The Preschooler's Busy Book: 365 Creative Games and Activities to Occupy Your 3 to 6 Year-old

"I bought this book with an aim to find new and inexpensive ways to creatively entertain my toddler after seeing it mentioned as a good resource - this book was a big let down.

Designed for the American market, i can get around the spelling differences, but constant reference to graham crackers, contact paper and other americanisms was the first irritation as i was having to semi translate back into english to understand the equipment necessary. This further extended to the over reliance on expensive materials for many activites, Golf balls, glue guns, zip lock bags i do not have on tap in my house.

Then theres age appropriate activites, the book designed for ages 1.5-3 (audience reading you might jip) has constant reference to cutting with scissors, glueing - activiteis not able to be child led, going against the quote, "process not end product" as the child at that age most likely cannot do the activity even aided.

Food section covers cooking with mostly peanut butter and honey -not thing srecommended generally for the younger part age group with a brief line on allergies. Rainy days is again 10 activites revolving around one idea, that being create a squishy mess in a zip lock bag. Water play is a bunch of activities using food colouring. Nursery rhymes -a list of common ones, covering another chapter. Rest of the chapters extended basic ideas of paint in various forms.

Book list at back covers not commonly regarded english toddler books.

It's often said "your child will enjoy" -meaning the authors american child enjoyed personally. My daughter would not be kept occupied (as suggested) in her cot whilst i showered in the morning with a basket of quiet toys. Neither at 1 in a high chair with a small box of raisins whilst I "worked". is this the american idea of 50s england? not a reality.

Tempera paint (what is that?), popsickle sticks, card milk cartons - it'd be permenant translation and adaptation to another market.

Ask your child the question "where does god sleep?" as an "out and about activity -this american idea of pre school support or home ed is too far removed for english parents to find practically useful on all levels.

A huge disapointment beyond the basic level that the activites are nothing more than common sense to most intelligent parents used to small children.

Suggest for more useful activites take a simple look around your home and outdoors and follow childs interests, perhaps looking at Dorothy Einon Creative Play or Teaching Montessori in the Home: Pre-school Years as a better resource."
~ Written on 2005-02-14

"I have hardly had time to read this properly and have only done one thing from it - BUT the activity I did (Writing a list of "people who love me" and illustratin it) was a huge hit with my boy. It was most revealing to find out who was in and out... He talks about it a lot and is always adding to it. Bizarre!

A lot of the stuff is a little Americanised but you can still adapt it.
The only problem is finding time to read it!"
~ Written on 2003-03-12

"I bought this book on the basis of how thrilled I had been with the 'Toddler' version. It was a risk, as I thought there may have been just the same stuff repeated, but this is not the case.

The author has managed to pull together another huge range of interesting, exciting, educational and fun activities for you to do with your bored pre-school child - without the need for sunny weather or expensive pieces of 'kit'. She gives invaluable advice on how to collect a box of cheap bits and bobs for use in the activities. I particularly love her idea of a 'Crazy Jar' - a jar of activities printed on small pieces of paper that your pre-school child can select from and enjoy on their own, without the need for lots of your supervision, messy preparation or cleaning up afterwards. Perfect for when you need your hands free for a while, like when preparing meals or looking after a younger child. A truly great book - I'd buy it if it cost twice the price!!"
~ Written on 2002-05-08

"An invaluable book full of ideas for entertaining preschoolers. Contains practical advice for stimulating 3 to 6 year olds in all the areas of learning. All activities tried and tested in a nursery environment and at home. Buy it and try it!!!!!!"
~ Written on 2001-05-14