The Official Kick the Can Games Book

Christine Linge is a past director of the Toronto & District Parent
Co-operative Preschool Corporation and a freelance writer.

In this latest McKay/MacLeod set, the book is wrapped around a painted
can containing some of the items required by the book’s activities.
Although these items (marbles, a ball, a netting sock, an elastic, and
chalk) are all readily obtainable in shops or may even be found around
the house, their inclusion here increases a child’s interest in
attempting the games.

The handbook contains instructions for 25 simple games that require a
minimum of time, equipment, players, and score-keeping. The games fall
into six categories: can games, tag, marbles, hopscotch, balls, and yoki
(elastic). Many can be played solo or with a group. They are clearly and
simply described.

Sharon McKay, a well-known lecturer and author on the subject of child
safety, includes many commonsense safety hints and encourages older
siblings to remain mindful of the younger child’s safety needs. None
of the activities are inherently dangerous; the main concern is for
traffic safety. The book’s fun drawings and tidbits of history/trivia
are welcome features.

If these games have indeed been lost to our fast-paced world, then this
catchy set may serve well to help reintroduce the simple pleasures of
homemade fun. Recommended.