The Complete Wilderness Training Book

by Hugh McManners

Okay. This one's for the boys. We are taking a break from tea party posts and crochet links. I found this little jewel on my own father's bookshelves while visiting him one summer and spent the next hour or so enjoying the pictures and information immensely. I had been looking for a book about the outdoors for my children for several years because I think boys and girls alike should know, at least a little bit, about basic camping and survival skills. Finally, a book that fit the bill was before me and I promptly went out to Barnes & Noble and bought it. We have not been disappointed.

Lavishly illustrated with real photographs in the typical Dorling Kindersley tradition, the author shows the reader exactly how to choose a campsite, build a campfire, make a shelter, make knots, find and purify water, recognize edible and poisonous plants, use a compass, read a map, build a raft, make a survival kit, signal for help, survive at sea and much, much more. Isn't that exciting? Even if one lives in the city, every kid loves to read about such matters. My oldest children have enjoyed this book so much-- and they are girls! I think all children should have access to a book like this. It is so helpful and satisfies their love of adventure. I usually give this to my children when they are around ten years old. First, I have them read Robinson Crusoe or My Side of the Mountain and then I hand them this book. Oh my! They get so excited. As you can see, I highly recommend it.

Our grade for this book is:

Grading Scale

A = You MUST have this book in your library!

B= This is a very good book. Would be a nice addition to your library.

C= A straw in the haystack, but certainly NOT the needle.

D= Good fire starter.