Games Books

This is a great math tool that I have sitting on my shelf and it has helped my kids do wonderful in math. I would additionally like to share this site http://thecyberprofessor.com/ which gave me the insight into know mathematical sciences as well.

This is simply the best math "activity" book out there! Well worth every dollar! Kids need help with many activities, but it is well worth the parent's time. The activities are not only educational but really FUN and engaging.

"How Math Works" could be subtitled "How to keep your kids occupied for many hours this summer in a productive, educational, and fun way." Instead, the subtitle is "100 ways parents and kids can share the wonders of mathematics." Close. Either one will work.

I sat down with this book and went through every page, reading here and there, looking at the experiments. My very first thought was, No way could a typical kid create these experiments, much less complete them. But then after just a few pages, I decided, yes, they can with a little help here and there. If you (the adult) help a little, a lot of math will come back to you. This book is designed to be enjoyable for kid and adult alike.

For example, remember the Golden Mean, or special ratio in art and architecture, used in creating the perfect ratio "look" to the Parthenon and the Pyramid at Gizeh in Egypt? There is an experiment to learn just how the mean works. On the next page is an experiment to make the Golden Mean! How cool is that?!

Try using algebra to solve this puzzle: A friend said that on his birthday, his mother's age was three times his, but in 15 years, she would be twice as old as he. How old are the boy and his mother today?

There's a section on chances and probability. Did you learn those in school. Didn't think so. How about the various personal measuring systems used through the ages? Or how to economically wrap a package? In another chapter children will learn how to find true north, make a spirit level, create a leaning tower, use trigonometry to find the height of things, and create curves with straight lines.

They will learn about Nobel Prize winners in mathematics and create a double helix, create an envelope tetrahedron, make a flying machine, and study asymmetry using their own faces.

The last chapter concerns philosophy and logic. Two fabulous experiments involve making a paper logic chain and the other constructing the Tower of Hanoi. Have you ever seen those long flow charts where a steel ball travels along a mix-max of chutes and tunnels? Your kids can make one out of normal household products. The last activity is testing the chaos theory, which deals with dynamics or changes within a system.

I skipped the beginning, so let's go back. The first chapter shows what tools are needed for the entire book--all simple, easily obtainable items.
The history of numbers, major mathematicians, and enough games, puzzles, and tricks in this book will enable your child to have enough things to do for a very long time, or at least until the end of summer.

Meanwhile, the book is so mixed with visuals, facts, diagrams, information, and experiments, that it is highly likely for this book to create a supreme interest in mathematics. I'm personally allergic to math, but I think I want a copy of this book for myself. I suggest every parent who loves to work with their children and, indeed, every elementary teacher who provides instruction in math must own a copy! This is a must-have book!

As a writer of educational materials, I have dozens of books like this on my reference shelf. Each has a different advantage, but HOW MATH WORKS is the best overall. It is full of fascinating information, easy-to-do experiments (yes, experiments!), and the clearest explanations of complex concepts I have seen. The full color layout is clean and appealing. The organizational features mentioned in other reviews are excellent. Highly recommended for teachers, parents, and others who work with students in grades 3-5.

Eyewitness - How Mathematics Works Carol Vordeman

Aspects of subject included Number and Algebra. Shape, Space and Measure. Handling Data. Using and Applying Mathematics.

Structure and organisation of the text The text is organised into categories, i.e. number. Each double page spread has a Title, a main paragraph, and lots of related but independent sections. Most pages feature a piece of maths history or an interesting unusual application of maths. The Pictures and diagrams all add lots of information, and are not just decorative. Activities

Ways in which information is presented Text in different sizes. Key points bulleted. Photographs and diagrams. Step by Step instructions using both words and pictures. Separate sections are framed. Background for the same section (i.e. Discovery) is the same colour on different pages.

Helpful features Contents, glossary index and heading. Activities and problems. Categories and sections mean that the information can be dipped into. Emphasis on the place of maths within society. Lots of concrete maths.

Potential difficulties Lots of information to take in. Activities require a lot of equipment. Lots of mathematical vocabulary

Reading skills required Use of contents index and glossary. Heading, subheading. Reasonably difficult general vocabulary. Being able to skim the page and select relevant or interesting information. Lot's of mathematical vocabulary to take in.

Implications for teaching

Ideas for lessons. Introduction / reference for teaching. General background reading. Display. Extension work / reinforcement ideas.

I really enjoyed this book and it's what I turn to whenever I'm having a "blah" moment. The drawings are easy to follow, the writing is short and brief and there are tons of little extras throughout the book (stickers, punch outs, etc). It's more of an activity book than a drawing book and even if you have no interest in drawing, you'll enjoy the wit and whimsy of the words and illustrations. A great buy at the original price, but a fabulous bargin at anything less!

