24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you want your kids to think you're cool........., June 12, 2001
This review is from: The Amazing Dad: More than 400 Ways to Wow the Kids (Mass Market Paperback)
These days fathers need all the help they can get. My eight-year-old daughter used to think I was the coolest guy in the universe, but lately I've been getting hip-checked by the backstreet boys and n'sync. I've found myself competing for her attention; and I've been trying for the past few months to pull any fun rabbit out of the hat I can find (I got one of those "juggling for klutzes" kits and practiced in secret). A few weeks ago, a buddy of mine (also a dad- and familiar with my plight) told me he'd come across a really cool book called The Amazing Dad. I pounded the pavement till I found the lone remaining copy at a local bookstore; and I was blown away- on darn near every page there's a cool trick or fun activity that any spaz can do. Every one I've tried so far has left my children laughing, squealing, and begging for more. The diagramming makes everything an easy-to-duplicate, no-brainer. This book has become my "FUN BIBLE"- I keep it hidden so as not to reveal the source of my new-found coolness. Each time the kids ask me "Where'd you learn that?", I just give them a shrug and play it off like "Oh, I've got a million of 'em- you ain't seen nothin yet"- which means they better come out with volume two before I run out of rabbits. Seriously- a dynamite book.... big thanks to Preuss and Livera for making me a cool dad again. Maybe they can teach me to sing and dance.....
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Father's Day Gift from Parents or Wife!, May 25, 2001
This review is from: The Amazing Dad: More than 400 Ways to Wow the Kids (Mass Market Paperback)
Almost every boy wanted to grow up to be Superman, or some other impressive super hero. With this amazingly powerful resource, any Dad can look just like super hero to his children. All you need are a few materials, a little time to read, and some practice. The book has been written by a magician (Mr. Livera) and a teacher/entertainer (Mr. Preuss). Between them, they have created the best resource I have ever seen for family fun with the 2-6 year-old set.
"Do not reveal the source of your superpowers!" With that injunction, you ar encouraged to slip the book "in your dresser beneath a pile of socks." On the other hand, if you want to keep peace in the family, show Mom the book too. She'll want to use some of these magic tricks and entertainments also. You remember Wonder Woman, don't you?
The book is very versatile. I had images of only magic tricks when I picked it up. I was very pleased to see that magic tricks were only a small part of the repertoire. My favorite section involved very humorous games that can be played in the car. Now, in our family, we occasionally heard "how much longer 'til we get there?" and "I'm bored." If you ever have those problems, this book will turn those times into fascinating fun instead.
Here are the titles of some of the sections: Acrobat of Anatomy, Adventures, Captive Creativity, Chauffeur of Shenanigans, Amazing Dadini, Greatest Show on Earth, Most Valuable Pop, Maitre d' Mayham, and Mr. Mystery.
In addition to getting to be a very special Pop, this book will also fascinate you with its creativity. I also suspect that you will start some new family traditions that your children will carry on when they are parents.
After you have been using the book for a while, I suggest that you take some of the activities and change them into ones that are uniquely suited to the interests of your family. That will make you feel even more like The Amazing Dad!
Enjoy being amazing, and bring joy to all!
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
More Than 400 Stars for the Amazing Dad!, May 8, 2001
This review is from: The Amazing Dad: More than 400 Ways to Wow the Kids (Mass Market Paperback)
I am not a dad, but I remember mine! My most cherished memories involved his doing some kind of trick or acting silly. One time, we had to dress up like scientists to create his Super Secret Rocket Rock Candy! We actually had to take an oath to keep the recipe a secret! We had to assemble supplies, tons of them! Why did we need a protractor anyway? Next came the measuring, stirring, and the endless waiting. He cautioned us that rock candy likes silence, so we had to tip-toe down the stairs amid our stiffled giggles. Can you imagine three youngsters dressed in white coats with goggles on trying to maintain silence! Impossible!
Then there was the time he shoved a straw through a potato...
Well, this book is filled with wonderful memory making opportunities for dads (and moms) to try out on their kids. The instructions are simple. You can add all the smaltz and razzamataz just like my dad!
I'm wondering now who had the most fun? The kids or my dad? I think I'll give him a call.
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