Get All Tied Up: Tying Knots

Children's Literature - Nicole Peterson Davis

Throughout history knots have been used as a way to secure things. Some Egyptian paintings contain pictures of knots. One early Greek legend tells of an oracle which told the people that their future king would enter the country on a wagon. A man named Gordius entered town with his oxcart that had been secured by using a knot. Besides having an important history, knots can be quite useful. There are several different types of knots, and each knot serves its own purpose. One chapter in this book teaches how to tie ten basic knots. The step by step written guides are augmented by the diagrams in the book. The directions are simple enough for someone who has never tried the knot before to succeed. After mastering the skill of tying the knots, the last chapter in the book teaches how to lash objects together using rope and knots. This book is a great addition to the series, "creative adventure guides" that gives the history of a craft or idea before explaining how to do it. This book could be used with outdoor youth groups, scout troops, sailing groups, or a basic survival class. Reviewer: Nicole Peterson Davis