Play - Interesting Nonfiction About and For Kids

This summer, my favorite read was The Case for Make Believe by Susan Linn. Her book is a must read for anyone involved with the growth and development of a child; teachers, librarians, parents, caregivers, etc.
Linn paints a picture of the culture we have created for our children and beautifully pleads the case for play, make believe, and creativity. Her words have stayed with me all summer. In setting out to write this end of the summer post, play wouldn't escape my thoughts. "How can we add more fun and play in our children's lives?" "How can we add more make believe and creativity in our children's lives?"
Here's what Linn says about reading and creativity:
Screen media is less apt to generate creativity and imagination than radio and books---which require more of us. Reading requires us to imagine both aural and visual images.

My good friend, Stevanne Auerbach, says in her book, Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys:
Books may be the single most important part of playtime for children, but they are often forgotten, perhaps, because one seldom thinks of them as 'toys'. Yet their entertainment value (when used appropriately) cannot be surpassed, and they are essential throughout a child's development.

My word/mantra for 2008 is FUN. Since play is FUN, I asked, "Is there play in Nonfiction books? Are there books that you can play with? Are there Nonfiction books that foster make believe play?"

Here's a few great nonfiction books that add a sense of play and/or a touch of make believe :

Unplugged Play No Batteries. No Plugs. Pure Fun.
Bobbi Conner
Workman Publishing 2007
(From my bookshelves)







The Cranium Big Book of Outrageous Fun
Cranium
Little Brown and Company 2005










Making Make-Believe: Fun Props, Costumes, and Create Play Ideas
MaryAnn F. Kohl
Gryphon 1999





Monsterology: The Complete Book of Monstrous Creatures
Dr. Ernest Drake
Candlewick 2008









Pyramids and Mummies
Anne Bolton
Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing 2008










Dinosaur Hunters: Discover the Incredible World of Lost Dinosaurs
Jen Green
Running Kids Press 2007






Disney Touch and Sound Pop-up Book
Anna M. Lewis
Mattel Infant/Preschool 1990

With the thousands of fantastic infant/preschool soft and board books for children, this book is my absolute favorite!
*Notice the author?

Anyone care to share some fun and playful nonfiction books?