How to Draw a Radish: And Other Fun Things to Do at Work
How to Draw a Cup of Coffee and Other Fun Ideas for Home & Garden
How to Draw a Clam: A Wonderful Vacation Planner
All three books, by Joy Sikorski

I have owned these three wonderful books since the late nineties & have re-visited them many times.

In the field of what I would like to term as 'deliberate doodling', I consider these three books to be the best in the genre. Unlike the common doodles, which seem whimsical, 'deliberate doodling' involves some form of structure & purpose. I am very impressed by what the author has done in the three fun books of hers.

All three fun books are spiral bound, each with almost two hundred pages of inspirational doodling techniques, on top of various other discovery games & paper crafts for professional & personal entertainment. Each is sturdily constructed with two pockets for special projects, organised with ten card-board dividers & yet small enough to fit into your briefcase.

From my personal perspective, they are wonderful toys for grow-ups: playful, instructive & absolutely worthwhile!

The author has actually written another similar book, entitled 'Squeaky Chalk : And Other Fun Things to Draw (And Do) When There's Nothing to Do!' but for some strange reasons, I did not lay my hands on it.

For the benefit of readers, let me share this personal experience of mine: I have combined the 'deliberate doodling' techniques from Joy with the 'rapid viz' techniques from Kurt Hanks, & integrated them into the 'private writing' processes as formulated by Mark Levy in his wonderful book, 'Accidental Genius: Revolutionize Your Thinking Through Private Writing .'

I use what I often like to term as my 'scratch pad', the type artists use, foolscape size, spiral-bound, 100 pages per pad, 100 gms weight, in conjuction with a multi-colour/multi-utility pen from Rotring. At one point in time, (for about 3 years) I used the Bienfang spring-bound note/sketch pads until the only local supplier went out of business unexpectedly.

On many occasions, I have astonished myself by being able to wrestle with the valuable business & life insights from my own seemingly disparate "private writing"/'deliberate doodling'/'rapid viz' pages. The doodles & illustrations often add a perceptive visual dimension to my seemingly random thoughts on paper. My scratch pad is always a visual smorgasbord of relatively heavy text, mystical doodles & logical illustrations (thanks & no thanks to my engineering training!). I have translated many of my valuable insights into pragmatic projects. One of the sideline projects is writing reviews on amazon website.

To all readers: If you really want to use both sides of your powerful brain to generate valuable insights, I can guarantee that these three books can drive your imagination engine into hyper-speed mode.

I simply love this little book. I found it on clearance and thought "Hey, what can it hurt?" It didn't hurt at all, obviously. I love the whimsical flow and little extras like the herb labels and "postcards." It's also very informative, teaching you how to doodle things like cups of coffee, mice and peanuts, and the ever-honorable peccary. This would make an excellent gift for those who like a little silliness in their everyday life.

A delightfully silly and surreal book. I enjoyed the drawing lessons most.

If you are looking for a fun gift look no further! this book is an exellent peice of work from people of all ages! It is fun and creative and never boring! Read it and give it a try!

How to Draw a Radish: And Other Fun Things to Do at Work
How to Draw a Cup of Coffee and Other Fun Ideas for Home & Garden
How to Draw a Clam: A Wonderful Vacation Planner
All three books, by Joy Sikorski

I have owned these three wonderful books since the late nineties & have re-visited them many times.

In the field of what I would like to term as 'deliberate doodling', I consider these three books to be the best in the genre. Unlike the common doodles, which seem whimsical, 'deliberate doodling' involves some form of structure & purpose. I am very impressed by what the author has done in the three fun books of hers.

All three fun books are spiral bound, each with almost two hundred pages of inspirational doodling techniques, on top of various other discovery games & paper crafts for professional & personal entertainment. Each is sturdily constructed with two pockets for special projects, organised with ten card-board dividers & yet small enough to fit into your briefcase.

From my personal perspective, they are wonderful toys for grow-ups: playful, instructive & absolutely worthwhile!

The author has actually written another similar book, entitled 'Squeaky Chalk : And Other Fun Things to Draw (And Do) When There's Nothing to Do!' but for some strange reasons, I did not lay my hands on it.

For the benefit of readers, let me share this personal experience of mine: I have combined the 'deliberate doodling' techniques from Joy with the 'rapid viz' techniques from Kurt Hanks, & integrated them into the 'private writing' processes as formulated by Mark Levy in his wonderful book, 'Accidental Genius: Revolutionize Your Thinking Through Private Writing .'

