How to be a kid

Sure, multiplication tables and state capitals are useful, but there are other important kid skills that "no adult will ever teach you," according to

"How to Do a Belly Flop" by Marc Tyler Nobleman and Dave and Joe Borgenicht (Avon, $5.99).

With this book, which promises to teach the "art of outdoor adventure," there's no excuse to be bored this summer. Whether your goal is to run a booming lemonade stand or amaze friends with card tricks and disappearing coins, "How to Do a Belly Flop" gives step-by-step instructions for dozens of activities that make any occasion fun.

Once you master all the skills in "How to Do a Belly Flop," try "How to Give a Wedgie" by the same authors. They promise that you'll forget tired old

board games

in favor of

learning how

to reach maximum

swing

height, win

thumb-wresting

matches and pop wheelies.

- Jamie Livengood