Marbles

December 1, 2001
Gr 3-5-Color photographs, drawings and diagrams, and reproductions lead readers through the history of these games, how to play them, and how they are played in other countries. The instructions are clear and the writing is lively. "Jumpin' Jacks" is played in the United States and Canada, "Kong-Keui" in South Korea, and "Osselets" in Haiti. "Ringtaw" is one of the marble games played in the United States, it's "Nucks" in Australia, and "Kelereng" in Indonesia. Lists for further information include organizations and places to visit. Arlene Erlbach's Sidewalk Games around the World (Millbrook, 1997) includes variations of both games and many others. However, if there is enough interest, Jaffe's books will be useful additions.-Carolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, ME

Copyright 2001 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2001
Reviewed with Elizabeth Dana Jaffe's "Hopscotch."

Gr. 3-5, younger for reading aloud. Each book in the Games around the World series introduces a well-known children's pastime by describing its history, basic rules, and offering variant games from different countries. The colorful illustrations include large, clear photographs of children at play; smaller drawings and diagrams demonstrating the rules; and a few pictures showing historical sites or early depictions of children playing the game. "Hopscotch" explains that British children learned hopscotch from Roman soldiers, who played a version of the game as a test of strength and speed. Instructions are presented for modern-day variants from America, France, and India. "Marbles" offers illustrated instructions on methods of shooting as well as providing\plain\f2\fs24\b \plain\f2\fs24 rules for games from America, Australia, and Indonesia. A glossary, a page of fast facts, and lists of books and Web sites complete each presentation. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2001, American Library Association.)