What more could you ask for, than a book stuffed like an overfilled rucksack with tips and tricks from one of the world's most celebrated adventurers from pitching a tent, leading a team, how to keep fit, tie knots, memorise facts, identify trees, stars and birds, as well as learning real survival skills like putting up a tent in the wild and stashing your breakfast in ground to keep it hot for the next morning?
This is the book for anyone who is a Scout, was a Scout, or wants to be a Scout.
Do Your Best is the handbook for every Scout, young and old. It's a warm-hearted book in which you'll learn all the skills the scouts use to do their best in everything they do and set themselves up to face life head-on and make a real difference in the world.
Not since Scouting for Boys, the seminal 1908 book by Robert Baden-Powell that sparked the global movement, has there been a single handbook for every Scout. Whoever you are it will help you step up, speak up, skill up and dream big.
Grab life with both hands, never give up and give life you your best shot with Do Your Best: How To Be a Scout. Stunningly typograhically designed and richly illustrated, this will be the perfect Christmas gift for the adventurer in your life -- young or old.
Chapters include: 'How to Survive'; 'How to give first aid'; 'How to protect our planet'; 'How to be organised'; 'How to be an adventurer'; 'How to be a camp cook'; 'How to live freely'; 'How to predict the weather'; 'How to be a team player'. And that's just for starters!
Bear Grylls has become known around the world as one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure. His journey to this acclaim started in the UK on the Isle of Wight, where his late father taught him to climb and sail. Trained from a young age in martial arts, Bear went on to spend three years as a soldier in the British Special Forces, serving with 21 SAS. It was here that he perfected many of the skills that his fans all over the world enjoy watching him pit against mother-nature. Despite a free-fall parachuting accident in Africa, where he broke his back in three places, and after enduring months in military rehabilitation, Bear went on to become one of the youngest ever climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Bear went on to star in Discovery Channel's Emmy nominated Man Vs Wild and Born Survivor TV series, which has become one of the most watched shows on the planet. Off screen, Bear has lead record-breaking expeditions, from Antarctica to the Arctic, which in turn have raised over £2.5million for children around the world. In recognition of his expertise and service, Bear was appointed as the youngest ever Chief Scout to 28 million Scouts worldwide, awarded an honorary commission as a Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal Navy, and has authored 10 books, including To My Sons.
This is the book for anyone who is a Scout, was a Scout, or wants to be a Scout.
Finding suitable with the book content, taking above line from the description itself.
There is so much to learn from this guide-book. Bear Grylls has always been my favourite celebrity. Watching him on television made me had a whole detailed discussion with friends for how one person is so much fit and fine. Man vs. Wild was the most favorite of all the telecasts I used to watch from History Channel, Nat Geo & Discovery Channel, combined. There was a complete picture shoot on how one must survive in the situations presented, however, nature never fails to surprise in real.
This is a complete guide on how one must travel through forests or say, anywhere in the lap of nature, naturally. I have read Robert Powell also, and he was so new to me on the subject then but equally enthusiastic and inpiring. Same here, Bear inspiring his admirers, yet again, but with words this time. There is everything in it. I never thought of making maps with the indication of compass but here it tells about it. There were symbols to put on map to remember what is what and where. There is step by step guide on knitting/tying knots, though same I have learnt once earlier from his show on tv also.
Bear mention with simple approach about how one must achieve their goals, by presenting a 'stacked venn' on different zones. There were instructions to follow, in case anything goes wrong.
Overall, It is a non-compact detailed guide on scouting, a manual on 'Do and Don't'.
Do Your Best by Bear Grylls really is a fantastic book for anyone who is a Scout, was a Scout, wants to be a Scout, is a parent of a Scout or is a Scout Leader or assists with groups.
This is a really interesting book and and also has some incredibly useful tips throughout. As a Section Leader I've managed to use some of the very cool facts and information over the last few weeks with my group to help with knots and the history of Scouting. There a lot more helpful hints and advice and and heaps more useful information too, including First Aid, how to cook outdoors, what to do in an emergency and even how to be a good friend. It will help all to understand what it is to be a Scout and what good Scouting looks like, but also how to have adventures and how to be you! I would find this a really good tool. Great for everyone's wellbeing!
Do your best is a very inspiring book and knowing that the Chief Scout, Bear Grylls has written it, this should encourage a few new readers and hopefully drive more people into Scouting. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. A great new modernisation to Baden-Powell's first book of Scouting (and not just for boys)!!
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton / Nicholas Brealey US for the opportunity to read and review this early copy. I'd love my own hard copy version so I can flick through and re-read and refer back to every now and again.
