""A handbook about the importance of physical play for childhood development, including instructions for 45 illustrated activities parents and kids can enjoy together."-- Provided by publisher.

"For readers of Inside of a Dog and The Soul of an Octopus, a fascinating, charming, and revelatory look at the science behind why animals play that shows how life--at its most fundamental level--is playful. In Kingdom of Play, critically acclaimed science writer David Toomey takes us on a fast-paced and entertaining tour of playful animals and the scientists who study them. From octopuses on Australia's Great Barrier Reef to meerkats in the Kalahari...

Illustrations and rhyming text follow a brother and sister and their friends as they play lively games of good guys and bad guys, portraying pirates, cowboys, and more

There is nothing sweeter than arriving at the playground, seeing it empty, and knowing you have it all to yourself, the silent comfort of playing alone. Maggie is overjoyed to have that solitude to make her Salad Pie. But then, Herbert saunters over and wants to play too. He just wants to help even though Maggie makes it clear she won't let him. Then her imaginary pie takes a spill, and she realizes Herbert's intentions are not so bad after all.

"In rhymed text a group of young friends playing in a sandbox take on the roles of various construction vehicles"-- Provided by publisher.

A mother wakes up her child whose job is to play, as there is so much to do in a fun-filled day, from dancing in puddles to jumping in leaves

Nobody will play with Homer until Bear comes along and teaches him a new game

Play has been studied according to its social categories and content. Children's play is involving, child-directed and process-oriented. This program explores the contents and social dimensions of play and the important role of adults in facilitating childrens' play.

"A toddler causes Godzilla-like mayhem in the city of his playpen"-- Provided by publisher.

"As adults, we have more responsibilities than we could have ever imagined growing up. Learning the work of marriage. Navigating the bumpy terrain of parenting. Maintaining social relationships. Facing grave hardship. Finding contentment in our career. As the years pass by, we sense how the good things in life are so often eclipsed by stress. We find ourselves doing everything we can just to endure adulthood, all the while wondering whether we are...