Kindle Edition Amazon Jayne Jaudon Ferrer Category:  Family Publisher: Imagine ISBN-10:  1936140748 Type: Non-Fiction Pages: 192 Copyright: February 2013 ISBN-13: 9781936140749 Price: $9.99 (eBook) Fun facts and instructions for hundreds of beloved games that have entertained one generation after another. No batteries required--and very little equipment! From Hopscotch and Dodgeball to the Minister’s Cat and Red Rover, this terrific how-to of time-tested games will keep you entertained for hours. Black-and-white illustrations lend an old-fashioned feel while fun facts about the history of the games and easy-to-understand instructions make it appealing for all ages. Excerpt Bridges and Tunnels Who: whoever’s in the car and wants to play What you need: good lungs Object: Hold your breath until you get all the way across a bridge or through a tunnel This game’s pretty simple, but it can make a dull ride a little more interesting. Every time you go through a tunnel or pass over a bridge, have everyone take a deep breath and see if they can hold their breath until you get all the way through the tunnel or all the way over the bridge. Fun Facts: The longest undersea tunnel in the world is the Seikan Tunnel in Japan, which connects the islands of Hokkaido and Honshu. It is 33.46 miles long. (Don’t try to hold your breath in that one!)

DIY Summer Fun | Crafts, Games, and More! By Joy Fleishhacker on June 4, 2013
Games Galore
It’s impossible for kids to get bored when J.J. Ferrer’s The Art of Stone Skipping and Other Fun Old-Time Games (Imagine/Charlesbridge, 2013; Gr 3-6) is on hand. This treasure trove of things to do is jam-packed with everything from Sock Ball to Simon Says, Jump Rope to Jacks, Giant Steps to Ghost in the Graveyard. Children will also find basic intros to card games, yo-yo tricks, string games, juggling, and more. Encompassing endeavors appropriate for partner pairs or large groups, solitary amusements and simple crafts, indoor and outdoor pastimes, brain challengers and road-trip while-awayers, the activities are presented with easy-to-follow instructions, helpful tips, and try-‘em-out variations. Lively sketches, fun facts, and historical tidbits are scattered throughout, and the inviting layout will keep kids turning pages to seek out more ideas.

The Art of Stone Skipping and Other Fun Old-Time Games by J. J. Ferrer Amazon.com order for Art of Stone Skipping and Other Fun Old-Time Games by J. J. Ferrer Order: USA Can Charlesbridge, 2013 (2013) Hardcover * * * Reviewed by Bob Walch
In an age when so many children turn to electronic gadgets to amuse themselves, this book provides a breath of fresh air. You'll find a varied collection of games children have played for decades, if not centuries, in this book.

Each entry contains an explanation of how the game is to be played, its purpose, the number of players needed, the necessary equipment, and tips or variations on how to make the game easier to play or more challenging.

The author divides the games into seven sections. There are games played with a ball, car games, card games, games one can play alone, brain games and games that require either a partner or a group.

While some of these games like Duck, Duck, Goose, Twenty Questions or Red Light, Green Light may be familiar to adults, unfortunately many youngsters today have never heard of them.

If you believe it is time to set aside the handheld gizmos and resort to some type of activity that engages more than just the child's thumbs or fingers, then this is a book you'll want to purchase.

Not only will you discover scores of games that will build skills like hand-eye coordination and problem solving, and encourage being a good team player but they will also be lots of fun and won't require a major expenditure of money.

Turn off the computer, shut down the Play Station and Xbox and open this book for new ways of engaging your child. You won't be disappointed!

Sal's Fiction Addiction
"Say the rhyme below while bouncing the ball off a wall. While the ball is bouncing, do the action listed next to the rhyme's text, finishing it before catching the ball with either hand. If you drop the ball or make a mistake with the rhyme or the action, you have to start again from the beginning."

What a load of fun this book is!

The author certainly took me back, and quickly, to days of my childhood and all of the fun we had in our neighborhood. Days were spent with everyone outside for as long as our parents allowed it. What games we didn't know others taught us. Despite the fact that I live across the street from a K-8 school today, I see only a few children playing there. Such a shame!

Mr. Ferrer notes that games have been played throughout history and have had great import for children and their families throughout those many years. They help children learn skills, build a variety of strengths and how to have real fun with others. Being a part of any team has a lifetime benefit and allows for understanding, empathy and tremendous growth.

The book is divided into seven sections and covers so many types of games it is almost overwhelming. Ball, brain, solitary, car, card, group and partner games run the gamut and various venues are also described. The design of the book makes all pertinent information obvious, naming the game, the number of players, the materials needed, and the rules in easy-to-follow entries. There are 'fun facts' giving background and some amazing information.

This is a great book for families, for schools and for other organized groups. You might find here a game that you had forgotten about over the years since you last played it. I assure you that it will bring back some happy memories.

Now, get yourself and the kids outside for some OLD-FASHIONED fun! You won't be sorry....and who knows? you might have a blast.