As a former scout/leader and who was awarded Wood Badge I couldn't help wanting to read this book. It's an excellent book, a sort of Scouting for Boys updated to our times and way of living Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Summary: "Do Your Best" is a versatile and informative book that offers more than just survival tips—it imparts life lessons and encourages personal growth. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking to reconnect with nature, acquire practical skills, and embark on a journey to become their best selves. Bear Grylls' book is a beacon of wisdom in an increasingly tech-addicted world, reminding us of the countless wonders that await us in the great outdoors.
Bear Grylls, the renowned adventurer and survivalist, has embarked on a mission to inspire and empower not just Scouts but people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace the great outdoors and become their best selves in his book. This comprehensive guide offers a wealth of information, practical advice, and inspirational messages, making it a must-read for nature enthusiasts and any seeking personal growth.
Grylls' book is a well-rounded resource that doesn't limit its appeal to Scouts alone. Readers of all backgrounds can benefit from the wealth of knowledge contained within its ~350 pages. The book is divided into three sections: "How to Be a Scout," "How to Be an Adventurer," and "How to Be You." These segments provide a structured approach to building essential life skills while fostering a deep connection with the natural world.
One of the standout features of the book is its emphasis on not just the "how," but also the "why." Grylls goes beyond practical tips and delves into the importance of mental attitude, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. It's a refreshing approach that goes beyond the basics and encourages readers to become better individuals, not just better outdoorsmen.
Readers will also discover intriguing stories about famous individuals who were once Scouts, such as mountaineers and astronauts, adding historical context and inspiration to the book. Additionally, Grylls provides a glimpse into the history of the Scouts and Jamborees, making this book an informative read even for those unfamiliar with the scouting world.
Throughout the book, Grylls balances his guidance with anecdotes and real-life examples that illustrate the values and virtues he discusses. This adds a relatable dimension to the content and reinforces the practicality of the advice given.
The final section, "Useful Stuff That Just Might Come in Handy," is a delightful surprise. It offers a diverse range of practical skills, from identifying cloud formations and predicting the weather to tying knots and measuring the height of a tree. These tidbits are not just for Scouts but for anyone curious about the outdoors and willing to embrace new knowledge.
Bear Grylls' "Do Your Best" is an inspirational and insightful guide suitable for readers of all ages. Whether you're a child, a teenager, or an adult, the book's universal message resonates with everyone. It provides a valuable refresher for those who may have learned such skills long ago, and a treasure trove of wisdom for those eager to acquire new knowledge.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
Bear Grylls, renowned adventurer and survivalist, has crafted a treasure trove of wisdom in "Do Your Best: How to Be a Scout." This book isn't just for Scouts; it's for anyone who seeks to embrace life head-on, learn practical skills, and make a real difference in the world.
A Backpack Full of Skills:
Imagine a rucksack overstuffed with tips and tricks—everything from pitching a tent to leading a team. Grylls covers it all: fitness, knot-tying, memorizing facts, identifying trees, stars, and birds. But this isn't a dry manual; it's a warm-hearted guide that encourages readers to step up and skill up.
Survival and Beyond:
Grylls shares real survival techniques, like setting up a tent in the wild and keeping breakfast warm overnight. Yet, beyond survival, he imparts life lessons. Whether you're a seasoned Scout or a curious soul, Grylls nudges you to dream big and grab life with both hands.
Chapters That Inspire:
Each chapter is a compass pointing toward adventure: - How to Survive: Practical tips for the wild. - How to Give First Aid: Life-saving skills. - How to Protect Our Planet: Environmental stewardship. - How to Be Organized: Essential for any endeavor. - How to Be an Adventurer: Fuel your spirit. - How to Be a Camp Cook: Because food matters. - How to Live Freely: Embrace the outdoors. - How to Predict the Weather: Nature's clues. - How to Be a Team Player: Collaboration matters.
Typography and Illustrations:
The book's stunning design—richly illustrated and thoughtfully laid out—makes it a perfect gift. Whether you're young or old, an adventurer at heart, or simply curious, Grylls' words leap off the page.
Echoes of Scouting's Legacy:
Not since Robert Baden-Powell's seminal "Scouting for Boys" in 1908 has there been a single handbook for every Scout. Grylls bridges that gap, infusing modern wisdom with the spirit of exploration.
