The American Girl's Handy Book: Making the Most of Outdoor Fun [Paperback]

Lina Beard (Author), Adelia B. Beard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 3, 2002 | Grade Level: P and up

Each summer, millions of children complain, "There's nothing to do." Originally published in 1889, The American Girl's Handy Book resoundingly challenges this age-old dilemma by providing a huge number of ideas for fun and instructional projects for young girls. It includes plans for April Fool's parties and jokes, transplanting wildflowers and preserving or pressing them, Easter games and activities, instructions for making a lawn tennis net and the rules of the game, how to make a hammock, corn husk and flower dolls, instructions for making various fans, Halloween parties, making a telephone, painting in water or oil colors, making models in clay and wax, making picture frames, and suggestions for winter games and activities! As with its companion, The American Boy's Handy Book, the girl's book is divided into seasons ensuring fun will be had all year round.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lina Beard and Adelia B. Beard were sisters of Daniel Carter Beard (1850 - 1941) who was the first National Commissioner and Chairman of the Court of Honor in the Boy Scouts of America. The siblings were co-founders of the Campfire Girls.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Derrydale Press (April 3, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1586670891
• ISBN-13: 978-1586670894
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,965,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

100 of 102 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A breath of fresh air!, March 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: American Girls Handy Book: How to Amuse Yourself and Others (Nonpareil Books) (Paperback)

Originally published in 1887. Not politically correct! And lots of fun. My daughters and I can learn how to: make Easter egg dolls; weave a rope net for lawn tennis or a hammock; make May-baskets to hang on neighbors' and friends' doors; plan a picnic, burgoo, or corn-roast; make our own daytime "fireworks" for Independence Day; make leaf prints, cornhusk dolls, flower sprays and a variety of seasonal garlands; host autumn nutting parties; understand the decorative language of flowers and heraldry; furnish a seaside cottage with beach-gathered items; and make fairy-dancer boxes and sachets to give as Christmas gifts. This book shows girls how to: be creative, curious, and crafty; make lots of fun out of very little material; notice nature and nurture their bodies, minds, and spirits. This book is a marvelous antidote to everything that irks me about the end of THIS century. A breath of fresh air.

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book of exuberant charm, July 22, 2002

By 

Michael Cornett "Madman" (Takoma Park, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: American Girls Handy Book: How to Amuse Yourself and Others (Nonpareil Books) (Paperback)

Sure, it might be a little outdated, but it's a great glimpse into a past time. And today's kids would probably enjoy the chance to do some old-fashioned things described in this book, like making their own hammock or refurbishing some old furniture. The instructions for painting and drawing and basic and useful, and many of the ideas presented are things forgotten about and could stand resurrection. Lots of attention paid to girls getting exercise and being healthy, contrary to modern perceptions of Victorian women. Good for parents and teachers, and kids who are fond of history and open to old-fashioned ideas.

50 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Low tech fun for children of all decades., April 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: American Girls Handy Book: How to Amuse Yourself and Others (Nonpareil Books) (Paperback)

I used this book when a child. I used my mother's copy and never was bored during the long hot summer days before air conditioning in the 1950's. The partner book, American Boy's Handybook is also fun. Wow, what resources for parents and kids (especially for home schoolers and scout leaders)!