Let's Play: Traditional Games of Childhood

Joan Weller is head librarian of the West Branch of the Ottawa Public
Library.

This well-organized and thoroughly researched book rescues traditional
games from oblivion. The games are categorized as follows: Counting Out,
Tag, Hide and Seek, Hunt the Thimble, Leapfrog, Hopscotch, Skipping,
Balls, Clapping Games, Hand Games, Hand Shadows, Broken Telephone,
Jackstones, Marbles. (Popular circle games, unfortunately, are not
included.) Clear and concise text gives the rules and instructions for
specific games such as “Puss in the Corner,” “Snake Hopscotch,”
“Keep the Kettle Boiling,” and “Sardines.” Spirited, cartoonlike
watercolor illustrations show happy children playing each of the games.
Highly Recommended.