

I try to dig into the "why's" as much as possible - why advertising exists, why we live where we do, why we have schools, etc, etc. We light stuff on fire in the driveway to see what'll happen and take stuff apart to see what's inside.

We're not "hardcore" about this stuff by any means - but I do work pretty hard to provide the materials that he can discover on his own.

Hope some of that helps :)

My daughter was(is) a big fan of Little Blue Truck.

We also like Goodnight Gorilla and Peek a Who

For ones that can grow with her, I'd recommend:
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
Press Here
How do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight

Honestly, anything by Mo Willems or Jane Yolen is going to be good! I have some books on my daughter's gift list too.

For more suggestions, a friend of mine is a librarian and has a TON of books pinned on Pinterest. Here's just one of her boards.

For us? My daughter can always use more books. We have a ton, but she loves them. I think I'm most interested in The Day the Crayons Quit for her right now. It looks really good and funny and we like to read a little above her level to her anyway (she's almost 4 so at the bottom of this one.)

Green eggs and ham.

When I first saw Accepted, I couldn't stop laughing at: Ask me about my wiener ! I still laugh at it now tbh... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

What's the one memory that makes you smile everytime you think about it?

And I think you would enjoy this, being a fellow Harry Potter fan :) I skimmed through it in Barnes and Noble once and decided I needed to get it one day The recipes inside look pretty interesting :O I think you would like it :)

Preface: I'm not a historian, so some of my facts might get a little muddled.

I was under the impression that most farm houses would make their own rudimentary items (spoons, bowls, shoes, etc) during the winter slow months, and purchase "good" items when the money was in during harvest season. They could often barter with others who might make a better candle or shoe than them, trading furniture or food for that. (The start of the mercantile trade at a grass-roots level.)

Typically, the woodcutter, carpenter, and blacksmith might all be near each other, particularly given that the woodcutter doesn't need much space, the blacksmith might be the carpenter, and the carpenter might supplement income by being the woodcutter. (Then again, the carpenter and the jointer were two separate individuals: one dealt with building houses, and the latter with furniture.)

The blacksmith would store much of his stock outside because of space restrictions for his shop, and was also a man of many trades. While much of his work might be that of a farrier (horseshoes a primary function), he would still make or repair tools and common parts. Some fancy parts or raw materials he would need to order, requiring a deal with a tinker or trader.

Means a place for the visitor to stay overnight. Some bakers might expand their shop to double as a store, some towns/villages might have a common room that would double as an inn, some might have a house or two with extra space.

Most would not be able to afford two kilns/ovens, so that would serve double duty for as long as possible.

As for temples/churches, a local abbey might send out a wandering (on a circuit or route) cleric or priest or monk, the bishop of a church in a larger city might do the same, and services might typically last several hours. (If it takes hours to come from the surrounding fields, don't you think they'd want to "get their money's worth"?) Alternatively, some of the folks that still worship the old gods might have a simple meeting place established in the woods, or a small shelter, and hold local celebrations.

There should be a common square (not strictly defined as such) for communal gatherings. Weddings, market day, announcements, visitations from the lord/tax man, etc. Many families might have tables that could be taken apart and set up in the square, so that the party might be public and open.

The middens would be downwind of the village, and the younger might be tasked with taking the buckets down there. Or some of the older folks might do that... depending.

Most villages would be near a source of fresh water, be it stream, river, or well. A simple well would be a back-up, secondary source, however.

(I was a member of ABANA until my budget shrank. I also visit Hale Farm and Village - a slightly post-colonial age visitor center similar to Williamsburg. I have friends who visit (and volunteer) at Williamsburg and other similar museums. I'm also a huge fan of the medieval period, so I collect resources like _Castle_ as well as RPG books dealing with the subject. Again, though, I'm not a historian. Some of my details will not be appropriate for recreations.)

Green Eggs and Ham! Thanks for the contest. I love that it revolves around children's books!

This book, The Tickle Monster is absolutely adorable! There are even corresponding Tickle Monster Mitts!

I'd love to win The Day the Crayons Quit for my first graders. This year's groups has a great sense of humor and I think they'd get a kick out of imagining their crayons going on strike!

How old is he?

1. Get him Joshua Jay's Complete Course in Magic. It's super easy to read, has great photos, and covers card magic, coin magic, stage illusions, and tons of other stuff. Joshua also has this book for kids.
   
   
2. Royal Road to Card Magic is a book that starts with cuts and shuffles then progresses to card magic in the manner most helpful for building skill.
   
   Also get him several decks so he can tear them up practicing.
   
   Bicycle is the most universal brand. 808 Rider backs are the most common. So if he practices with those then he'll be great if someone hands him a deck at a party.
   
   They're sold in "bricks' of 12 for cheap (compared to $3.50 a deck at Walmart).
   
   
   So for like $40 you can start him on an amazing journey.
   
