By the Editors of Klutz, Klutz, $16.99, 118 pages
Many kids have dreams of ruling the world, but it can be a lot of hard work. That is where the newest Klutz book can help – Rule the World: 119 Shortcuts to Righteousness before you assume your reign and take a quiz to determine your power style (President, Philosopher, or Evil Emperor). Create a motto, make an ID card, and rename the people and pets in your life. Your dog becomes your noble steed.
Klutz books are amazingly creative. There are fill-in-the-blank activities like renaming everything after yourself and a page to practice your regal autograph. Punch out a pair of glasses to make yourself look smarter. If you have a monocle, that will work too. Kids will love the chance to try on beards, sideburns, moustaches, and eyebrows, all of which instantly add an air of wisdom or mystery. Rulers eat fancy food, so learn how to ask mom for your favorites in a royal way. A bowl of cornflakes becomes tossed maize flakes swimming in cow secretions.
This book makes a great gift for the power hungry kid in your life. They might just award you the Best Human Ever certificate for your efforts.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Franklin