The Kids Cottage Games Book

Dave Jenkinson is a professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba and the author of the “Portraits” section of Emergency Librarian.

The Kids Cottage Games Book, which joins this creative trio’s earlier
titles (The Kids Cottage Handbook and The Kids Campfire Book), offers a
variety of responses to that common childhood lament, “But there’s
nothing to do!” Although the word “cottage” suggests a rustic
focus, the games (with the obvious exception of the water activities)
could be played in an urban setting.

The authors divide the games into six categories. While “Land
Action” includes some activities (e.g., croquet, horseshoes, bocce
ball, and badminton), which require equipment that may not be readily
available, the “ingredients” for other games, such as 500 Up,
Frisbee Golf, and Capture the Flag, will be found around most cottages
or homes. “Just for One or Two” suggests a number of simple tricks
to learn and games to play, such as checkers, marbles, and jacks. After
explaining how to play Charades, Definitions, and Picture It, “Indoor
Games” focuses largely on card games ranging from Fish to Poker and
Blackjack. In “Games to Make,” children are provided with
instructions on how to create seven games, including Homestyle Bingo and
a variety of midway games. With an emphasis on safety, “Waterfront”
proposes a number of games to be played on the beach and in the water.
“Warm Weather Olympics” provides a day of challenges for friends and
family. Adults will find little new in this book, but they will be
reminded of youthful pastimes that may be new to their children.
Recommended.