By Fraser Brown (Open University Press £21.99)
The book is written by the UK's first Professor of playwork at Leeds Metropolitan University. The traditional playwork model (SPICE, or social interaction, physical activity, intellectual stimulation, creative achievement, emotional stability) is here developed in 11 areas. The book also covers real-life case studies from playworkers.
The author says these stories 'help playwork professionals to explore complex issues such as risk and the unpredictable nature of play. They introduce theoretical concepts such as play cues, adulteration, and the significance of reference points in children's lives. Some of the stories also show how children's play can be therapeutic.'
