This book definitely felt and looked like other Youtube-inspired titles - lots of flashy squares of color, highlighted text, sort of psychedelic drawings of people, and a definite plethora of exclamation marks. Before we ever get to the builds, readers will hear from Rainn Wilson, then get a lengthy introduction from Adam Ward about his childhood and how he initially got into - and then returned - to Lego. This is filled with photographs of him and his family, and he talks about his heritage as a biracial, Black-Jewish kid a little as well.
There's a section introducing Lego concepts, how to use the book, and the difficulty and durability legends. There's a few challenges and quizzes, and then the actual builds begin. The projects are divided into several categories and each has an introduction with pictures of the finished creation, an estimation of pieces needed, and the difficulty and fragility of the item. On the next spread, there's a detailed list of pieces used to build, numbered instructions with notes, and then a finishing note on how you can "remix" the project and adapt it. Between each project is a page of trivia, tips, and other minutia, from where to find free or cheap Lego to how to fill a cup at a Lego store Pick-a-brick wall. Then there's suggestions on dealing with frustration, Ward's favorite minifigs, and more.
The book ends with an inspirational, "The lessons Lego taught me" epilogue, a "brickabulary," acknowledgements, and index.
The writing style isn't to my personal taste - it's very... enthusiastic? I know, that makes me sound like a total Grinch and I kind of am! However, the important point is that when Adam Ward and his Youtube show are no longer popular (assuming they still are now) this will still be an awesome Lego book. Even if you don't aspire to decorate your home with Lego creations (I know people who do, and people who don't. It's all cool.) I'm pretty sure even I could make the Lego creations and I really liked how he emphasizes how important it is to make it and adapt it yourself. I also liked that he included more "girly" Lego as things that he likes and enjoys - it's not all space fighters and tanks. The emphasis here is definitely on building skills and imagination.
The binding isn't particularly strong, so I'd recommend buying a backup copy (or two) and while this will be great just as an addition to your Lego creation books it's also a great blueprint for a program series. It makes me think maybe I should try, again, to get all our library Lego sorted into categories...
Verdict: A must-buy for any library that carries Lego instruction books, holds Lego programming, or has Lego enthusiasts. In other words, everyone must buy this book!
ISBN: 9780593097496; Published December 2020 by Penguin Workshop; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library; Added extra copies to my order list for next year.
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