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Magic Cat Publishing

The Handbook of Forgotten Skills: Timeless Fun for a New Generation

£17.99

Beautifully Illustrated
Joyfully Screen-Free
Made To Treasure

Turn back the clock to discover the simple pleasures of hands-on living

Step into a world where cold lemonade defines summer afternoons, evenings gather around crackling campfires, and cosy winter nights are wrapped in warm handmade blankets. This beautifully illustrated handbook invites children to discover more than thirty timeless skills that connect them to simpler, more mindful ways of living and playing.

From practical life skills like sewing on buttons and mending socks to delightful pastimes such as skipping stones and making paper aeroplanes, each fully-illustrated chapter combines clear, step-by-step instructions with fascinating historical context. Children will discover that lemonade once helped fight the plague in Paris, and that paper aeroplanes became popular during World War II when traditional toys weren't available.

Created by outdoor educator Natalie Crowley and craft enthusiast Elaine Batiste, with charming illustrations by Chris Duriez, this collection celebrates the satisfaction that comes from making, fixing, and creating with your own hands. Whether learning to use a compass, grow tomatoes, or wrap packages with brown paper and string, children develop both practical abilities and the confidence that comes from mastering real-world skills in our increasingly digital age.

Suitable for children aged 7 years and up

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Delivery & Returns

Ships from United Kingdom
Tracked delivery: 2-4 days £3.95
30 day returns
Free delivery on orders over £50

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Further Information

What's Included: 112-page hardback book with full-colour step-by-step illustrations and historical context for more than 30 traditional skills.

Key Skills Featured:

Outdoor skills: Skip stones, use a compass, build campfires, read maps
Domestic skills: Sew on buttons, mend socks, wrap packages with string
Creative skills: Make paper aeroplanes, create natural dyes, basic quilting
Growing skills: Cultivate tomatoes, understand plant care
Traditional games and activities for unplugged fun
Historical facts and stories behind each skill

Publisher: Magic Cat Publishing

Publication Date: March 2023

Critical Acclaim: Named one of The Telegraph's best children's books of 2023; "This lavishly illustrated and inspiring book will help readers step away from the frenzy of modern life" - The Bookseller; 4-star review from The Telegraph.

About the Authors: Natalie Crowley is a California-based teacher and outdoor educator who creates nature-based curriculum for students. Her blog Nature Natalie helps educators connect children with the outdoors. Elaine Batiste runs the blog 'LaineeMakes' covering travel, food, art, photography and clothing, much of which she makes herself. Together they bring expertise in both education and traditional crafts.

About the Illustrator: Chris Duriez is a Scottish children's illustrator and printmaker based in Cambridge. Having worked as both an animator and primary school teacher, he brings authentic understanding of how children learn. His warm, detailed illustrations make even complex skills feel approachable and achievable.

Product Specifications

ISBN: 9781913520847

Authors: Natalie Crowley and Elaine Batiste

Illustrator: Chris Duriez

Publisher: Magic Cat Publishing

Format: Hardback

Pages: 112

Dimensions: 27 x 21cm

Publication Date: March 2023

Age Range: 7 years and up

Why we like it

In our rush towards digital everything, we've forgotten how satisfying it can be to tie a proper knot, grow something from seed, or fix something that's broken. These aren't just skills - they're invitations to slow down, use our hands, and connect with the physical world around us. It's the perfect antidote to screen time, and the historical nuggets make every skill feel like a fascinating story.

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Rated Excellent on Reviews.io

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Magic Cat Publishing

Founded by Rachel Williams and Jenny Broom, Magic Cat creates beautiful children's books that gently weave important ideas into engaging stories. Winner of Independent Publisher of the Year 2025, they focus on kindness, togetherness, friendship, inclusivity, and care for our planet through storytelling.

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