The Daring Book for Girls

The Daring Book for Girls by Andrea Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz is a book of games, activities and adventures for 9 year olds.

What happens

This is one to open when your child wants to find something to do. There are practical ideas alongside things to read about, with subjects ranging from basketball to secret notes and friendship bracelets.

It begins by putting together the sort of kit an adventurer might want. A notebook is useful for recording discoveries. A bandana can wrap something up or keep hair out of the way.

Then patience appears on the list too. It's a nice little surprise among all the things you could pack. You don't have to get everything right the first time, which is a welcome thought before trying something new.

If your reader enjoys collecting ideas, there's plenty to browse. They might stop at one activity or carry on until a completely different subject catches their eye. It doesn't need to be read from beginning to end like a story.

The basketball section gives you a feel for the approach. It goes through the different players' jobs and explains passing, shooting and dribbling. There are tricks to try once the basics feel more familiar.

The voice is encouraging and quite chatty. It talks about the fun of having a go as well as the things you need to know. Some of the ideas are for being outside, while others would fit a day spent indoors with a friend.

It's worth knowing that the opening equipment list includes a pocketknife and rope. This isn't a book where every suggestion is something a child should try alone. Some activities need an adult to decide what is suitable and help with the equipment.

You'll also notice an American setting and vocabulary in places. The sports discussion refers to American schools and teams. That doesn't stop a curious reader enjoying the ideas, but it may be different from the school life they know.

What to read next

For a child who likes books they can keep returning to for another idea, the mix is much of the appeal. If they'd like a story about making something next, Tom Gates Best Book Day Ever (so far) is in the library. His homemade costume doesn't quite go to plan.