I use what I often like to term as my 'scratch pad', the type artists use, foolscape size, spiral-bound, 100 pages per pad, 100 gms weight, in conjuction with a multi-colour/multi-utility pen from Rotring. At one point in time, (for about 3 years) I used the Bienfang spring-bound note/sketch pads until the only local supplier went out of business unexpectedly.

On many occasions, I have astonished myself by being able to wrestle with the valuable business & life insights from my own seemingly disparate "private writing"/'deliberate doodling'/'rapid viz' pages. The doodles & illustrations often add a perceptive visual dimension to my seemingly random thoughts on paper. My scratch pad is always a visual smorgasbord of relatively heavy text, mystical doodles & logical illustrations (thanks & no thanks to my engineering training!). I have translated many of my valuable insights into pragmatic projects. One of the sideline projects is writing reviews on amazon website.

To all readers: If you really want to use both sides of your powerful brain to generate valuable insights, I can guarantee that these three books can drive your imagination engine into hyper-speed mode.

I bought this book 5 yrs ago.I just love it.This book has a very easy instruction and pictures to follow,it is especially easy for a child to follow the step by step pictures. I use it myself and now I gave it to my daughter, she is 3 yrs old,I love to see her face everytime she draws a picture, her eyes just says it all.She loves it so much that we both draw and paint together with the guide of this book. I have showed it to friends and care takers in the family center, all have agreed that it is a must to buy book.this book is not only for children,but also a coffee table book.You will not regret!!!

I received this book in a "Secret Santa" and just LOVED it!
What a great little treasure to teach the unbelievably talentless how to draw!
Joy breaks down radishes, butterflies, flowers, etc into easy to draw pieces that all add up together.
I can now doodle with the best of them!
Pick up two - one for your Secret Santa and one for yourself!

i go to a lot of meetings at work, and i don't have to do a lot of talking, so i do a lot of doodling. unfortunately, i can't draw at all. but this book has simple instructions (for more than just doodles, too), and has really expanded my 'meeting doodle' abilities.

This was just the most adorable little book I ever picked up. I just wanted to buy millions of copies to send them to friends who have boring jobs. I loved the little rabbit eating on the grass. It's a great doo-dad book that everyone should have to keep them entertained. I rarely laugh outloud at a book, but I couldn't help myself.

I love the Iron Kingdoms and you may say that there are comparisons to Eberron but all I have to say is that Eberron never did anything like this for me! I love the feel of The Iron Kingdoms and to me that is very very important.

Iron Kingdoms Character Guide: Full Metal Fantasy, Vol. 1 is packed to the brim with great rules and source material for the Iron Kingdoms campaign setting. The book has been laid out in an easy-to-read and easy-to-find information format. This book covers all the essentials in rules supplements to really give your campaign that "Full Metal" feel.

This book was also designed to go with Volume 2 to create an 800 page arsenal of amazing background information and rules for Iron Kingdoms.

Okay since everybody has written alot about the book already I'll give the "bullet points." The book has a very diverse feature of races which I found as a breath of fresh air. The rules and added classes are well written and easy to understand. The new weapons and armor are interesting along with a truck load of information of the iron kingdoms. I'd say it even rivals Forgotten Realms in history and culture. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is due to magic creation section, you thought the DMG was tough this took me about a 5th reading and compairing the two books to figure it out. This section of the book was the only unflowing part but other than that I would HIGHLY recommend getting this book.

If your looking at Eberron I'd look here first. Eberron doesn't even come close!

My favorite d20 product thus far ! At least until the World Guide appears. Slick presentation, beautiful artwork, and a completely original idea.

From scanning the reviews, I think everything I would say has already been said. This book has been the most enjoyable d20 sourcebook I have ever read. The artwork is fantastic and the content is awesome. For a rule/source book... it's a page turner. Well, page turner in a role-playing gamer way. Odd to say that, but there are various devices throughout the book that keep you interested - adventure hooks in sidebars, enlarged quotes and narratives, and really great, off the wall ideas. The paper is thick so the book looks incredibly thick; print is unfortunately in black and white (off topic: the Warmachine tabletop books (printed in full color) from Privateer Press are on par if not better than Games Workshop's tabletop books). I only noticed slight problems in some character class modifications detailed; otherwise the book appears to be spelling-, punctuation-, and grammar-error free.

I finally found a campaign setting as immersive and interesting as al Qadim... I am once again excited to DM.

Highly recommended.

Great starter book for any wire wrap "nut". Nice photography, great projects, nice source sites.

This is the best wire wrapping book that I have seen. Great ideas for the beginner and advanced student. You will love this book.