   
   

Some good resources:
http://www.rome.mrdonn.org/ (the site looks clunky but there's a TON of good information, kid's level, activities and games and free cute illustrations)

Also: http://www.amazon.com/Usborne-Encyclopedia-History-Internet-Linked/dp/1409519074/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1345802116&sr=8-3&keywords=usborne+internet+linked+encyclopedia+of+world+history This book is a constant favorite.

http://www.amazon.com/Classical-Kids-Activity-Ancient-Greece/dp/1556522908/ref=pd_sim_b_19 (check the library for this one)

Another activity book http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Rome-Exploring-Powerful-Kaleidoscope/dp/1885593600/ref=pd_sim_b_8

http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Rome-DK-Eyewitness-Books/dp/075663766X/ref=pd_sim_b_2 (library will also have this one, and the clip art CD included is pretty cool)

Some kids will dig this level of detail http://www.amazon.com/City-Story-Roman-Planning-Construction/dp/0395349222/ref=pd_sim_b_18

Okay I don't know why these are kind of hard to find, but they ROCK. Just gross enough to fascinate kids! http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Roman-Gladiator/dp/0531162044/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345802331&sr=1-1&keywords=you+wouldn%27t+want+to+be+a+roman+gladiator

http://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-Roman-Soldier/dp/0531124487/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345802331&sr=1-2&keywords=you+wouldn%27t+want+to+be+a+roman+gladiator

You need thiscookbook Because cooking is always fun and this is just more fun!

You also need this candle Because lilacs are awesome and you like candles :D

Stamp plates for pretty nails!


Ty for the contest :)

I saw a video of BJ Novak reading that book- It looks really funny, and def. dependent on the narrator- so good on you for taking it on! Though I am by no means religious, I am fascinated by religion- I will take a look at your other title:)
See if your school library has this one- it's very clever and fun to read-
http://www.amazon.com/The-Crayons-Quit-Drew-Daywalt/dp/0399255370
I love children's books that treat them like young people and don't pander to them, as well as challenge their imagination.

I'm kind of like you, haven't been around much lately (having a baby drains you from doing much), but I'll enter for the heck of it. I understand if I don't qualify.

The Hobbit Trilogy: Extended Edition because although it's not as epic as LotR it's still great to be back in the world of Middle Earth!

1TB Hard Drive you can never have too much storage space on your PC.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Four-Movie Collection it's such a classic series that everyone should own.

Roku 3 if you love streaming movies / TV shows as much as me then this is a must have.

The Day the Crayons Quit (Book) if you have any kids then this is one of the best selling books. Never hurts to build your collection.

I hope you get some interesting replies to this. You probably need to clarify your meaning though; "castles from kingdoms".

For most of human history, Castles were more like a fortified house at the center of village, often where the villagers could take shelter if there was an attack. The vast majority of castles have very little living space square footage compared to what we see in movies. The walls surround a large interior space that is busy during peace times and haphazardly crammed with villagers during a siege.

There would have been a considerable amount of smaller, wooden structures that sprawled out and around the castle to provide support. Having cooking fires, and slaughter houses, and rodent attracting grain stores, and access to fresh water, and stables for animals, and facilities for disposing of animal waster, and space for hundreds of employees to sleep and live, all would happen outside the castle walls. Think of a castle instead as a center point of a large village and it's more likely to be an effective way of thinking about it.

That said, buy this book, https://www.amazon.com/Stephen-Biestys-Cross-sections-Castle-Biesty/dp/1465408800/

Despite it seeming being "for kids" it will probably have more info than any committed amateur might need to suss out what's going on in a castle.

Others that also look interesting.

https://www.amazon.com/Castle-Eyewitness-Books-Christopher-Gravett/dp/0756637694/

https://www.amazon.com/Year-Castle-Time-Goes/dp/1580137962/

There were two Klutz books back in the day for polymer clay, and each came with 8 half-bars of Sculpey III (a low-quality polymer clay); they wouldn't have the clay still included though if purchased at amazon, eBay, etc.
https://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Clay-Book-Klutz-Press/dp/1878257730
https://www.amazon.com/Create-Anything-Clay-Sherri-Haab/dp/1570543275
Those were very simple books oriented toward kids, and almost entirely small sculpted items in the second book (the first book had more techniques), but I see there's at least one newer Klutz polymer clay book (not by the same author/s though) on making sculpted "charms":
https://www.amazon.com/Klutz-Make-Clay-Charms-Craft/dp/0545498562

There are better books for those things though, even for simple sculpts (including "charms") like these for example:
https://www.amazon.com/Clay-Play-JEWELRY-Terry-Taylor/dp/0486799441
https://www.amazon.com/Polymer-Clay-Cookbook-Tiny-Jewelry/dp/0823024849

But there's also loads of FREE info, tutorials, etc, online at YouTube and at places like my website for making things like that, and many other things with polymer clay.

Ahahah I THINK SHE HAS IT!! At her baby shower we had all of the guests bring a book. :) I love Taro Gomi-- I bought my boyfriend's girlchild [she is six] some of his coloring books one holiday or another. THEY ARE AWESOME.

I went from about 80 items to 44!! I was kinda proud, really, because all of the ones I deleted were these trendy nonsense polishes I'd never wear. Now it is mostly creams I can use for nail uhrtsz. <3 <3

AND YAY TUMBLRPALS. I mostly post nonsense but Im trying not to reblog so much as post OC.. >W< <3

AW MAN IT IS A BEAUTIFUL DAY HERE TOO. Going to be nice today and tomorrow, and crummy wednesday-- which is a bit lame cuz Boyfriend and I have plans to go into the city. BUT! thats ok. I told him the weather and he said he'd buy an umbrella which is extra nice of him. UNDETERRED BY INCLEMENT WEATHER TO HANG OUT WITH ME [IN PUBLIC, NO LESS].

