40 Knots to Know: Hitches, Loops, Bends and Bindings

Children's Literature

Learn the "Fab Five" of the knot world and you'll be able to accomplish more things than you even imagined. You'll be able to make an escape rope using your sheets and bedspread, make a sling from a bandanna, tie a rope leash to your dog's collar, fix a broken shoelace, or tie down gear to the roof of a car. The knot making is clearly illustrated and easy to follow. The young knot student will be able to master several knots with some practice and patience. Other more complicated techniques will provide skills to lash logs together, hitch ropes to objects, make loops or join ropes together. A list of knots required for various Boy and Girl Scout projects is provided for the reader. 2002, Williamson Publishing,
— Barbara Youngblood

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-Scouts, campers, anglers, and sailors are just some of the people who will find this title useful. Introductory pages list and define types of knots and terminology, and a quiz helps readers decide what type of knot to use for specific kinds of tasks. The chapter on "Fab Five Knots" notes uses and provides directions for square, two half hitches, figure-eight, bowline, and sheet bend knots, one of which is likely to be appropriate for any situation in which a knot is needed. Practicing tying, even in the dark, is continually emphasized. The step-by-step directions and diagrams with directional arrows are helpful. Stetson's informal writing style sprinkled with comments about how and when she has used the knots will appeal to readers. The table of contents and index will guide those readers who already know the name of the knot they need; otherwise, it may take some digging to find what coil, bind, hitch, loop, or lash to use for a particular situation. All in all, a solid addition.-Michael McCullough, Byron-Bergen Middle School, Bergen, NY Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.