Possibly the best book for outdoor play ideas with toddlers and children!
I was very excited to receive a copy of this fantastic book “Wild Things, Over 100 Magical Outdoor Adventures” by Lonely Planet Kids to complete a book review. It is possibly the best book for outdoor play ideas with toddlers and children. When I was a child, I had a very vivid imagination but, over the years, this has diminished replaced with mundane “adult-ness”! This book transports you back to when you were a child and the world was full of endless fun and make believe. It reminded me of building dens with my brother in the garden and playing make believe on woodland walks.
“Have you ever wanted to find fairies in the garden, meet a unicorn, ride a dragon or share a picnic with a mermaid? Just because you’ve never seen these magical creatures doesn’t mean they don’t exist!”
The narrative is written in a way which appeals to youngsters and helps to open up their imagination. It is full of engaging photos and fun facts alongside loads of exciting activities including;
Tracking dragons
Building snow unicorns.
Bringing tree monsters to life
Making a witches costume
Creating fairy fashions
Secret codes and messages
Looking after the natural world
Capturing moon magic
Once you have read all about Wild Things Training (including the Staying Safe chapter which is very important) and ensured you have everything in the “Wild Things Survival Kit” there are several chapters full of imaginative play ideas. There are sections for Dragons, Witches and Wizards, Elves and Fairies, Mini-Worlds, Monsters, Mythical Beasts, Mermaids and Giants and Goblins, Trolls and the Dark Creatures.
The book is packed with fun activities which will stimulate all of the senses. I loved the section about “sharpening up your wild senses” asking you to question whether the early morning fog could, in fact, be dragon’s breath or was the faraway island mountain actually a sleeping giant? It is simple, imaginative play ideas which can transform anywhere into a place of fun and make believe whether your child reads this alone or you get involved and play along too.
There are activities to explore sight, sound, taste and touch with each of the pages packed with ideas to stretch the imagination. Wild Things includes activities for during the day, night and all seasons so there is something to do all year round!
Each of the sections explores the theme with lots of colourful pictures and text. From creating dragons out of tree trunks and fairy fashions out of wild flowers, this magical book will be loved by all children. Who knew you could design such beautiful “clothing” for our fairy friends out of ferns and flower petals?
Once your children have created hand-made willow wings and leafy elfin headdresses, they can go and explore the mini-worlds and make tiny boats to send leaf or bark messages. Or why not hunt for tree monsters or beach monsters , if you are near the sea?
Wild Things states it is suitable for children aged 6-8 but I think children of all ages can enjoy the activities in this book. If you have younger children, this book will give you lots of ideas of how you can create activities for you to do together and encourages the family to get outdoors.
I know that this book will stay on my bookcase for years to come for outdoor fun with my little boy!
To purchase this amazing book click here
Tracey is a mum of 1 & passionate about supporting small businesses and growing families in North Kent & Bexley and throughout the UK.
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