You're in luck! http://www.amazon.com/Steven-Universes-Guide-Crystal-Gems/dp/0843183160

>The Crystal Gems—Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl—are three of the toughest heroes on earth. They are also mentors to Steven Universe, a gem/human hybrid boy whose mother was a great Gem leader. This guide, told from Steven’s point-of-view and written by the show's very own creator, Rebecca Sugar, is packed with facts about the Crystal Gems' powers, abilities, and origins, It also includes original art and a special introduction from Rebecca Sugar. This book is a must-have for any Steven Universe fan!

Coming October 6.

Will you please schmad on my add on?

[Harry Potter Cookbook] (http://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Harry-Potter-Cookbook-Knickerbocker/dp/1440503257/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2G05DNOV9CZSY&coliid=I3S52INX4QK45I)

Add on: [Star Cookie Cutter] (http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Holiday-Comfort-Grip-Star/dp/B000W4SM5E/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2G05DNOV9CZSY&coliid=IJVJ14TFZZY73)

My plan is to bake a plate of star shaped cookies infused with love potion so that Johnny Depp will finally realise that he's in love with me. That being said, I'm sure that theres some sort of potion in there to make him younger. He's getting a tad geezy.

Fun contest. ;)

I'm a youth and family program assistant at the library where I work. I could use some kids books! Well, a kids book since we're going for a $10 item and kids books are ridiculously expensive sometimes. I would love to have my own copy of The Day the Crayons Quit. It's always checked out from the library and it'd be nice to have a copy that I can take with me to storytimes without needing to plan it ahead of time. This science experiment book would be awesome, too, if you wanted to gift two people something around $5 each. I'm working on a series of STEAM storytimes. I'm really looking forward to it. This would be a great book to get ideas from.

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy

Oops. I meant this link.
I wrote half of my comment and then opened another tab to use Reddit's fantastic and easy to use search function to try and find the link to the original submission. When I couldn't find it I searched for it on Amazon and had the link all loaded up in the clipboard ready to paste in. Maybe I'll just have another try at this efficient Reddit search before I'll give up? And I'll email this bezoar link to my doctor friend while I'm waiting...
I'll show it to my kids tonight and see if they like it; expect me to report back then.

thank you much. this is super helpful.
I bought this book which I am going to start using for projects http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603425780/

the book you recommend looks great too.

Will you recommend buying a sewing machine right away or practicing hand stitching first before upgrading to a machine?

This so so generous of you! I’d like to enter my mom for the book. She would love a book folded with a tree design. Today my kid put my makeup on and then tried to eat it. That was the highlight(lol) of my morning. It’s left a pink spot on his forehead and mouth from the lipstick he found. LOL I wish I had gotten a pic.

This is the thing Ive wanted for awhile now. I want to make everything in it! Spoil me!

Optimus Prime! My bunny's nickname is Hoptimus Prime!

I have this book, The Day the Crayons Quit, on my wishlist for both my kids at home and the kids in my classroom (and, I'll be honest, me). It's awesome and I've been wanting it for a long time.

Thanks for the contest :)

Sounds like you're doing fine, the newborn is probably taking a lot in and as long as you're meeting her needs and find time to make her happy I think you're doing all that you need in regards to her care.

As for the older children, especially the 4 year old, it would benefit her to learn that you won't bring things everyday, how to manage her frustrations (know when she needs to take a break), and how to play by herself for a little bit.

Learning how to see mistakes differently may help her too

What time do you get there during the day? Are you allowed to take them out of the house? Are they signed up for any activities? When do the older children get home?

As far as books, the DK Eyewitness books are pretty good for basic information. As they are meant for children they are picture-heavy but the pictures are very informative and the the text is usually tops.

As far the medieval era, they have:
Medieval Life,
Castles,
Knights,
as well as Arms and Armor

Another good picture-heavy, if a bit dry, book, cheap too, is Daily Life in Medieval Times: A Vivid, Detailed Account of Birth, Marriage and Death; Food, Clothing and Housing; Love and Labor in the Middle Ages

I also own The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life in the Middle Ages: The British Isles From 500-1500 But theere are very little pictures and skims over some things while going into confusing detail on some others.

As with reading, writing improves with practice. Maybe have him keep a journal. He spends x amount of time writing everyday. I would build writing stamina, start with 5 minutes build to 10 after a few weeks, then up it to 15. I wouldn’t go higher than 20/30 minutes especially if he doesn’t enjoy it, because this could cause him to revolve against writing. He can write whatever he wants to during this time: stories, a description of his day, his thoughts as they flow through his head... if he is really having issues getting going have him draw a picture of a story/event and then write about it (or give him a picture and have him write a story about it). Having my daughter do this improved both her handwriting legibility AND her composition skills.

You could also look into books like “Journey” by Aaron Becker. These are no words only picture books which tell a story. The kids describe what is happening on the pages making up their own descriptions, dialogue, and plot. Even if he isn’t writing while narrating these he is still composing the story. My daughter LOVES these.

