Popular Mechanics the Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff - by Dan Bova (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Do you want to find out weird-but-true facts like how to safely enter a black hole or what to do if you meet a mythological monster? Interested in hitting a dizzying ping-pong trick shot or performing mind-blowing magic that'll amaze your friends? Think it'd be fun to make the ultimate paper airplane or an insane water balloon launcher? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you've come to the right book! The editors of Popular Mechanics put together this incredible, super-cool collection of did-you-know facts, super-fun projects and astounding skills for curious kids who like to discover stuff, build things, goof around a lot -- and sometimes make a big mess in the process. (Don't tell your parents that last part!)".--

Book Synopsis

Develop new skills (card tricks!), make fun things (a water balloon launcher!) and learn crazy-cool facts with this hands-on activity book for ages 8 to 12

Do you want to find out weird-but-true facts like how to safely enter a black hole or what to do if you meet a mythological monster? Interested in hitting a dizzying ping-pong trick shot or performing mind-blowing magic that'll amaze your friends? Think it'd be fun to make the ultimate paper airplane or an insane water balloon launcher?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you've come to the right book! The editors of Popular Mechanics put together this incredible, super-cool collection of did-you-know facts, super-fun projects and astounding skills for curious kids who like to discover stuff, build things, goof around a lot -- and sometimes make a big mess in the process. (Don't tell your parents that last part!)

On these totally non-boring pages you'll discover:

Weird facts about pets...like the wild thing that happens when a dog shakes itself dry!

The most incredible things ever built...like a 50-foot tall robot!

Hilarious tricks and pranks to pull on your friends...if you dare!

How to have a million-dollar idea and how to get on Jeopardy!

Pro secrets for throwing a curveball and shooting a 3-pointer!

How to contact aliens!

Plus, even more awesome stuff! (More awesome than talking to aliens? Really? Yes, really!) Are you ready? Pick up this book and let the adventures begin!

Review Quotes

"I would give it five stars." -Mira, age 7

"I love the book!' --Becca, age 7

"Best book ever! I was learning and having fun at the same time!" --Charlotte, age 7

I really, really like this book because there is so much cool stuff in it. I did the card tricks and I liked finding out more about roller coasters and Bigfoot and that you can't burp in space! We made the sword bookmark because I like to play with swords. I read the whole thing with my mom and she liked it too!" --Ben, age 7

"This is so cool, it's like a science book but it's actually useful. We should have THIS in school instead of the boring worksheets." --Greta, age 8

"I like this book because it gives super cool information about super awesome, cool stuff.... I also love it because it has puzzles and projects. It also helped me identify poisonous plants like poison hemlock which was very helpful." --Emilia, age 8

"I like that it has all these ideas that we have never thought of." --Ethan K, age 9

"The warning sign on the cover of The Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff is true. My feelings of boredom were crushed. I definitely recommend it!" --Archer, age 9

"This is the best summer book! There's so many cool and interesting activities to keep me busy all day! Who knew learning could be so fun? The activities were fun for the whole family! I couldn't wait to share the cool facts I learned with my friends." --Sadie, age 9

"...a great book for learning new skills, new crafts and an abundance of Awesome Stuff. For example, instead of washing your bike down with a hose you can build your own drive thru bike wash. The drive thru may take longer to assemble but it will be more efficient and will do a better job of cleaning your bike!" --Molly, age 9

"Really good book. I liked the part about the aliens the best. It was a wild ride in a good way.
All of it was great. I would recommend it to all my friends." --Ezra, age 10

"It will be perfect for summer fun." --Millie, age 11

"It's an amazing range of things to keep any kid happy, but it is an essential tool for a rainy day!" --Rebecca, a happy parent

"My 7 year old future mechanical engineer loved everything about this book so much, he asked to gift it to his bfl (best friend for life) for his upcoming birthday." --Jenna, a happy parent

About the Author

Popular Mechanics shares a voracious curiosity for how the world works with our readers-creating functional insight to inspire an audience of 15 million through PopularMechanics.com, our avid social following and the tried and true print magazine-to learn, make discover and command the world around them.

Dan Bova is a writer/editor guy who was a producer at Jimmy Kimmel Live, wrote a weekly humor column for the USA Today Network, and was a writer at Spy and other humor magazines. He interviews amazing inventors and innovators for Entrepreneur.com and hosts the Get a Real Job podcast. He lives in New York with his wife, two sons, and a completely bonkers dog named Clark.