Check It Out: There’s a tool for every job and book for every tool

The only thing I’d like to change about this book is the title: replace “Man” with “Person.” Because tool appreciation is not only ageless, it’s gender-free. So, no matter your gender, if your tool collection is sadly underdeveloped, read this helpful guide and make a shopping list.

• “The All New Illustrated Guide to Everything Sold in Hardware Stores” by Steve Ettlinger.

Here’s another information-packed guide you might want to include in your I-need-to-up-my-tool-game reading list. This book focuses on hardware, but if you’re using tools, you’re probably using hardware. When it comes to nails, screws, nuts and bolts, onesize-fits-all doesn’t apply, so when you’re faced with a long aisle of multisized fasteners, the choices can be daunting. Boost your knowledge and confidence by spending some time with this hardware-centric book.

• “Batarangs and Grapnels: The Science Behind Batman’s Utility Belt” by Agnieszka Biskup.

Batman can’t be Batman without help. Yes, he has Robin, but alas, Robin has his limits. What does Batman do? He uses special Batman tools to improve his superhero performance. Get the scoop on Batman tools in this entertaining children’s book (also fun for grown-ups).

• “Better Than New: Lessons I’ve Learned from Saving Old Homes (and How They Saved Me)” by Nicole Curtis.

Maybe you’re more of an armchair handy-person. I get it. There’s something satisfying about watching instead of doing when it comes to home improvement (maybe because someone else is doing the hard work). Whatever the reason, Nicole Curtis’s show “Rehab Addict” which airs on the DIY Network is definitely satisfying, and now she’s written a book about her life and renovation experiences. Watch the show, read the book.

• “Let’s Go to the Hardware Store” by Anne F. Rockwell.

Little ones will be able to follow along as two siblings accompany their father to the hardware store so he can pick up some tools. Turns out their house is a fixerupper, and there’s a lot to do. Many tools are illustrated and named, so youngsters (aka future tool users) will be able to learn quite a bit about individual tools. When the little boy says, “Daddy said he could fix it all if he had some new tools,” I kind of expected to turn the page and find Mommy rolling her eyes. She doesn’t, but she’s probably waiting until Daddy leaves for the hardware store.

• “Routers and Router Tables” by Fine Woodworking.

Out of all the tools in the wide, wide world of tools, why would I choose a book about routers? Well, I came across this title while searching for books about tools, and I was surprised to see that all four of the library’s copies are checked out. Four copies. Apparently routers and router tables are hot commodities in our communities. Get the router lowdown by checking out this very tool-specific handbook.

• “Tools Rule!” by Aaron Meshon.

I’m the kind of person who attaches personalities to inanimate objects. This is one of the many reasons why I enjoy picture books so much. Imagining my hammer and pipe wrench chatting with each other needs to be kept in check when I’m “adulting,” but reading a picture book about talking tools who create a team to build a shed gives me permission to imagine (and personify my own tools) as much as I want. Filled with cute, cartoonlike illustrations, silly tool jokes and a super positive message about teamwork, this charmer of a read will delight tool fans of all ages.

Jan Johnston is the collection development coordinator for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. Email her at readingforfun@fvrl.org.