Hard copy book I need this book to keep the potterhead in me happy and give me new treats to bake!

E-book. I need this book so I can read it before the movie comes out in a couple weeks!

If I were a book, I hope that I'd be a great one!

http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Ideas-Book-Daniel-Lipkowitz/dp/0756686067/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y

i think this would be right up your alley. it's a great book. i think you'd appreciate it more if you built a few of your own creations first, but if you really want something to pull from, there are all kinds of cool techniques in here

edit: and don't worry about it, you'll surprise yourself with some of the stuff you come up with!

this for my daughter!

AND SELFISHLY MYSELF.

I want more ideas of things to do with her!

but please share the love!

Butcher's aprons, simple drawstring bags, simple knapsacks, pajama bottoms, elastic waisted shorts, pencil cases.

Sewing School and Sewing School 2 have always looked good to me.
https://www.amazon.com/Sewing-School-Projects-Kids-Will/dp/1603425780

Little Things to Sew has more complex-looking projects, but I think they're cool. https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=little+things+to+sew

I hope he likes it. I'd have given anything to have learned to sew as a kid.

I have this book which is really good, and this one which is also good.

Quentin Blake also has this website I just discovered which gives tips on how he draws.

Hope this helps and keep posting, I like your stuff.

Edit sorry that first link isn’t working by the looks. It’s Illustrating Children's Books: Creating Pictures for Publication by Martin Salisbury.

No great advice, but you might check out the Todd Parr book It's Okay to Make Mistakes - does a good job reinforcing the messages you're trying to give him. Beautiful Oops is a good one too!

I love this book. I saw it in a bookstore and turned every page. It's probably too complex for right now, but it could serve as an inspiration or provide projects you could work on with him.

http://www.amazon.com/Oliver-Little-Things-Sew-Accessories/dp/1584799102/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426869583&sr=1-1&keywords=little+things+to+sew


These books look interesting.

http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-School-Projects-Kids-Will/dp/1603425780/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1426869393&sr=8-2&keywords=sewing+books+for+children

http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Guide-Sewing-Friends-Projects/dp/1607057514/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1426869393&sr=8-5&keywords=sewing+books+for+children

If he ever wants to do clothes, look at the Oliver + S site.

Ole Kirk Christiansen I have a few lego things on this list. My son is so into lego it is rediculous - waking him up in the morning is like walking through a mine field. Anything off this list would be awesome and used is FINE :D Then you could gift more than one person :D

Joshua Jay has some great material for kids, some of which is DIY. Magic the complete course is great and has a kids section. He also has a book called Big Magic for Little Hands which has tricks for kids to learn how to do if you are maybe into teaching them something.

Magic: The Complete Course https://www.amazon.com/dp/0761149872/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_uNKtxbE5PTNRP

Big Magic for Little Hands: 25 Astounding Illusions for Young Magicians https://www.amazon.com/dp/0761180095/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7OKtxb1Q9HCK8

I love that drawing style though. One of my high school teacher had a drawing book by Quentin blake and it was the best thing. (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Drawing-Artistically-Undiscovered-Klutz-Quentin/dp/1570543208)

I dont want to ruin it for myself.

They didn't do it for sanitation purposes, but in bath houses they would have the equivalent of hot tubs. Not sure if it was heated to the point of complete decontamination, but it likely had some effect.

Source: http://www.amazon.com/City-Story-Roman-Planning-Construction/dp/0395349222 Great read if you're interested.

Y'know, I still think David Macaulay's Castle is excellent. Though aimed at young readers, Macaulay's ink drawings continue to fascinate me like they did when I was ten.

I really enjoyed the food-talk in the Harry Potter books - which apparently there is an "unofficial" cookbook that I did not know about until this thread piqued my curiosity.

The Hunger Games also had some good food talk (lamb and plum stew, yum). And wouldn't you know: Hunger Games cookbook.

I guess I'd just never thought of the idea of a book-based cookbook before. But it looks like other folks have :-)

Not exactly along the lines of encouraging reading but my 5 year old really likes Journey. It's a picture book of an adventure that they get to make up their own story to go along with the pictures.

Interesting! Thanks for the reply :) One of my favourite books for starting out with drawing is 'Drawing for the artistically undiscovered' which is also aimed at children (age 7-9) - so I'm certainly not against children's books!

Here ya go:

https://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Harry-Potter-Cookbook-Knickerbocker/dp/1440503257/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506256248&sr=8-1&keywords=harry+potter+cookbook

If you make Butterbeer, avoid the complicated recipes that are floating around out there. The best tasting homemade Butterbeer IMO is just Smucker's Butterscotch syrup(in the squeeze bottle, not the jar) mixed into your favorite cream soda. Stir in butterscotch until the cream soda gets cloudy and changes color. More than that and it's too sweet and too butterscotchy.

It's hard to define great nonfiction books because they're not books kids cherish and read for years to come. The books are severely limited by the target age of the reader. Whereas, I'm sure my daughter will still own her Harry Potter set when she's 25-years-old.