"Do Your Best: How to Be a Scout" isn't just about knots and compasses; it's about resilience, camaraderie, and the thrill of the great outdoors. Grylls invites us to do our best—to face life's challenges head-on and emerge stronger. So, whether you're a Scout, an aspiring adventurer, or simply curious (as I was), grab this book and set forth on your own remarkable journey. 🌟
I've got two scouts in my house and I know what an amazing job their leaders do each week during their sessions. I jumped at the opportunity to review Do Your Best by Bear Grylls. Sure, this is written for Scouts but really, this book has a wealth of information that will be useful for everyone. There's Scout specific information and facts - who knew eleven out of the twelve people to walk on the moon were Scouts? I enjoyed learning about the history of the Scouts as well as reading about Bear's own time in the scouts. However, there's brilliant advice on mental health, how to be a team player, what you can do about climate change, how to give first aid, how to make breakfast and how to survive in the great outdoors, how to be a good friend, how to communicate and many, many other scenarios. Each chapter contains real life examples and situations to learn from, which really help to engage you as a reader. There's even emergency postcards in the appendix and a spare page you can rip out and light for a fire in an emergency.! The book really has thought of everything a Scout would ever need to know. It belongs on every coffee table and at every camp.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Bear Grylls, the very well-known adventurer, has here written a book in which he shares some of his expertise. The result is a title packed with information in its over 350 pages. Chapters include everything from How to be a Scout and How to be an Adventurer to How to be You. These sections are followed by one called Useful Stuff That Just Might come in Handy (indeed!).
The book opens with a welcome in which Bear signs off as “your friend.” He is truly welcoming as he encourages kids to use this book in whatever way and/or order makes sense to them. He gives permission to get the book dirty and messy. He hopes that this is a title that will be kept and used for many years. I love how he encourages kids to face life fearlessly and with a spirit of adventure.
This title is nicely illustrated and filled with information and inspiration. Even just a few pages in, learn all the things that can be done with a neckerchief. Learn how people have coped with adversity with Nelson Mandela as just one example.
I highly recommend this book. Even though it is for kids (possibly), there is much that could benefit an adult as well. For a start, take a look at the section on what makes a good leader.
Note: The title is connected with and references the Scouting program.
Many thanks to Nicholas Brealey/Hodder & Soughton U.S. for this title. All opinions are my own.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book. It definitely is not just fo the younger readers (8-18 yrs) of scouting age. There is so much in it that is of value to anyone of any age. Broken down into three sections 1. how to be a scout, 2. how to be an adventurer and finally 3. how to be you, what to do in an emergency and finally useful stuff that might come in handy. Each of these segments contain great information. Much of the information in section 1 is applicable to people of any age - how to be a team player, how to lead, how you can make a difference and how to protect the planet. Also throughout the book examples of real life examples are given demonstating the values and virtues being discussed.
Overall, I would happily recommend this book to pretty much anyone. For those of us who are older, it contains a great refresher of stuff we may have learned way back, different cloud formations, how to predict the weather, tie knots etc. I was particularly interest in how to measure the height of a tree. Because seriously, how could you not want that little nugget packed away in the back of your mind. Ready to pull out on the right occasion! Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC.
For all Scouts and adventurers out there this is an extremely useful handbook packed full of information. Chief Ambassador of World Scouting, Bear Grylls, has written and organised it in three main sections. Part one focuses on 'How to be a Scout' and explains the role of a Scout, the Scout promise, and the Scout motto as well as the history of the Scout movement initiated by Robert Baden-Powell. Part two is 'How to be an Adventurer' and guides the reader on e.g. How to survive, how to camp, how to tie knots etc. Part three is about 'How to Be You', how to achieve your goals, be a friend, be fit and healthy, etc. A couple of pages focus on testing/ discussing your Scouting knowledge by describing some difficult situations and asking 'What would you Do?' At the end is a section 'Useful Stuff That Just Might Come In Handy' including for example, a morse code chart, semaphore and world Scout Jamborees. This is not just about being a Scout, it's about living a good life and how to enjoy the outdoors. Thank you to Net Galley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Bear Grylls took the scout's promise to heart when writing this book. It is a treasure trove that is absolutely jam-packed with information applicable to not only scouts, but to anyone who enjoys adventuring in the great outdoors.
Throughout the book, Bear shares his knowledge and experience on a wide range of topics. From survival skills to navigating life itself, the pages are filled with practical knowledge and words of encouragement that will resonate with scouts and adventurers of all ages.
Bear’s writing style sets a tone of camaraderie and support. It is as if he is genuinely cheering the reader on as their make their way in life. It is a positively inspiring read!
Kind thanks to NetGalley and Nicholas Brealey US | Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced reading copy of Do Your Best: How to Be A Scout.
