How to Improve at Skateboarding. (How to Improve at–). Andy Horsley. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2009. 48 pp., pbk. & hc., $11.95 (pbk.), $21.56 (RLB). ISBN 978-0-7787-3597-7 (pbk.), ISBN 978-0-7787-3575-5 (RLB). Subject Heading: Skateboarding-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-8 / Ages 8-14. Review by Harriet Zaidman. ****/4

	How to Improve at Judo. (How to Improve at–). Ashley P. Martin. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2009. 48 pp., pbk. & hc., $11.95 (pbk.), $21.56 (RLB). ISBN 978-0-7787-3596-0 (pbk.), ISBN 978-0-7787-3574-8 (RLB). Subject Heading: Judo-Training-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-8 / Ages 8-14. Review by Harriet Zaidman. ****/4

	How to Improve at Fishing. (How to Improve at–). Andrew D. Walker. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2009. 48 pp., pbk. & hc., $11.95 (pbk.), $21.56 (RLB). ISBN 978-0-7787-3594-6 (pbk.), ISBN 978-0-7787-3572-4 (RLB). Subject Heading: Fishing-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-8 / Ages 8-14. Review by Harriet Zaidman. ****/4

	How to Improve at Gymnastics. (How to Improve at–). Heather E. Brown. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2009. 48 pp., pbk. & hc., $11.95 (pbk.), $21.56 (RLB). ISBN 978-0-7787-3595-3 (pbk.), ISBN 978-0-7787-3573-1 (RLB). Subject Heading: Gymnastics-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-8 / Ages 8-14. Review by Harriet Zaidman. ****/4

A child who finds an activity he or she loves can become quite expert, with encouragement and proper instruction. Hobbies and activities are key elements in a child’s growth and development; we know that kids who are thus engaged generally do better in school and are somewhat less susceptible to some of the negative influences that crop up through the teen years.


     Crabtree has put together an excellent series about popular activities that can be used by both younger children and early teens. Written by people who have expertise in their field, the series takes into consideration the range of interests kids may have – from the relatively quiet and contemplative sport of fishing to the thrills and risk taking of skateboarding. The uncluttered white background on each page gives the reader the chance to study the colour photograph that illustrates the description of each step. Readers will be able to identify with the children who are demonstrating these activities - kids who belong to actual clubs or groups model the clear, precise descriptions of each step in the process to mastery. Every stage of skill development is addressed and will be useful for kids who are either at the beginner level or those who want to refine their abilities.


     As well as dispensing common sense, the text advises how to overcome problems in accomplishing difficult maneuvers.

Feeding is the key to successful angling. You must add enough to keep fish in your swim, but not too much so they get full. You want a swim of hungry fish looking for their next mouthful. Then you can catch them! (From How to Improve at Fishing.)

The Russian level takes many gymnasts a long time to master. To make it easier, try doing the tucked hold, which will mean your legs are bent, and then try and straighten them out and upward. (From How to Improve at Gymnastics.)

Highly Recommended.

Harriet Zaidman is a teacher-librarian in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

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