"The Handbook of Forgotten Skills: Timeless Fun for a New Generation" by Elaine Batiste
Review by Robyn Zondervan, Division Manager at Forest Heights Library
“Have you ever wondered what life was like before the internet?” are the first words in this delightful guide to forgotten skills. Written for older children, all will enjoy learning from chapters such as “Build a Campfire,” “Fix a Flat Bicycle Tire” and “Make Refrigerator Pickles.” 
Each chapter begins with a short history of the skill. For example, did you know that lemonade traces its roots back to medieval Egypt and that it helped fight the plague in Paris? The step-by-step guide to making lemonade from scratch follows with easy-to-use instructions.
If performing a coin trick, skipping stones or mending a sock piques your interest, the “More to Explore” section gives suggestions for related forgotten skills to try. The book ends by encouraging children to explore more forgotten skills by connecting with older adults: “What was your favourite thing to do on a sunny afternoon when you were my age?”
“The Handbook of Forgotten Skills” encourages children to learn new skills while experiencing the satisfaction of making things with their hands. With a background in education, the author's instructions are clear and well written. Duriez beautifully illustrates each page and diagram, thoughtfully incorporating diversity throughout. This book would be a beautiful and practical addition to any bookshelf!