A paean to play from an award-winning poet and a New York Times best-selling illustrator.  The trappings of childhood change from generation to generation, but there are some timeless activities that every kid loves. Marilyn Singer and LeUyen Pham celebrate these universal types of play, from organized games such as hide-and-seek and hopscotch to imaginative play such as making mud soup or turning a stick into a magic wand. Lyrical poems and bold illustrations capture the energy of a group of children in one neighborhood as they amuse themselves over the course of a summer day. At a time when childhood obesity rates are soaring and money is tight for many families, here is a book that invites readers to join in the fun of active play with games that cost nothing.

Marilyn Singer is the author of more than one hundred books for children, including the Tallulah books. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, and Washington, Connecticut. Visit her online at marilynsinger.net.

LeUyen Pham is a New York Times bestselling illustrator who has created many books for children, including the Caldecott Honor–winning Bear Came Along. She lives with her family in San Francisco, California.

Categories

• Juvenile Nonfiction / Poetry
• Juvenile Nonfiction / Games & Activities
• Juvenile Nonfiction / Lifestyles / City & Town Life
• Juvenile Nonfiction / Sports & Recreation

Product Details

ISBN: 9780547124933
ISBN-10: 0547124937
Publisher: Clarion Books
Publication Date: February 28th, 2012
Pages: 40
Language: English

Recommended Reading Level

Minimum Age: 4
Maximum Age: 7
Minimum Grade Level: P
Maximum Grade Level: 3

"A real strength of the collection is its engagement of the imagination. . . . A thrilling integration of verse and image, motivating all to serious fun." --Kirkus , starred review   "From running through sprinklers to blowing bubbles to catching fireflies, this book has 18 short poems about active, imaginative play in summer weather. . . . An appealing book." --School Library Journal   "Fun for sharing and acting out many times over." --Booklist   "This could be effective in an April unit celebrating both spring and National Poetry Month, and it could also give kids some much needed memories of warmth and sunshine during the winter--or even provide them with the impetus to get off the couch and get outside." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Singer captures the inherent exultations of being young and carefree in the outdoors. . . .Well worth the exercise." --Kirkus Online "Pham's grainy mixed-media scenes could take place anytime in the past 50 years, emphasizing the timeless (some might say lost) art of outdoor activity."--Publishers Weekly
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