Those lazy days when kids entertained themselves without the use of an electronic gadget are rare now.
But fortunately, a little nostalgia can bring it back.
Tin House Books has just re-released the 1958 book How to Do Nothing With Nobody All Alone by Yourself 
Smith wrote the book as a guide for children because he wanted them to learn to do things by themselves
He writes in the introduction, “If things were as they should be, another kid would be telling you how do do these things, or you’d be telling another kid. But since I’m the only kid left around who knows how to do these things – I’m forty-two years old, but about these things I’m still a kid – I guess it’s up to me.”
There are lots of inexpensive things for kids to do and make outlined in this book, from how to make different styles of paper airplanes to making a paddle wheel boat. The idea is that kids don’t need an adult to help them do these projects – only a few items from around the house and yard and a spare afternoon.
The book is full of illustrations done by Smith’s wife, Elinor Goulding Smith to give you an idea of how to complete the projects. Smith explains how to do the activities in much the same way as a friend or a slightly crazy uncle might.
What is entertaining, maybe even a bit refreshing about this book, is that some of the activities – such as how to make darts, slingshots and play mumbly-peg (yes, the game with a knife!) are so different than the more mundane (safe?) projects you see in modern children’s activity books.
Some of this book had some great ideas to share with my boys (when they’re older), some things I’m not sure I’m ready for them to learn about ever.
But it is a fun read for those who are a little nostalgic for the way things used to be.
Disclosure: Tin House Books provided me with a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The opinions reflected in my review are entirely my own, honest thoughts on this book, and were not edited by the book’s author, publisher or distributors. This post contains affiliate links, which help support this blog. Read my full disclosure policy here.
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