On lazy days of summer, I go out to play. . . .

Remember the beloved games of your childhood? Things like jumping rope, playing tag, jacks and hide-and-seek, have entertained children for decades. Sadly, in recent years they've been replaced with television and computer games, resulting in a sedentary lifestyle that's a real concern for parents. What fun it would be to take children back to the simple but wonderful world of outdoor play! You can do exactly that within the pages of the picture book The Lazy Days of Summer, by Judy Young.

This book is so much fun! It mentions many of the familiar childhood games that we all know and love, such as hopscotch, kick the can, marbles, fishing, and monkey in the middle. Each game that is featured has a cheerful poem, fascinating facts, basic rules, and alternate versions of play. We learned a few things from this book. For example, did you know that Roman soldiers played hopscotch? How about the fact that in Ancient Egypt only boys were permitted to jump rope?

Playing outdoors, making daisy chains, watching the clouds, and just enjoying childhood is what this delightful book is all about. Filled with beautiful color illustrations, it's a walk down memory lane for parents and a way to create new memories with your child. As the author says, "So go outside, play by yourself, find a friend, or a whole neighborhood of friends. But whomever you play with and whatever you play, have fun!"

Product review by Amy Christy, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, August 2007