I adore and admire Bear Grylls, so I was intrigued by his book "Do Your Best: How to Be a Scout". I'm not a Scout myself, but I really enjoyed this very comprehensive and inclusive guide, that focuses not only on useful skills to have but also on how to be a good person. It evens tells us about this history of the Scouts (and the Jamborees, etc.), which is quite interesting—I didn't know much about that. I found it to be a great read no matter one's age; children, teens and adults alike will appreciate the message Bear Grylls delivers. I found this book to be really inspirational, and if I knew of children that age interested in nature activities, I wouldn't hesitate to gift them this book.
This book is a great resource for Scouts, and for those who like to spend time in the outdoors. For my family, it would have been more useful had there been a higher percentage of practical tips; a lot of it has to do with mental attitude. However, there are many good points that will be helpful to young people to become the best they can be. There are also a number of interesting stories about various famous people who were scouts such as the chapter about mountaineers. I also appreciated occasional references to Jesus and the Bible, but on the other hand, I noticed that there is an evolutionarily viewpoint expressed. I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
I read this book with my children, who are in the scouting community. We absolutely loved the way this book is presented and the different parts of how to be a.....
Part 1 was all about scouting and gave some great history behind the scouting movement.
Part 2 gave some great advice on being outdoors and ways in which you can use skills that are important to being an adventurer.
Part 3 was all about how to be more you, things that you can do with self belief and achieve your goals!
At the end of the book where some bits that may come in handy like morse code or emergency postcards.
I definitely think that we will be getting a copy of this book on publishing day as its everything you want a child to know and believe about themselves, you don't even need to be a scout to read this book or own a copy, I think its something that should be in every child's bag!
I was a Girl Scout for over a decade and I believe it was one of the most beneficial things I have done in my life. Scouting allowed me so many great experiences and taught me so many great lessons.
Reading through this book felt like coming home. I think every child should have the opportunity to be a scout.
This book goes into more detail and techniques than my Girl Scout troop ever did, but I think that has more to do with the Girl Scouts organization in general. I wish my troop had been as thorough as this book.
**Thank you, NetGalley and Nicholas Brealey US, Hodder & Stoughton for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.**
Fantastic! This book is in the true scout tradition really helpful for all. And this isn't only because of all the practical information, but mainly in the morality and guidelines, and thus the very appropriate title. Part 3 is the most important and contains lots of wisdom to live by, and it's summed up in the first pages of the book "You only get one shot at life", which is pure poetry and should be read by everyone every day.
I received this book as an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve been a fan of Bear since the show Man vs Wild.
This book appealed to me since my family has been involved in Boy Scouts of America for many years and I am the proud mother of an Eagle Scout.
I would highly recommend this book to any Scout (boy or girl) or any youth that needs some guidance or has an interest in adventure, the great outdoors, self improvement and being a good citizen.
My son is a huge fan of Bear and an enthusiastic member of the scout movement so I knew this would be right up his street!
Not only does it give survival tips and the expected instructions on how to light fires, tie knots and put up tents, more importantly it looks at ways of how to be a better person, for example by not giving up, protecting the planet and being a good friend
For anyone who is a scout or wants to be a scout, this book covers a myriad of scouting skills. It's divided up really well so children can dip in and out. Topics include scouts around the world, tools, knots, first aid, recipes to cook on a campfire, equipment, navigation, survival (eg build an emergency shelter), how to stay calm in a crisis, leadership skills, setting and achieving goals, and more!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This book would be a good read for anyone, not just scouts. There were some great tips and interesting tidbits of history. The drawings were helpful as well. Adults need to get out in nature as well since it seems adults are addicted to tech just like kids. I also like the thought provoking questions in the last chapter.
An excellent book to read, share and gift to any of the young people in your life. Not many have the opportunity to join the scouts and/ or follow the guidelines and programs involved with the scouts. With DO YOUR BEST, the information is educational and fun. My group of 8-10 year readers were all asking for a copy of their own. What better recommendation can you find?
As a want-to-be Scout, I really enjoyed this book with its feel-good, you-can-do-this firm belief that anyone can indeed muster up what it means to be a Scout. It's a beautiful book in itself, but filled with practical and resourceful advice, suggestions and ideas. I still need to work on my friendship knot for my boys but I'll get there. I can do this
This well written book is for everyone; it has inspiring templates, history lessons, and so many experiences. All this is woven into the instructions that are simple, easy to follow along with. There is plenty to learn in this book, all the while giving you the wisdom to help achieve your goals. Overall a delightful read, and one that’ll stay in my “read again” part of my bookshelf.
I enjoyed this book, which the author has managed to write in a fashion that would be accessible both to children of the target age for scouting through to adults interested in the positive aspects of scouting and the lessons it teaches people of all ages.
Read bits and pieces of this to prepare for booktalks. Not really a book you'd read straight through anyway. I won't do stars since I didn't read the whole book, but I think this is a cool idea!