Nature's Playthings

Description

"A whole world of free entertainment is out there waiting to be discovered, in gardens, woodlands, hedgerows, rough land and open spaces. All it needed was Alison Wilson Smith, now a grandmother, to recall her childhood activities using nothing but nature's playthings, to inspire a whole new generation to play outdoors. Here's how to make itching powder from rosehips, the rules of conkers, the joys of making leaf-boats, flea darts, grass whistles, daisy chains, poppy dolls and more. Of playing pooh sticks, stone-skimming, pond-dipping, stick-in-the-mud, dam-building and feather-collecting. This practical and lively book will remind parents and grand-parents, childminders, schools, and playgroups, how to inspire young people to get outside and enjoy nature's playthings. No batteries required!"

"Alison Wilson Smith was born in 1938 and was evacuated with her two sisters during the war. She later trained as a nurse in London, then turned her mind and energies to her three children and four stepchildren (at one point all under the age of seven!) She and her family moved to Cambridge and once the youngest was at nursery school, Alison returned to education, obtaining a degree in English at Cambridge University followed by a year training as a teacher. She taught at a local comprehensive school for the next 31 years and now writes full time."