1. A Street Through Time (Mostly pictures, but fascinating. There's also A City Through Time.)
   
   
2. Castle part of a series, similar to A Street Through Time, but black-and-white.
   
   
3. The (New) Way Things Work by the Castle author, although maybe too advanced for a 7-year-old.
   
   
4. Stephen Biesty's Incredible series -- Meticulous drawings and small print notes breaking down objects and processes.... the interior of a race car, the architectural sections of a cathedral, how wigs are made, how medieval armor is made, etc.
   
   
5. National Geographic Young Explorers. Specifically, the books from the 1980s found now at thrift stores. It seems every school and library once carried them. Maybe written too young for a 7-year-old, not sure. See if your library still carries the series.
   
   
6. Other multi-part 'How does X work?' books. I have one out-of-print series in mind I'll pull the title from after my kids are at school.
   
   
7. Ranger Rick magazine. Here's a Flash preview magazine. It has no advertising. In comparison, NatGeo Kids is packed with advertising and pop culture articles that have nothing to do with geography or the natural world. Tip: Google Ranger Rick and click the Google Ad to subscribe for $15 instead of $20.
   

Get a real life, NERD!!!

Been trying to learn to draw more effectively, this would be amazing :)

Good reminder for Bob's Burgers. I've been meaning to get back to that.

​

Here's some books that we liked around Kindergarten:

• https://smile.amazon.com/Jimmy-Zangwows-This-World-Moon-Pie-Adventure/dp/068985563X/
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423133080 ( We Are in a Book! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Gruffalo-Julia-Donaldson/dp/0142403873
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Day-Crayons-Quit-Drew-Daywalt/dp/0399255370
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Book-No-Pictures-B-Novak/dp/0803741715
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Press-Here-Herve-Tullet/dp/0811879542/
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Case-Stripes-Scholastic-Bookshelf/dp/0439598389
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Have-Filled-Bucket-Today-Bucketfilling/dp/099609993X
  
  Really any Tony Diterlizi, Dave Shannon, or Mo Williams books are good.
  
  ​

I won this kit at a Yankee Swap. As a kid, I loved anything published by Klutz, so I dove in (decades later) and never looked back!

I've been thinking about it for a while tbh. You're obviously going to struggle to distill, say, dialectical materialism into a kid's book, but worker strength and overthrowing the ruling class is probably doable.

The thing is, most little kids' books don't have an antagonist. They're usually, at most, stories of personal growth against one's own mind or, sometimes, against nature.

I'd say one of the closest I've found is The Day the Crayons Quit.

This book, Sewing School, has always looked good to me. It focuses on hand sewing. Sewing School 2 teaches machine work.

Characteristics of Beginner Patterns

• Few pieces
  
• Small pieces
  
• Easy cutting lines
  
• Easily sewable with just a sewing machine
  
• No darts
  
• No zippers
  
• No buttonholes
  
• No sleeves
  
• Use easy fabric, like woven cotton
  
• Don't require pattern matching

You may enjoy this. ;)

Or this! Or this, or this, or this! :)

Sometime around the time when I was in second grade, my dad got me City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction by David Macaulay. It has a variety of Roman buildings and diverse architecture from the late republican and early imperial era. I highly recommend it as an introduction to classically-roman architecture. Google books has a sample of the first few pages.

Macaulay's other books are excellent as well.

There is actually someone who makes cookbooks for the Wizarding World. I just bought one and have loved every recipe I've made from it so far.

Harry Potter: https://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Harry-Potter-Cookbook-Knickerbocker/dp/1440503257

Fantastic Beasts: https://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Harry-Potter-Cookbook-Presents-ebook/dp/B01N3NZVEE

I saw this today when someone else was gifted it. It's book called "Preschooler's Busy Book: 365 Creative Games & Activities To Occupy 3-6 Year Olds". I have a 3 year old and a lot of snow outside. This would help keep me sane. lol.

The old man is snoring

It was a bit under $50 with tax and free shipping from Amazon. Here are the titles:

The Answer

Guide to the Crystal Gems

Too Cool for School

Steven Universe Vol. 1

Steven Universe Vol. 2

How old is she? What are her other interests? That might help people brainstorm a little bit. One of my favorite Harry Potter themed presents has been the unofficial Harry Potter cookbook, found here

This reminds me of a book we bought for our kids years ago. It's called "Beautiful Oops" and encourages making the most out of mistakes just like this one through art.

Here's the Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Oops-Barney-Saltzberg/dp/076115728X

This cookbook because I've wanted it for ages and I would love to try out all of the recipes. It also works with my username :) (there are used versions that are below $10. I would prefer the one from either -Daily Deals- or wmboothsbookssf)

They're great! And I can see the resemblance in the OP. This is the book, if you're interested: https://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Artistically-Undiscovered-John-Cassidy/dp/1570543208

Badass Lego guns? I have a modified version of the gun from Forbidden Lego, but that sounds awesome!

Amazon links:

Badass Lego Guns

Forbidden Lego.

Lego has ALL of their instructions available online for free. There are also books you can get that have building ideas that might help spark her imagination, and would be cheaper than new sets.

https://www.amazon.com/Lego-Ideas-Book-Unlock-Imagination/dp/0756686067

Six years old?

With respect to the earlier poster, I disagree: keep your son away from YouTube. If you don't want to go the traditional magic kit route, how about a book?

Check out Josh Jay's "Big Magic for Little Hands." (https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Little-Hands-Astounding/dp/0761180095/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511750111&sr=8-1&keywords=big+magic+for+little+hands).

