This book is another in the “Smart Fun” series of game books for ages 4 and up. Other titles include 101 Music Games for Children, 101 Games for Children, 101 Improv Games for Children and Adults, and 101 More Life Skills Games for Children. This title in the series was written by former teacher Alison Bartl, and provides ideas and suggestions targeted toward easing the stresses faced by today’s school-aged children.

The introductory section of the book offers some brief insights as to why today’s student may be in need of some stress relief in his or her day. In addition to the brief introductory notes, the book’s beginning pages include the useful chart common to the Smart Fun Books identifying the appropriate group size for each game and a list of the icons used to describe key components of each game. The icons indicate the suitable age range, prop needs, and other features for each game. Thus identified, icons will appear at the top of each game’s page in the book to assist the reader in quickly locating a suitable activity. Each game suggestion takes approximately 1 page to describe; some are as brief as one short paragraph. Inspirational quotes are sprinkled throughout the book where space allows.

The games included in this title range from simple physical activities to ones in which the child is invited to express emotions such as anger or anxiety. Many of the games involve guessing or problem solving, teamwork and sharing. There are a few games specifically for outdoor use while others will require props such as a music player, paper, or candles.

Some of the games are familiar ones from my own childhood, while other ideas were new to me. Not all of the games will be appropriate for every setting or group of children. In particular, I would not select the games involving vampires or witches for game play with my own children. But, I could easily modify the suggestions to incorporate less menacing characters.

Overall, this book would be a useful addition to a new teacher’s library of reference materials but might not contain enough new material for a more experienced instructor. Though, anyone looking for new inspiration or a reminder of activities once known but forgotten will find something of use in the book. I tried out several of the activities with two of my own children, ages 7 and 4, with good results, albeit only temporary ones. After quickly performing a suggested activity, they both clamored for yet another one. I think that means they liked the book. In general I find the Smart Fun books to be easy to use with simple but effective ideas for entertaining children. There are other activities books that contain far more detail and complexity, but this book is quick and easy to use.

Note: I received my copy of this book free of charge and am publishing this review as an “early reviewer” of the book.   I gave the book 3 stars on the LibraryThing rating system primarly because of it's brevity and price.  While I find the book interesting, I would not be willing to purchase it for the suggested retail price.  But then again, there are very few books for which I'm willing to pay full retail. LOL!