Knots for Kids

Teaching kids essential knot-tying skills has never been more fun or accessible with this comprehensive, fully illustrated guide from outdoor expert Buck Tilton.

Perfect for scouts, campers, and young outdoor enthusiasts, this step-by-step handbook helps children master fundamental knots and rope skills with clear instructions designed for both right and left-handed learners. From basic knots to advanced hitches, kids will learn:

• How to choose the right rope and knot for any situation
• Essential knots every young adventurer should know
• Tips and tricks for tying knots correctly every time
• Safety guidelines and best practices for outdoor activities

Written by veteran outdoor skills expert Buck Tilton, this engaging guide makes learning knots fun and accessible for children. Whether preparing for camping trips, scout activities, or backyard adventures, Knots for Kids gives young readers the confidence to tie knots like the experts.

Start your child's outdoor skills journey today with this essential guide to knot tying and rope craft.

“NetGalley Review: 5 Stars"Knots for Kids is a comprehensive, yet digestible, book with clear, visual instructions on tying a large variety of knots. My son is a scout so I thought I knew a lot about knots, but this book has made me realize I need to step up my den mom game. This is a must-have reference book for children's collections that would also be a valuable addition to scout or other outdoor enthusiast collections." -- Leslie Holland, Librarian”

NetGalley Review: 4 stars

Last updated on 07 Jan 2022

"I have been looking for a book like this!! Detailed written instructions, but also step-by-step, clear photos. I think my daughter will enjoy this both with a parent and independently. She's a knot-lover and a budding history buff, so I can't wait to share the fun facts too.

Grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review."

--Katie Morroni, Consumer Reviewer

NetGalley Review: 4 Stars

"I knew there were lots of knots, I had no idea how many there were AND the specific applications when they would come in handy. Buck Tilton does an excellent job explaining how to make each knot for novices like myself (and children too!) The pictures use two different colored ropes when applicable, and walks through each step. I tried a few, but definitely need practice with the harder ones. If you want to pick up a handy skill, this book is for you! I am grateful to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review."

--Jessica Doney, Educator

NetGalley Review: 5 Stars

"Knots for Kids is a comprehensive, yet digestible, book with clear, visual instructions on tying a large variety of knots. My son is a scout so I thought I knew a lot about knots, but this book has made me realize I need to step up my den mom game. This is a must-have reference book for children's collections that would also be a valuable addition to scout or other outdoor enthusiast collections." -- Leslie Holland, Librarian

--Leslie Holland, Librarian

NetGalley Review: 5 Stars

"This is a great book for kids (or adults!) to learn how to tie different knots. It was helpful to me; I wish I'd had this book as a kid!"

--Janette Forman, Educator

NetGalley Review: 5 Stars

"This is such a great educational book for kids teaching them the history of different knots, what they're used for, fun facts about knots, their history and usage, and also picture tutorials! I think this would be great for outdoorsy, adventurous, and crafty kids!"

--Katie Freddino, NetGalley Reviewer

NetGalley Review: 5 Stars

"This non-fiction How-To book is perfect for novices, intermediate and advanced knot-tyers. The photos carefully depict a step-by-step infromational guide to tying each kind of knot, in addition to some descriptions of how to use these knots. There are historical details about knots, references to other famous books about knots, and even information about joining an organization of knot-tying enthusiasts.

I think this book will do well with anyone who likes to camp, craft, or fix their own materials. In a time when technology and comercialism have us believing that there's a solution that can be bought or researched, there is something comforting about learning techniques that have been in use throughout history.

The book also touches on the art of macrame, and the knots that are used for decoration. The illustrations were bright and cheery, and inspired me to try my hand at some of the easier ones. I highly recommend this book for all ages!"

--Carolyn Cracraft, Librarian

Buck Tilton teaches at Central Wyoming College and has authored more than 1300 magazine articles and more than 40 books, including Knack Knots You Need, Knack Hiking & Backpacking, and Knack First Aid. His many books for FalconGuides, including the award-winning Wilderness First Responder, have sold more than 300,000 copies combined.

Experienced backpacker, camper, outdoor chef, and artist, Christine Conners is the author of the nationally popular Lipsmackin' outdoor cookbook series. If you'd like to see more of her work across other mediums, visit Christine at

Knots for Kids delivers relevant, expertly curated content perfect for kids. Outdoor skills expert and veteran author Buck Tilton provides readers with accessible information on choosing the best knot for the situation, tying different types of common knots and hitches, selecting the best kinds of rope, and much more. With step-by-step instructions (for both righties and lefties!) on tying the most used and useful knots, this is the perfect book to teach children how to tie knots like the experts.

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