Maizels, Jennie. Things to Do Book. Illustrated by Jennie Maizels. Candlewick Press, 2007. ISBN 9780763633714. $15.99. 20 p.
Reviewer: Kate Reynolds
Reading Level: Primary, intermediate
Rating: Dependable
Genre: Toy and movable books; Picture books; Informational books;
Subject: Games--Juvenile literature; Book—Reviews;
Maizels has put together a creative resource for children to entertain themselves inexpensively. Things to Do Book is divided into eight sections filled with activity and game ideas for any location, from the beach to the supermarket. Elementary age children will enjoy the numerous peek-a-boo flaps. The activities are challenging (some physically, some mentally) and will keep children entertained. The pages themselves are busy and colorful—the reader might not be able to take everything in on the first pass. Children will most likely find one thing on the page and choose that activity rather than look at every item on the page. Though most of the activities and games are easy and cheap, many are messy (painting indoors, papier-mâché, baking) or potentially disruptive (loud car games, games in the supermarket). After looking at the games for nighttime, children may not want to go to sleep either. This book might be better used by adults to find kids’ activities to supervise even though the design is clearly intended for children’s direct use.