A well written book showing precise details for step by step procedure for many new and different projects, along with the basic techniques.
An excellent book suitable for beginner or advanced wirewrappers.

Wire Wrapping, by Linda Chandler and Christine Ritchey, is a fantastic introduction to all things beautiful in the world of wire! These two friendly authors make what might appear to be daunting accessible to anyone who wishes to learn to wire wrap beautiful bracelets, earrings, necklaces and pendants. They even have a guest appearance by a wire artist, Russ Sperring, who teaches how to wrap a lovely ring with a stone at its center.

The book begins with a list of tools and materials needed to create the pieces you will admire and soon be making yourself. Then there is a suggested "first project" bracelet which will help anyone who is taking this seriously to understand all the ins and outs of what will be coming up later on. The authors strongly recommend making this design before proceeding further. I loved the design (I am betting that you will too!), so that seemed like a good idea to me anyway!
I had several favorites, including the first project. One was a stunning "Bow Tie" bracelet, and one was a "Celtic Knot". I loved the look of both of these.

Most of the wire wrapping is done with half hard wire, something I have never used in my work. Many of the tools are strangers to me, although I own a few of certain ones required (like step-nose pliers and a mandrel) and have not used them yet. However, now I am raring to go, thanks to Linda and Christine, who infuse their creations and writing style with joy, charm, humor and beauty!
Yes! I want to make this type of jewelry! All of these great looks are so beautiful! And when I am done following their clear instructions, I will have one or many brilliant creations. I know I will love it when people ask, "Where did you GET that?" and I can say, "I made it, MYSELF! With a little help from my friends, Linda and Chris!"

This book is excellent - I am an experienced wire artist and I was looking for some simple projects to teach others. This book has wonderful detail and pictures and all of the projects are great.

My daughter is almost 6 and she loves doing these puzzles. It was a nice surprise to give her during our recent vacation to keep her busy in the evenings. She needed extra help in the beginning to understand how crossword puzzles work, but now she just needs help when the clues are a little confusing to her. If your child can read well, he/she will probably be able to learn how to do these quickly.

I gave this book and the other KAPD book, Crazy Critters, as gifts recently to a 4-year-old and an 8-year-old. I was kind of worried about the older boy, but he thought it was cool. The 4-year-old might still be a bit young for it, but when she see's her brother doing it with Mommy or Daddy, she'll want to get into it. The themes, travel and animals, are so universal, you can't go wrong.

My 5-year old requests these every night and cried when I lost the first one while we were travelling. He loves getting the answers (and you'll be surprised by the ones they'll get). These aren't challenging for parents--kids will often get the down ones, too--but that's not what this is about: it's about doing puzzles with your kids.

Great idea.

This is really different! My first grader LOVES doing these puzzles with me. She feels great knowing answers that Mom isn't quite sure of without her. I think she likes even better sitting close, shoulder to shoulder when we do the puzzles. It is really helping with her spelling and encourages her to focus on something other than TV. They're great for "quiet time" or for the long family road trip, too. ... Plus, there are STICKERS in the book. Those are fun for my preschooler, too.

What a smart concept! These puzzles challenge parents and kids alike, while encouraging thought and discussion. But most importantly, the books are fun. They make great gifts. Afterall, what's more satisfying than completing a crossword puzzle?!

This book gave a lot of information and ideas. We liked using it!

This book flows like the campfire. From gathering the supplies, to lighting the fire, to the blaze, to the dieing fire, to the embers it's an enjoyable experience.

It has lots of activities: stories, songs, skits, etc. to make your campfire an enjoyable experience.

I wish I had owned this book when I taught a Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation for teaching Cub Scout Adults about making a successful overnight campout.

This book has been added to my library and will be suggested at all future BALOO trainings.

I just bought this recently, and it is much better than I even expected. I have a bunch of camping books in my library, and this one is better than many more expensive adult books. It has great advice even for adults, but is indespensible for camping with kids. It teaches you how to build a fire safely, cooking on the fire, (great kid favorites recipes), dealing with bugs, how to pick a camp site, what kind of Lots of safety tips too. The fun drawings make this a pleasure as well.

The authors show you how to make a reflector oven. The main feature if this book is the fun activities for around the fire such as stories songs, games, etc. Teaches kids how to identify the stars easily and even identify features on the face of the moon. I plan to use this with our Cub Scouts.

When our family decided to go camping this year, I felt a little bit overwhelmed with the idea that my 5 year old son would not have anything to do. I went on line and bought several books about camping with children and found that this was my most helpful It not only covers the basics like making a fire and food preparation but also the fun side of camping like the games and sing alongs. It gave me a refresher course on camping and at the same time opened up the door to have some camping fun! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has children. I can't wait until we go on our trip next month. This book has given me so many ideas that I know my son will not be bored.