Good luck!

I would strongly recommend you to get the official Guide to the Crystal Gems.

I would also strongly recommend you to bingewatch the series several times. ^(Your doctor may not recommend this.)

I find it has a David Macaulay feel to it. Very pleasing to look at. Nice work!

Simple Technic ideas:

http://www.amazon.com/The-LEGO-Technic-Idea-Book/dp/1593272774

AWESOME Technic designs and ideas:

http://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-LEGO-Technic-Builders-Guide-ebook/dp/B009Z1XQ8I

I have both books, and were worth the price.

https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Technic-Idea-Book-Machines/dp/1593272774

The same guy's YouTube channel is great. Also visit THE JK Brickworks YouTube page.

I don't know if this has been posted before because I haven't seen it but there is also a book coming out and it can be pre-order on amazon. Gem Book hopefully that link works, it takes you to amazon.

I actually found an unofficial HP cookbook when the challenge was going on (not intentionally), but obviously couldn't posted it then. It was in my Amazon recommended (almost like they knew...), so I downloaded a sample. I don't know how to post pics on this so I can't, but here's the link for anyone who wants to try out a few recipes.

https://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Harry-Potter-Cookbook-Knickerbocker/dp/1440503257/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=harry+potter+cookbook&qid=1558058747&s=gateway&sprefix=harry+potter+coo&sr=8-3

Castle by David Macaulay?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0395329205/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KE42xb7W512SG

Underground is also super interesting and quite relevant.

http://www.amazon.ca/Scribbles-Really-Giant-Drawing-Coloring/dp/0811855090

I use this one! It's playful and kooky and as much work as you want it to be :)

I would highly recommend the Journey Trilogy, here’s book one
My daughter loves it.

I love playing legos with my kids.

This book would be cool and its $20.


My kids need more legos.

Edit forgot to say Ole Kirk Christiansen

I have just started learning myself in the last 2 weeks. I used this book which has some projects in it which has helped me.

My toddler loves her baby dolls so I'm making a doll blanket as practice and might try some doll clothes and a scarf for my daughter.

The main thing I have learnt so far is that if you are doing something with a new technique/pattern, practise it first before adding it to your work. I lost 2 hours worth of work to figure that one out :)

I think your daughter might enjoy this book: The Day the Crayons Quit.

It's a favorite in our household.

http://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Harry-Potter-Cookbook-Knickerbocker/dp/1440503257

enjoy :)

If this kinda thing interests you, I highly recommend this [book](https://www.amazon.com/City-Story-Roman-Planning-
Construction/dp/0395349222)

which shows detailed step by step directions how planners laid out and built cities, roads, and plumbing.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/82/f9/55/82f955de762a33149304aab5d7d8d1ff.jpg


which has a PBS special
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K7Yds8bWz4

if you are interested in doing more. My friends have this book
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1593272847

This reminds me of an amazing graphical book Zoom and its sequel Rezoom:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Picture-Puffins-Istvan-Banyai/dp/0140557741
http://www.amazon.com/Re-Zoom-Istvan-Banyai/dp/014055694X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_y
Very worth their price.

If she's interested in continuing with the clay, I had this book when I was a kid and I loved it. I think my mom still has some of the figurines I made from it, haha.

It's only rated a 2.6 on Amazon, and it doesn't look like you get much. It looks like the unofficial cookbook could be better. Unless you specifically wanted to make candy, in which case I would just study up on chocolate making and buy candy molds that relate to the books (frogs, owls, etc).

I take my meat medium rare regardless of where I am.
I summon /u/Tokidokiloki. Hi! I'm Faith & we should be friends because Harry Potter.

Cookbooks count right?

No soup for you!

Well, castles aren't scary, but they may be interesting anyway.

You may be thinking of Castle by David Macaulay. It's filled with illustrations diagramming out a castle. You'd need to buy it new, or from a used bookstore. Don't bank on finding a specific book via thrift stores and yard sales.

Funny children's book on that topic your kid would probably like.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Crayons-Quit-Drew-Daywalt/dp/0399255370

Want to build real, functional LEGO guns? Check out these two books:

• Badass LEGO Guns
  
• Forbidden LEGO
  
  I've got both books, but I haven't actually built any of the guns yet (assembling the parts needed is a challenge, and I haven't gotten the gumption up to hit bricklink.com to pick them out and order them.
  
  Still, very cool to check out. Some day, I'll build them.

Frank and Beans!

[This] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1440503257/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=297XX50KERYHX&coliid=I3FBTZSCK1AI9Z) would make me do a happy dance if I got it in the mail!

My two year old and I love Journey by Aaron Becker.

1. Amateur Magician's Handbook by Henry Hay. Out of print; you'll need to get with a used book shop to get the number of copies you'll need. You'll want reading copies; it isn't a rare book so the prices should be reasonable.
   
   Then choose from among:
   
   The Klutz Book of Magic
   
   Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic
   
   Joshua Jay's Magic: The Complete Course
   
   Consider: Big Magic for Little Hands for your younger campers.
   
   Give everyone a copy of the free ebook, Under/Over
   
   Have copies of Bobo and Royal Road in the camp library.
   
