All that Mankind has done, thought, gained or been — it is lying as in magic preservation in the pages of Books.
~ Thomas Carlyle
I’ve shared books from my shelf before. Well, it’s that time again, so pour yourself a “cuppa,”
and curl up with a good book.
There is so much fantastic work going on in the arena of play theory, developmental psychology, and beyond. I would love to hear what you are reading, too.
4 Picks from The Guru…
- Playful Parenting by Dr. Larry Cohen: I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Cohen about a year ago for another website. He is not only a child psychology expert and author, but works with parents, schools, and after school programs around behavior issues and raising confident children. His book has a lot of practical tips and great insights for parents.
- Plants for Play by Robin Moore: If you follow my site, you know I am a long time devotee of Robin Moore’s work. This book offers great information for people planning playspaces, or simply wanting to enhance their yards or community spaces to include plants just made for play.
- Get Out! by Judy Molland: This fun and easy-to-read book offers parents, educators, and other caring adults 150 tips and ideas for kids to get back to nature and to be part of a greener future.
- The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally from David Elkind: Author of The Hurried Child, David Elkind is a can’t-miss writer for parents and anyone interested in child development and education. Elkind’s statement that “Play is being silenced,” is a cry that should resonate with Grass Stain Guru readers.
OK, that should be more than enough to keep you busy. 
I wish you all happy reading! Find a comfy lounge chair (or a hammock if it is warm enough where you live!) and enjoy yourselves.
See ya outside! ~ The Grass Satin Guru
Reading, ah, my favorite thing to do next to hiking. These all sound great. Plants for Play is going to the top of my reading list.
.-= Alison Kerr´s last blog ..Montessori Great Lessons – all things are connected =-.
I’m reading “The Wild Marsh” by Rick Bass. It’s not about children and play, but it is about his experience living much of his life outside, both by himself and with his wife and two daughters. So it inspires me to get outside, which means that my kids do, too.
.-= Mel´s last blog ..Peanut hunt =-.
Bethe,
This is a terrific list and as usual – right on target. I had the wonderful opportunity of touring a child development based preschool this weekend and The Power of Play was discussed there as well. Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. Thanks again for all that you do
Stacy
@balmeras Dr. Larry Cohen is fantastic! Learned so much re: diffusing stand offs w. play. Good stuff. Thanks4: http://bit.ly/2ys9NE #play
Thanks, ladies. There are so many good books out there on related topics. Mel, that sounds like a great read. Will have to add it to my list!
Cheers- Bethe
Hi Bethe. I’m dropping by b/c I just read about your blog over on the Nature Blog Network. I like the way you think! I don’t have kids myself, but I do agree that kids need to get out there and play and connect with the earth as much as possible. Not just kids, though – grown-ups, too. I try to play as much as I can (my blog’s subtitle is “a grown-up kid enjoying nature’s playground”), and I enjoy being around others who are obviously like kids at a candy store when they are outside or when they talk about nature. Keep on inspiring us all!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..What’s wrong with this picture? =-.
Book em', Guru: 4 Picks for Playful Readers | The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/4bZcQk
I read Playful Parenting, it is so inspiring and when you apply his suggestions by being creative and playful you will be amazed how much better your child/parent interactions will go…
RT @balmeras: RU a #parent or interested in child development & play theory? Then I have some books 4 you: http://bit.ly/2ys9NE #play
Thanks, Heather! And yes, I beat the play across the lifespan drum all the time. Play, nature, FUN — we all need it! Cheers- Bethe
RT @balmeras: NEW post @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/2ys9NE Boo 'em, Guru: 4 Picks for Playful Readers #parent #playoutdoors #edu
Oh lordy, yet more FAB reading. thanks for sharing Bethe. http://bit.ly/4hwR8A (and now i know why the 'em vs em'
)
RT @salisburydowns: Oh lordy, yet more FAB reading. thanks for sharing Bethe. http://bit.ly/4hwR8A (and now i know why the 'em vs em'
)
Book em’, Guru: 4 Picks for Playful Readers http://bit.ly/4y5RSh by @balmeras #play #playoutdoors
For the night shift: Book em’, Guru: 4 Picks for Playful Readers | The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/OFiTR #playoutdoors #parent
RT @balmeras Book em’, Guru: 4 Picks for Playful Readers | The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/OFiTR
Great reading list by Grass Stain Guru @balmeras love the books about importance of play! http://bit.ly/4hwR8A
RT @SprigToys: Great reading list by Grass Stain Guru @balmeras love the books about importance of play! http://bit.ly/4hwR8A
Book em', Guru: 4 Picks for Playful Readers – http://t.co/k5xIaAT #parenting #ECE #play