From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 6–Good game ideas abound in this handy resource. Starting off with what should be in everyone's game box, Ripoll next offers ways to decide who goes first, or is it. The meat of the book groups activities into sections such as solitaire, chance, ball, and jumping games. Childhood favorites like checkers and hopscotch are included, along with their less-familiar counterparts. Step-by-step instructions are clear. Number of players, country of origin, and materials needed are also included, as are game-board samples. However, suggested ages for each of the pastimes are not given. While a kindergartner would find Jam huay from Thailand enjoyable, Tabula from ancient Rome is for older audiences. Some games like The Jumping Dove from Spain, Jo jo from India and Bangladesh, and Edfáriz from North Africa require up to 20 players and will be especially practical for classrooms. Somewhat fuzzy yet colorful cartoon drawings display children having the best time participating. An index lists games by continent. This title expands on Camilla Gryski's Let's Play (Kids Can, 1998). A friendly, well-researched guide.–Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Gr. 3-5. This sturdy, large-format paperback provides a bountiful selection of games from around the world. Typically, a section begins with an introduction to a type of game, such as games of strength or ball games, followed by several variations, each game identified by its name and place of origin as well as the rules that govern play. Colorful and playful illustrations brighten every page, illustrating a single game, or showing children in different countries playing their own variants. Some of the games require simple equipment, such as balls, chalk, or a game board, while many others, such as versions of "Rock, Scissors, Paper," are complete in themselves. An index of games by continent (identifying countries as well), a bibliography, and pictures of brightly colored game boards that readers are told to photocopy and laminate round out the book. Originally published in Spain, this cheerful compendium provides an inviting introduction to children's games worldwide. Though it doesn't emphasize country of origin, Veronika Alice Gunter's The Ultimate Indoor Games Book is another rich source of games. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
"Playtime for kids is made especially fun." —Star-Telegram
"Entertaining games and activities that are easy to learn." —Columbus Parent
"This book is an excellent way to entertain and engage children." —Treasure Valley Family
"Filled with fascinating, easy-to-play games." —Scholastic Parent & Child
"Delightfully illustrated." —Family Times
"An impressive collection of traditional children’s pastimes...as well as a guide to hours of wholesome fun." —Mothering
"A great supplement for elementary and middle school library media centers." —Library Media Connection
"A comprehensive international collection of games." —Critical Care Nurse
About the Author
Oriol Ripoll is the author of several books for children published in Spanish. This is his first book published in English.
