Parents' Guide to

Playground Day!

By Dawn Friedman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Bouncy preschool read with terrific illustrations.

Book Jennifer J. Merz Picture Book 2007
Playground Day! Poster Image

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What's the Story?

A little girl races through the park pretending to be animals as she swings and slides on the playground equipment.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Vivid illustrations really make this book stand out. Fuzzy, textured, and warm, the detailed pictures are rendered almost entirely in carefully torn paper and cut cloth. The result is pictures you long to touch.

If kids look closely they'll see stuffed toys accompany the little girl as she makes her way through the playground, giving hints as to what kind of animal she will be next. Kids who notice this all on their own will feel ahead of the game -- it's a bit like that "look mom!" moment when they conquer a new physical feat at the playground.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the animals. Taking the book for inspiration, kids can act like animals. Can they gallop like horses? Or leap like a frog? Kids can come up with other animals to imitate. Lions, anyone? Or how about walking like a funny duck? A special trip to the playground (or the backyard swing set) may also be in order!

Book Details

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