I suppose it could be argued that giving your kid Mad Science to read might nudge you into the Bad Dad category. But despite the warnings – and the fact that many of the how-tos are not detailed enough to follow at home – many of Gray’s projects can be done safely with younguns around. Gray actually enlists the help of his children Addie, Connor and Emma in several experiments. I’ve even done a version of Gray’s “making hydrogen” experiment with my kids — and I have no chemistry expertise whatsoever.

The attention to detail will delight "makers" and nerd readers of all ages. I love the little skull and crossbones death-icons on pages where experiments could lead to loss of life.