Friday, March 6, 2009

Kate Greenaway's Book of Games

I found the book, Kate Greenaway's Book of Games at a thrift store a while back and thought I should read the entire book just for fun. This book was first published in Great Britain in 1889--such a treasure!  I finished reading it last night and even thought that a couple of the word games would be fun for teens and adults.  I absolutely love the artwork in this book.  I love simplicity, and this book offers just that as it describes close to eighty games to play.  Things as simple as playing with dolls and kites are described and illustrated, and familiar ones like hide-and-seek and musical chairs bring back memories of my childhood.

Here's a simple game that might not be as common as some of the others, but sounds like a fun one to try:

"Book Consequences 

All the players being furnished with paper and pencil, the title of a book is written on the top edge of the paper and folded down.  It is then passed on to the next person, who writes an alternative title, and passes it to a third, who writes an author's name.  The fourth writes the subject of the book, a fifth player an extract from it, and a sixth a criticism.  After each person has written, he folds the paper over and passes it on." (p. 49)



The front cover of the book shows children playing "Blind Man's Bluff."



Follow-my-leader illustrated and described



Frog in the middle--now, this ones sounds like fun for a party!



Mulberry Bush--such a classic!

Have you found a book such as this one with such fun and simple games to play?  I know this will be a great reference for kids' ministry, substitute teaching, youth group--or even for a family to enjoy together!

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