Hopscotch

October 1, 2001
Gr 1-4-These books provide a basic introduction to each game, including its history and the variations found in different countries. Dominoes defines terminology and describes the materials used for the playing pieces. Subsequent sections describe block and draw dominoes, both American variations; matador, a Spanish game; and Hungarian dominoes. There is also a section about playing with dominoes as blocks, and setting them up to create the "domino effect." The instructions and colorful diagrams are clear. The Victorian-style engravings and contemporary color photos add to the charm. Hopscotch is similar in format. It describes three variations: potsy, from the U.S.; escargot, from France; and chilly, from India. This book also has color photos of children playing the game in several countries. Mary D. Lankford's Dominoes around the World (1998) and Hopscotch around the World (1992, both Morrow) are more detailed, include many more country variations, and might be appreciated by slightly older children. Jaffe's titles, with their simple discussions, will be an asset to collections lacking books in these subject areas.-Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ

Copyright 2001 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2001
\deflang1033\pard\plain\f3\fs24 Reviewed with Elizabeth Dana Jaffe's \plain\f3\fs24" Marbles\plain\f3\fs24 .

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. \plain\f3\fs24" Hopscotch\plain\f3\fs24 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. \plain\f3\fs24" Marbles\plain\f3\fs24 offers illustrated instructions on methods of shooting as well as providing\plain\f3\fs24\b \plain\f3\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.)