   
2. I wouldn't know. Please consider instead performances from the close-up gallery at the Magic Castle.
   
   
3. Grand Illusions: The Story of Magic
   

Cheer up, buttercup! :)

This would make me rather happy because FOOD. :D

There's also a DK book, LEGO Ideas that suggests alternate uses for specialty pieces. One really cute idea (it's in image 7/10 on the Amazon page) is making a stove out of a mailbox and two videotape tiles for burners.

This was my castle book that I loved.

touch screen gloves

Harry Potter cook book

Auto room freshener

towel basket, home decor

popcorn maker

Funny cooking ladle

famous painting socks

constellation mug

LED room lights

bath bomb set

paradoy coloring book

book, hidden safe

Hope those help!

It's "unofficial". I strongly recommend the sugar biscuit recipe.

https://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Harry-Potter-Cookbook-Knickerbocker/dp/1440503257/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=unofficial+harry+potter+cookbook&qid=1564528790&s=gateway&sprefix=unofficial+ha&sr=8-1

can you make the doc public contribute? dunno how googledocs works lol
add these plz:
http://imgur.com/5aA8pEM
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0756686067/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_XqMYtb0PBWDGS
https://www.etsy.com/listing/111226945/mario-or-luigi-hats?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=mario+or+luigi+hat&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Link: cookbooks like these

• UK: amazon.co.uk
  
• Spain: amazon.es
  
• France: amazon.fr
  
• Germany: amazon.de
  
• Japan: amazon.co.jp
  
• Canada: amazon.ca
  
• Italy: amazon.it
  
• China: amazon.cn
  
  
  This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting).

I loved this book as a kid:
https://www.amazon.com/Castle-David-Macaulay/dp/0395329205

The cover is honestly how I sort of pictured the front door of Hogwarts.

I'll have to dig around and find my books in my warren of a basement and get you the titles/authors, a lot of them are really, really dry graduate level books for people who made the study of castles their lives. I'm at work for awhile yet, but if my kids give me time tonight, I'll see what I can dig up.

For closet coloring book lovers: Scribbles by Taro Gomi.

Amazon link for anyone interested:

http://www.amazon.com/Badass-LEGO-Guns-Building-Instructions/dp/1593272847/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373595175&sr=8-1&keywords=badass+lego+guns

This is now the #1 Children's Painting Book, and sold out on Amazon.

Thanks Serial!

These might help:

http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Technic-Idea-Book-Machines/dp/1593272774/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412185208&sr=1-2&keywords=lego+technic

http://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-LEGO-Technic-Builders-Guide/dp/1593274343/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412185208&sr=1-3&keywords=lego+technic

This book and Zoom were two of my favorite childhood books.

David Macaulay wrote a book some years ago called Castle, it contains many descriptions and illustrations of how a fictional castle and a surrounding town is built, It was my favorite book as a child.

It turns out someone filmatized the book.

There is actually an unofficial Harry Potter cookbook out there. It is available in most book stores and on Amazon :-)

Harry Potter Recipes

Pokemon Trainer. My daughter is a pokemon fan. I have a "How to draw pokemon book" on one of my wishlists for her. Do you draw? Could you provide sketches of your potential costumes?

I read that it was in the Loire Valley in the DK Eyewitness book Castle. In the glossary, it shows this gatehouse and identifies it as being in the Loire Valley.

Edit: That being said, I do want to thank you for identifying the city that this is located in.

I will watch trashy reality television and eat fruit pops!

[Because everyone wants to cook like a wizard] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1440503257/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3N80EYVV6IY72&coliid=IAXSG3TLWMAST)

pickleweasel

I want the Harry Potter cookbook. Is it nerdy? Yes. BUT GODDAMN I'LL NEVER BE A WIZARD AND I'LL NEVER GO TO HOGWARTS CAUSE MAYBE IT'S NOT REAL BUT I WANT TO BELIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEVE. I WANT TO BELIEVE WITH MY MOUTH!!!

Help me believe?

There is a series of three books like this one which may be enticing.

None of the bits require a computer (including a Mindstorms smart brick).

Big Magic for Little Hands by Joshua Jay is a fantastic book! Most public libraries have a copy but if not https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Little-Hands-Astounding/dp/0761180095

For more food ideas, The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook. Amazon allows you to look inside, so you could just write down your own copies of the recipes if you don't want to purchase the book. However, it is really inexpensive and would likely be worth the money.

I loved this book as a kid:

https://smile.amazon.com/Castle-David-Macaulay/dp/0395329205/

Shows a smallish English castle during construction, in detail. Floor plans are easy to find, but this also gives some detail of the construction process, which you can use to add detail if they're adding on.

Maybe start them with a single crumbling tower, and enough space around it to build more.

Another option is to start with an adventure where the bad guys are in a small tower out in the boonies. If the PCs defeat the bad guys, the local authority grants the noble one the tower and the lands around it. Now, improve and defend it.

Castle, by David Macauley, sounds like one of 'em.

Sounds like the [David Macaulay series] (http://www.amazon.com/Castle-David-Macaulay/dp/0395329205).

I also recommend The LEGO Ideas Book.

