Sci-fry
The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science: 50 Experiments for Daring Young Scientists by Sean Connolly. 
Let me just . . . ugh! . . . wrestle this book out of my 10-year-old’s . . . argh! . . . hands. This latest entry into the “blow stuff up” category is nigh un-put-downable. Toss a copy at a dad, wait a few minutes, and voila! Instant fun and stealth learning. And it’s not really dangerous (even the make-your-own-microwave-oven part)! Best for ages 9–12. $13.95; Workman.
XX marks the spot
Just Dad and Me: The Fill-in, Tear-out, Fold-up book of Fun for Girls and their Dads by Stacy Peterson. Here’s a great Dad’s Day gift from a girl: A sit-down-with-me activity book just packed with cool interactive and cooperative project
s just for daughters and dads. Once again, American Girl hits it pitch-perfect; this book is as tactile, colorful and inviting as it can be. Trade skills, compare preferences, play cool games, and more. Best for ages 9–12. $10.95; American Girl.
Pretty daddy!
Tea Parties for Dads: A Crash Course in Daughters for New Fathers by Jenna McCarthy. Get your unicorn on with this handy primer on all thinks pinkalicious. What is up with fairies? And why must there always be sparkles? Dads will love — and probably need — this gentle, clever guide to understanding the little-girl psyche. Because, all jokes aside, it really does matter to little girls that their daddies “get” them! For adults. $12.95; Sasquatch.
Walk like an Egyptian
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. Got a boy between 8–12? Get this book! Here’s the first in a new series by the author of the wildly popular Percy Jackson and the Olympians books. This time, intrepid kids battle gods from Ancient Egypt. Pharoah-ific! $17.99; Hyperion.
Very lippy
That is some manly lip balm ya got there, buddy! Hey, skip the shimmer and get right to the SPF 15 with this XY-approved balm just for boys. Blamtastic is all-natural; boy flavors include Alien Invasion, Brain Squeeze and Grand Slam Blam. Packaged with humor and a clever clip sleeve for easy findability. $4.99 on amazon.com; blamtastic.com.
