The following is a sampling of titles about play! These titles can be found in three sections of the library: Juvenile Non-Fiction, Parent and Teacher Collection, and Adult Non-Fiction. All of these titles are organized numerically by their Dewey Decimal number in their respective locations. JNF, or Juvenile Non-Fiction, is located in the children’s department. P/T, or Parent and Teacher Collection, is also located in the children’s department near the circulation desk. NF, or Non-Fiction, is located downstairs in the adult department.
If you would like further reading suggestions, or need help locating a title, just ask! We’re here to help!
JNF: Juvenile Non-Fiction
J 649.5 WIL 2000 – The Baby’s Game Book (Isabel Wilner) – Rhymes, illustrations, and instructions present a variety of simple games to play with babies, including foot tapping, knee rides, finger play, peek-a-boo, and tickle games.
J 745.594 GIL 2011 – The Kids’ Winter Fun Book: Homespun Adventures for Family Fun (Claire Gillman) – The Kids’ Winter Fun Book is your idea-packed guide for fun in the winter months.
J 792 KOH 1999 – Making Make-Believe: Fun Props, Costumes, and Creative Play Ideas (Mary Ann Kohl) – This informative text provides insight into the importance of drama in education, while also provided ideas and examples.
J 793 CAS 2001 – Winter Day Play! Activities, Crafts, and Games for Indoor and Out (Nancy Castaldo) – Provides dozens of ideas for Winter activities in such categories as Fun and games, Winter critters, and Winter holidays and festivals.
J 793 STO 1998 – The Big Book of Games (Dorothy Stott) – Provides directions for playing a variety of indoor and outdoor games, party games, car games, and singing games.
J 793.4 BRO 1987 – Play Rhymes (Marc Tolon Brown) – A collection of twelve play rhymes with illustrations to demonstrate the accompanying finger plays or physical activities.
J 793.4 NEL 1975 – Movement Games for Children of All Ages (Esther Nelson) – Discusses the importance of physical fitness with ideas for movement games.
J 793.4 STE 2001 – Little Hands Fingerplays & Action Songs: Seasonal Activities & Creative Play for 2 to 6 Year Olds (Emily Stetson) – A collection of hand games that can be played with children.
J 796 GO 2012 – Go Out and Play! Favorite Outdoor Games from Kaboom! – A guide to more than seventy classic and contemporary playground games.
P/T: Parent and Teacher Collection
155.41 TO 2007 P/T – To Play or Not to Play: Is It Really a Question? (Christine Ferguson and Ernest Dettore) – Numerous experts in the field of child development make arguments for creative play.
305.231 HIR 2003 P/T – Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn – and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less (Kathy Hirsh-Pasek) – Discusses the new formula for exceptional parenting.
305.21 MIL 1999 P/T – Simple Steps: Developmental Activities for Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year Olds (Karen Miller) – Provides information on various aspects of child development for parents and teachers.
372.21 SCH 2003 P/T – The Complete Book of Activities, Games, Stories, Props, Recipes, and Dances (Pamela Byrne Schiller) – Lists a variety of activities for early childhood educators.
649.122 SIL 2000 P/T – 125 Brain Games for Toddlers and Twos: Simple Games to Promote Early Brain Development (Jackie Silberg) – Provides a plethora of educational games to play with toddlers.
649.5 ROG 2001 P/T – Mister Rogers’ Play Time: Encourage Your Child to Create, Explore, and Pretend with Dozens of Easy-to-Do Activities (Fred Rogers) – In classic Mister Rogers style, this helpful book includes information on inspiring creative play.
790.191 BEN 1991 P/T – 365 TV-Free Activities You Can Do With Your Child (Steven Bennett) – Lists activities families can do together that don’t involve a tv.
790.192 CON 2007 P/T – Unplugged Play: No Batteries, No Plugs, Pure Fun (Bobbi Conner) – Provides ideas and insights for “unplugged” play.
793.019222 LAN 1993 P/T – Games Babies Play: From Birth to Twelve Months (Vicki Lansky) – This helpful title contains information on infant development in regards to play.
NF: Adult Non-Fiction
372.11 PAL 1992 – You Can’t Say You Can’t Play (Vivian Gussin Paley) – Discusses the teacher and student relationship in regards to fostering play and healthy interaction.
Q 649 BRI 1992 – Montessori Play & Learn: a Parents’ Guide to Purposeful Play from Two to Six (Lesley Britton) – This teaching aid discusses the role of play in preschool education.
649.1 CAR 1990 – Who’s Calling the Shots? How to Respond Effectively to Children’s Fascination with War Play and War Toys (Nancy Carlsson-Paige) – Discusses the psychological aspects of war toys and how to respond successfully.
649.1 PLE 2008 – The Secret to Play: How to Raise Smart, Healthy, Caring Kids from Birth to Age 12 (Ann Pleshette Murphy) – This informative book from F.A.O. Schwartz discusses the importance of play in child development.
649.5 COH 2001 – Playful Parenting: a Bold New Way to Nurture Close Connections, Solve Behavior Problems, and Encourage Children’s Confidence (Lawrence Cohen) – Dr. Cohen describes a new parenting technique that revolves around play.
649.5 H198 – Game Plans for Children: Raising a Brighter Child in 10 Minutes a Day (Jeanne Hanson) – Discusses how to incorporate educational games into homeschooling.
649.5 R631– Mister Rogers’ Playbook: Insights and Activities for Parents and Children (Fred Rogers) – Provides creative activities that parents can do with their children.
649.5 Sp26 – Learningames for Threes and Fours: a Guide to Adult/Child Play (Joseph Sparling) – Contains information about child development and games appropriate for preschoolers.