The Big Book of Boy Stuff [ILLUSTRATED] (Vinyl Bound)

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8–This is a very uneven book, with some sections highly creative, informative, and fun and others almost insulting to youngsters (in one paragraph on how to make noises the author states, "being able to make a farting or bombing sound is very important to your career as a boy"). King begins by chastising those readers who might be looking for political correctness and warns that this title will be gross at times but suggests that he is offering what boys really want. Alphabetically arranged chapters range from "Dumb Directions on Products" to "Girls, Bullies and Parties," to "Man Food for Manhood!" (Spamburgers, crapola cookies, etc.), and include activities, jokes, and a few facts. The author points out that boys should really know how to use the kitchen and provides first-date advice. Unfortunately, his tone is so casual that the good suggestions he presents are likely to be lost in the silliness and the "boys will be boys" approach. The long list of reading recommendations gives no indication of age appropriateness.–Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Mt. St. Alban, Washington, DC
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Review

"(King) has managed to strike a balance between excitement and safety, goofiness and good information." -- The Vancouver Sun, 8/14/04

"It’s fast, often rude, very funny... Adults are liable to appreciate this book every bit as much as typical ‘boys.’" -- Statesman Journal (Salem, OR), 8/29/04

"My brothers would have memorized the contents of this book...it would have made them very popular on the playground." -- Margie Boulé, columnist, The Oregonian

"This is a great way to get your kids to read." -- The Bob & Tom Show, September 16,2004

"Written for both adults and kids, this book is useful to either group." -- Chicago Parent, September 2004

Hilarious, disgusting... It’s fast, often rude, very funny and features great illustrations. -- Statesman Journal, August 29, 2004

It will perfectly entertain all boys who love experiments, weird facts, gross stuff, flying things, and armpit bagpipes. -- Los Angeles Family Gift Guide, Fall 2004

The ultimate compilation of everything you possibly could need to know about being a guy.... nearly impossible to put down. -- Post and Courier (Charleston) October 12, 2004

This book is very funny, useful and approved by the Federal Burping Institute. -- Chicago Parent, September 2004

[It] appeals to people who used to be boys, or who have raised boys or married boys. -- Deseret News, September 24, 2004

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Vinyl Bound: 312 pages
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith (July 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1586853333
• ISBN-13: 978-1586853334
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,953 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #1 in	Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Boys & Men > Nonfiction
  #25 in	Books > Children's Books > Reference & Nonfiction
  #31 in	Books > Children's Books > Sports & Activities > Activity Books

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn't get my son to put this one down, April 20, 2006

By	K. Corn "reviewer" (Indianapolis,, IN United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

Okay, first things first. I know this book is sure to offend some people. It contains borderline or even overtly rude tricks, gags and activities. But hey...ever listen to the average boy when he really lets loose with his friends, especially when they head towards adolesence? It is often "no holds barred" as they figure out the rules of life. You gotta cross over the line sometimes before you figure out where the line should be.
I found this book is a pretty tame outlet for energies that could express themselves in far more destructive ways. Plus, the author does balance the "gross out" factor with solid safety info, such as the section on fireworks where he cautions kids against going up to a firework after its been lit, even if it seems like a dud, suggests they have adults around, stay away from buildings or anything that could catch fire, etc.
Now for my kid's take on this book. He really enjoyed learning how to make all sorts of weird sounds, got some amazed raves when he did the magic tricks and..yes...he even grossed out his friends with the "poopy diaper" trick (peanut butter in a diaper). The latter gag was thoroughly disgusting, which pleased my son immensely.
This is definitely a great book to have around for rainy days or when boredom strikes on vacations or summer breaks.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's impossible to over-rate this book..., August 20, 2004

By	Jan Koenig - See all my reviews

I'm the proud mother of four boys, and though they are all quite different, when it comes to THE BIG BOOK OF BOY STUFF, it doesn't matter... they ALL want to read it at once! Talk about encouraging literacy! I've had to get multiple copies of this one. They really seem to love the "Gross Stuff" and "Magic" chapters. My third-oldest was so taken with the "Emergencies!" chapter (fun and practical information on boy emergencies), he now wants to be a fireman! I don't want to oversell this book, but I can safely say it is the overall favorite book my boys have ever agreed upon. It would be a great gift for any boy 8-15, although I can say that my husband chuckles over it as well.

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Listen to the boys, not the Library Reviewer!, September 17, 2005

By	Mom of Sons (Buffalo, NY) - See all my reviews

Leave it to a Library Association reviewer to throw cold water on this type of fun book your kid will actually CHOOSE to pick up and read, and carry with him on vacation, and read in bed. Only a stuffy academic would denigrate this funny, quirky book as "insulting to children" and "uneven." My 9-year-old son didn't have any such complaints. He was too busy learning how to make louder noises with his armpits to care that the Libary Association found it "insulting" to him! The reading lists from school are usually filled with Zzzzz-inducing "classic" titles we have to force our kids to read - that is why they are on the required reading list! You won't have to force your son to pick up this book. Promise.