'An inspiring overview of play for students and practitioners who work - or wish to work with children. It draws on a range of theories and covers the history of writing and thinking about play, as well as setting the social policy context. Perry Else also gives lively examples and discussion points which make it a useful educational resource. In short, the book makes a valuable contribution to the development of reflective practice, not only for playworkers but for other professionals in children's care and education.' Pat Petrie, Professor of Education, Institute of Education, University of London, UK
'Provides a huge number of ways to build on the actual text, from key questions to stimulate reflection to extensive references to follow up. The book takes you through all the current 'hot topics' such as risk, the media, participation, presenting these as well as old friends such as the Playwork Principles and play environments...The book presents its thoughts using the "Integral Play Framework."..[which] provides a logical framework for the book's journey which enables a reader even with no knowledge of play to travel from the individual child "lost in play" to the natural conclusion as to the importance of play to successful human evolution. It also argues the importance of play in adult life, and has certainly inspired inspired me! Highly recommended!' Play Today--Sanford Lakoff
'The value of play is hard to capture, ' says Else. But this accessible and comprehensive book manages it beautifully. A must-read resource for those studying playwork courses, professionals working with children, and indeed parents and carers; all will gain valuable insights. It is also extremely timely: impending cuts in services require passionate and knowledgeable advocates for play.'--Sanford Lakoff
'This is a "must - have" book for anybody working with children and young people in play settings and across other children's services.'--Sanford Lakoff
"The importance of play is well recognised by early years practitioners, and reflected in the EYFS focus on learning through play. This book, with chapters including What do you mean by play?, What gets in the way of children playing? and a play history will support reflective practice" Nursery World, 4 June 2009
'This is a "must have" book for anybody working with children and young people in play settings and across other children's services.'--Playwords magazine, Autumn 2010, Issue 42 (UK)
'A useful and thoroughly-researched reminder of why play is of such immense importance. Children's experience of play is multi-faceted and the integrated approach rightly helps us to look at play from many angles. I liked the comprehensive footnotes pointing interested readers to further research, and the anecdotes and recounting of play experiences that link us back to what children actually do when they play.' Theresa Casey, President, International Play Association, UK
'Perry uses the Value of Play to communicate key ideas and examine issues that impact on children's play in a thorough, interesting and accessible manner to all those who want to know more about play and the playwork approach. This is a comprehensive 'must read' for anyone wanting to increase their understanding of children's play.' Mike Greenaway, Director, Play Wales
'This book is timely. Among the emerging texts that inform the field, there has been little attempt to map and coordinate our actions and reactions in a reflective domain. We speak of reflection and the reasons we should do it but not the manner in which such reflection should be conducted. By locating this interplay in the compass of Wilber's four-quadrant theory, the author ensures that our praxis is firmly grounded in an aware analysis of point, position and product. That this has been achieved in a clarity of expression and a meaningful exploration of practice - bringing experience to theory - is something to be applauded. An accessible discourse that illuminates the humanity of the shared playing encounter - child to adult - is a necessity in the playspace and for our roles as adults working in that delicate area of interchange. This book hits the mark.' Hugo Grinmore, Playwork consultant
'This is a "must -- have" book for anybody working with children and young people in play settings and across other children's services.'--Playwords magazine, Autumn 2010, Issue 42 (UK)
"This is a rich and eclectic book - and if I regret the absence of Liz Brooker and Tina Brice then I welcome the inclusion of Brian Eno amongst others - read it and relish it." Keith Savage, The Higher Education Academy 20 August 2009
