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American Girls Handy Book: How to Amuse Yourself and Others (Nonpareil Books)

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MSRP: $12.95
Your Price: $11.01
Savings: $ 1.94 ( 15% )
Shipping: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: David R Godine
Prices subject to change. Please verify price during checkout.
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Additional American Girls Handy Book: How to Amuse Yourself and Others (Nonpareil Books) Information
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If Tom Sawyer had been a girl, Aunt Polly would certainly have seen to it that she had a copy of this book and with a heartfelt blessing. Its a magical cornucopia of projects, devices, toys, gifts, dolls, recipes, decorations, perfumes, wax and clay modelling, oil and water-color painting and games, all with clear and practical directions for how to make and play them. Vintage Americana by the Beard sisters, two of the founders of Girl Scouting in the United States.
"In the Beard sisters' version, 'the American girl' ranges in age from eight to eighteen. Healthy and spirited, she thinks nothing of taking a ten-mile 'romp' through woods and fields with a group of friends, and collects flowers and leaves for preservation or presentation to friends and relations. Above all, however, the Beards' girl is handy. She can make a hat rack, a screen, or a bookshelf; fashion a macrame hammock or a cornhusk doll; and draw, paint, sculpt, or decorate a room. The American Girls Handy Book, in short, by emphasizing what girls can do, presents a portrait of girlhood that is vigorous, active, and full of possibilities." - From the foreword by Anne M. Boylan
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What Customers Say About American Girls Handy Book: How to Amuse Yourself and Others (Nonpareil Books):
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If you're a fan of the late 1800s, or period amusements; or would like to compare the very-different suggestions for girls with the suggestions for boys (from "The American Boys Handy Book"); or simply are curious about this "simpler time," you should enjoy this "Handy Book". It's a fun read, but also offers a telling glimpse into the life of little girls of that time period (yes, complete with what we now call sexism). I purchased this book as a gift for an elderly female, thinking it would provide some chuckles and good memories. Even though the content was from the late 1800s, she definitely recalled some of the activities as being from her own childhood.
For adults wanting to provide gifts and special items for their daughters can learn to make many things such as corn husk and flower dolls that have brought delight and hours of enjoyment since their first creation by the hands of the American Indians.Overall I think this is a must have book for the education of any girl that will benefit her for the rest of her life. The ideas and projects found within can and I believe should be used by parents as an excellent way to spent time with their daughters and ways to keep their children active through out the year. One chapter even provides instruction for a home gymnasium to keep fit. This book would be a great find for anyone wanting to either look back into the time of their grand parents or looking for ways to bring back enjoyment removed from the hustle of today's high tech society. This book and it's companion, The American Boys Handy Book should grace the bookshelves of every home with children and a spare copy on hand for it will be worn out from much use. It also covers many of the major holidays of the year, the origins and history and what a young lady can do to have parties, decorate with hand made items, and entertain her friends for any occasion. The book is laid out by the seasons, making it easy to find ideas and projects desired. Also provided are lessons on how to express herself in various art mediums such as painting, casting, scrap-booking and one of the most unusual lessons that surprised me, heraldry.
Holidays are especially emphasized both religious and secular,and"quiet" word games for hot summer nights (or nowadays for when the Ipod runs out of batteries on long car trips or when camping out). There's a very good section on using watercolors (as well as oils)and drawing full of advice that is timeless. Finally,there are the more traditional "Feminine" activities such as flower pressing,sewing and decorating. "A Daring Book For Girls" 1800's style. In conculsion,there's a lot in this book,that while not politically correct at times can is still worth checking out. The book encourages exercise(with hand weights,no less). This very amusing glimpse of a bye-gone era is full of activities,some hopelessly dated (although the "Tableaux"(posing like a portrait) one might be fun to try. long walks and exploring nature.
They shipped quickly and did a great job. The book came in expected condition.
Giggles and smiles. Every girl in our neighborhood has found something they love in this book. This does seem to be a better fit for a girl who already enjoys reading otherwise you may end up doing the loins share of the reading which could be just as rewarding for your relationship with your special girl. Girls will be girls and what was girly and cool 100 years ago is still girly and cool today. A fun look into history loaded with good old fashion fun.
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