How to Do (Almost) Everything - by Becky Baines (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A hands-on encyclopedia for curious kids ages 8+, packed with 100 practical, creative, outdoor, science, and life skills with tips from top experts.

With this book by their side, every curious child will gain a dazzling range of skills for real-life adventures, from practical skills (such as how to read a map and how to tie knots), to craft activities (such as how to make slime and how to make papier-maché), to outdoorsy skills (such as how to star spot without a telescope and how to build a den), to brainy skills (such as how to write an algorithm and how to calculate Pi), to life skills (such as how to give a compliment and how to pack a suitcase)--and much more!

Every skill comes with the seal of approval from top experts, and their stellar tips are threaded throughout the book, too. For example, an aircraft designer offers tips on making the ultimate paper plane; a lunar scientist points out what to spot on the Moon; a chemical engineer shares insights about making slime; and an eight-times world memory champion reveals how to remember (almost) anything.

Lavishly illustrated with step-by-step diagrams, exuberant illustrations and stunning photography, this book offers the skills every child needs to make the most out of every day.

Review Quotes

Selected by the Children's Book Council (CBC) for the August 2026 Hot Off the Press list