Our town has a lovely little independent book store and this week they hosted an author's event for J. J. Ferrer's new non-fiction title, The Art of Stone Skipping and Other Fun Old-Time Games. Ms. Ferrer took a small group of kids to the sidewalk in back of the store so they could learn a game or two.
"Wheelbarrow" relays...
Finger Jousting...
Crab races...
Watching Eli reminded me of how great some of these old-fashioned games really are. I happily bought the book and think it will give us a good bit of summer fun. In fact, I wish I'd had this book back when I was doing programs for kids and hanging out with a passel of nieces/nephews on the weekends. The book offers games divided into sections, so it is easy to find something for kids to do solo, with a partner, or in a group. Ferrer gathered quiet puzzles and card games as well as romping outdoor fun. There is even a chapter on games for car trips. I feel like I have an arsenal now for birthday parties and playdates but also things I can teach Eli to ward off hot summer afternoon laments of "Mama, there's nothing to do!" In addition, I think the simple layout and appealing drawings in the book will mean that someday when Eli is reading well, he can pick it up and find fun things to do himself.
(Pssst! Jane Brocket is another wonderful author to know about if you're looking for fun things to do with kids. Click HERE for a post about her books.)
This post is linked to The Magic Onions website's Friday Nature Table as well as Creative Friday on Natural Suburbia.
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