The Kids Guide to Fortune Telling

Lois Provost Turchetti is a professional children’s storyteller (in
English and Caribbean Creole), who also conducts educational workshops
in Toronto.

This collection of 36 children’s games harks back to the distant,
shadowy past when every action had to be protected from evil portents,
long before even the 15th century. Kid-tested, time-honored, and rooted
in religious superstitions, the games include such paper games such as
the “wheel of fortune,” “four-square fortunes,” and “folding
fortunes.” Deciphering dreams, plucking a daisy to discover the name
of a new friend, or number-based “divining” activities teach kids
the importance of reading signs and discerning meaning in the enigmatic
experiences of growing up. Other games draw on adult occult traditions
such as reading tea leaves or palms.

Dickson’s work breathes life back into frozen childhood traditions
from the past. The games, which kids will know are offered
tongue-in-cheek, nevertheless have the hint of a magical flavor and
offer enjoyment based on ingenuity. Creative teachers can utilize some
of these “fortunes” as part of a science lesson.

The guide fulfils its main purpose by reviving childhood traditions
with a smattering of history, proverbs, science, and a truckload of
curiosity in a “voyage through the future.” A great resource for a
rainy day. Highly recommended