100 Things to Do Before You Grow Up, by Lisa Gerry. National Georgaphic KIDS, Random House. 2014. $10.99 ages 7 and up

 "#19 Try another country's cuisine...Snacks in other countries vary just as much as main meals. If you were a kid in Japan, you might snack on sardine rice crackers at the movies. In Canada - forget ketchup! French fries are smothered in poutine, a mixture of gravy and cheese curds..."

One of the things that parents and caregivers complain about as our kids are about to embark on summer vacation is the fact that they are soon complaining that there is nothing to do! If you think that might happen to your family, I have the answer to your prayers.

This is the perfect book to get kids interested in new challenges, community change, and a great deal of fun! It's a to-do list for anyone who loves being active, getting involved, and helping in a variety of ways. When they get older, there might not be the same encouragement to test the waters, and try tackling some of the suggestions made.

#1 is the best way to get started: 'Do something nice for someone but don't tell them you did it.'

There are 100 challenges and I am not going to share them all with you, or you won't get out there and get this book that is chock full of amazing things to do this summer. The suggestions are varied, and challenging at times. But, don't let that stop you from trying.

There is so much for you  to learn as you move page to page, or skip from one place to another. When mountain climbing is suggested, it is followed by expert tips from Jordan Romero, the youngest person ever to climb Mount Everest (he was 13!). He is no longer content to have climbed the seven summits, now he is on a course to climb the highest peak in each of the fifty United States.

Much easier than Jordan's quest would be to ride a roller coaster or a horse, to try yoga, or even host a board game night.  It's a book meant to challenge kids to get out there and try something they might not have not tried before, and includes writing, reading, cooking, conquering fears, and so much more. How many can they complete before it's time to return to school? Which ones might work while on a family vacation to get everyone involved?

Check them off as you go, and then add to this already fascinating and entertaining list! Take your camera, or your cell phone so that you can keep a running list of everything you accomplish. It is sure to be eye-opening for many!

#56 provides grand advice for each and every one of us: 'Make a list of 10 things you like about yourself (then read it when you're feeling down.).

Now, get out there and have some fun while learning so much!