Junkyard dogs. And I would like this, to make with my girlfriend. :D

Badass LEGO Guns: Building Instructions for Five Working Guns https://www.amazon.com/dp/1593272847/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bkpTDb2MMZKNX

Wanna read about Castles every time you poop for your whole childhood? I sure did with this book. David Macaulay is the man.

Yup, there's a color version also. The original books came out in 1977. He revised it by adding color and more details to his drawings and published it last year.

Original (1977)
Color (2013)

Your comment reminded me of [this book] (http://www.amazon.com/The-Crayons-Quit-Drew-Daywalt/dp/0399255370). Highly recommended.

I also want such a thing.

There is a series of books by David Macaulay I have not read, but have on my wishlist, that might be what we want. Here is one, the Castle one, with more in the related section, including Cathedrals, the Underground, and City planning.

holy shit, I know it's aimed at 12-year-olds, but how did you miss this one? well-researched, lightly-written and exquisitely drawn, it's basically required reading for anyone interested in both city planning and ancient history.

This is from the book Zoom, as seen here- http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-Picture-Puffins-Istvan-Banyai/dp/0140557741/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314213250&sr=8-1

Try this.

Castle has been with me since the beginning.

Some of those pictures remind me of David Macaulay's work! Link for the uninitiated.

oh man this is bringing back memories...

I forgot he also wrote (illustrated?) those books on castles and underground too

https://www.amazon.com/City-Story-Roman-Planning-Construction/dp/0395349222/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=K9PH85XJWPTEM5GJS9M6

You two should read this book together

http://www.amazon.com/The-Crayons-Quit-Drew-Daywalt/dp/0399255370

Depends which crayon you ask.

$24.85 Ice tea maker.

$10.79 book

$5.32 band aids

I vote for two $10 items! Somewhere in between one big one and multiple little ones.

don't go talking too loud you'll cause a landslide, Mr. Jones

http://www.amazon.com/The-Crayons-Quit-Drew-Daywalt/dp/0399255370

Easter baskets!!!!!! I say dinosaur all the wayyy.

1. (For 2 year old)
   
2. (For 2 year old) I see a budding archaeologist in your future!
   
3. [(For 6 year old)] (https://www.amazon.com/Assortment-Pokemon-Sweets-Candies-Noodles/dp/B01J9GX8MW/ref=sr_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1491840396&sr=8-7&keywords=pokemon+candy)
   
4. (For 6 year old)

Kids going to get a lot of Legos. Got him this.

The LEGO Ideas Book by Daniel Lipkowitz http://www.amazon.com/dp/0756686067/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_XqMYtb0PBWDGS

Here is the desktop version of OP's link

Here is the mobile version of your link

Perhaps the Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook or the parody Stranger Things cookbook, Stranger Fillings?

http://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Harry-Potter-Cookbook-Knickerbocker/dp/1440503257

DIY Shrine Parts list:

Steamer Trunk with Patronus & stickers - Amazon

Cookbook - Amazon

Marauder's Map - Amazon

Snitch - 3D Printer + Thingiverse + fishing line

Wand - Ollivander's

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1593272774

http://www.amazon.com/Badass-LEGO-Guns-Building-Instructions/dp/1593272847 (not an affiliate link because that's lame)

• learn to draw!
  
• learn to paint!
  
• learn to [sculpt](The Incredible Clay Book. Klutz Press https://www.amazon.com/dp/1878257730/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4PzzCb5N9VPV0)!
  
• listen to podcasts!
  
• listen to audiobooks!
  
• practice journaling!
  
• write poetry!
  
• lift weights!
  
• memorize speeches or poems!

The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook: From Cauldron Cakes to Knickerbocker Glory--More Than 150 Magical Recipes for Wizards and Non-Wizards Alike (Unofficial Cookbook) https://www.amazon.in/dp/1440503257/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5N8cAbJ9J1PAD

This exists in case you didn't know :)

I say this for you and nothing for me. :)

So many options! Where are you? You might find someone here who has a knit group you could drop into.

I taught myself with the Klutz Press book but there are so many youtube videos out there these days that those might make more sense.

Leave it to the Catholics to destroy existence. <-- That would be Dogma!!

I have been eyeing up [this] (https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0439434408/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=14ZNZQWA660NB&coliid=I2EGCFO1HBS4Y7) since u/neongreenpurple sent me a drawing of bellsprout, and then when I tried drawing a few pokemon for a contest the other day =D

Sort of like an expanded and more dense (and slightly less kiddie) follow-up to Guide to the Crystal Gems.

Mildly related: have any of you taken a look at the pages up for preview on the Art & Origins book? I can already tell there's gonna be BTS information no one has heard outside of the crew for the show.

Kids these days just aren't trying anymore.

The Practical Pyromaniac

Badass LEGO Guns

Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction

You could go pick up a Harry Potter Cookbook and work through some recipes there or else you could make some traditional English dishes such as Bangers and Mash or Fish and Chips!


*

Quaffle Caught!**

• GAME A: NO CATCH
  
• GAME B /u/kmcaleer1 of Gryffindor ~ 1 Point(s) to Gryffindor!
  
  
  >WHAT'S THIS? READ MORE HERE
  
  CURRENT SCORES | GAME A - Hufflepuff: -1 Slytherin: 21 | GAME B - Gryffindor: 13 Ravenclaw: 9 | "