I recieved this book in the mail... Then used it two hours later that is how useful it was for me... If I could give it 10 stars I would. It is written in a way that is easy to understand so that if you wanted to give it to a child you could, yet it is comprehensive enough for an adult... I would rate this as a good use of my money...

This is a great book full of many categories to stretch your mind, including math, science, and story problems. Many of the questions can be played in a group, like 20 questions. Then you also have to arrange things like pencils and coins certain ways. This book is a great introduction to lateral thinking puzzles!

If you are a fan of lateral thinking puzzles, this is a wonderful book you can take anywhere to tantalize your brain.
Lots of fun to try to solve these intriguing challengers! Be a logic detective to come up with a solution. A true delight for fans of all ages who love lateral thinking puzzles!

This is a brilliant little book that can be used for party games or just to while away the time if you enjoy puzzles. It has something for everyone and apart from the entertainment value I have also found some of the puzzles to be quite educational. What is most fascinating is that although many of the puzzles seem to be impossible to solve there is always an answer. A little gem and an ideal fun gift.

One day my Language Arts teacher said that we would try something fun today. Yeah right I thought, but he read us some lateral thinking puzzles, and I just loved trying to figure them out. I bought this book and read every one, some were hard, and some I could figure out after thinking for about 5 minutes. It is a perfect thing for boredom, and is just fun and interesting. A man was born before his father, killed his mother, and married his sister, and was perfectly normal. What was going on?

This is a collection of puzzles designed to be solved quickly using only thought. While it is true that for some it may help to construct a diagram or write options down, for most the answer is just a matter of using the right approach. Most of the puzzles are not new, I recognized over fifty percent as having appeared elsewhere. Examples of such puzzles are:

1) If you are in a boat and throw something overboard which immediately sinks, does the boat rise or fall?
2) When in the last 200 years has there been a year that reads the same upside down?
3) A woman has five children and half of them are boys. How is this possible?
4) There are several problems where matches are to be moved.
5) The problem of a three-cornered duel where the odds of each hitting their target are different and the poorest shot shoots first.
6) How to arrange five circular coins so that they all touch each other.
7) If everybody in a family always votes Republican, then how come one person did not last election?

Nevertheless, I read through it with interest, even when I was only checking my memory rather than my wits. Solutions to all puzzles are in the back and there are some real sneaky ones. It is a good book for the beginning puzzle solver, although veterans may not be impressed.

Published in the recreational mathematics e-mail newsletter, reprinted with permission.

"...an interesting foray into the world of fantasy football and the high stakes of gambling." The OHIOana Quarterly, Volume XLIX, No.3, Fall 2006, p. 148

A fast paced story line that takes a fresh approach to sports nonfiction. Turns a fantasy football league into a nightmare.

I'll admit that I've read only a dozen, or so, novels. Most of them are time consuming and have too many dead spots.

After reading this book, I was completely blown away! This is right on the money. There's never a dull moment. Anyone will love this novel.

Mark Barnes is an author on the rise. I can't wait to see what's next!

I am a fantasy football fan ( makes my wife nuts ). I also enjoy a good mystery. These two elements are brought toghther in fine fashion in this book. I enjoyed the tempo and the depth of the characters. While no threat to the great works of our time, this is a fun book.
I always measure how much I like a book by if I am happy I bought it or if I wish I had taken it out of the library. I am happy I bought this book.

This is a great book whose time has come. The topic in question is high stakes fantasy football, a "sport" which is peaking to new heights every year. What kind of madness could possibly go on behind the scenes? Find out in this thriller.

The League keeps the pages moving with nonstop action and plot movement. Easy to read, but contemplation is required. The crescendo of mystery and suspense culminates in the final pages: lives hang in the balance during a flurry of heart-pounding insanity.

A must-read for both suspense readers and fantasy players.

Warning: you'll have a hard time putting it down.

I found the guide very helpful. It was well written and not at all confusing as many are. My grandchildren like to play the games and try to figure out where all of the items are but when they get stuck we need the book. This is a well put together aid.

This is a great game my son has enjoyed it alot. Highly recommend for children who like video games and legos.

Has a lot of good info as far as it goes. Leaves a lot to be desired but like I said, it's a lot of bang 4 your buck.

This book contains the location of all the items in the game and is overall very straight foward.

This guide is great. It got me through all the hard puzzles and showed me all the hidden treasures. If you get stuck in any level, get this book.