Customer Reviews

Animals at Play: Rules of the Game

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The illustrations in this book are GORGEOUS. They are so sweet, charming, and memorable. I love looking at every one of them. I actually want two of these books --- one to keep on the kids' shelf, and another to keep on MY shelf, because I want this book to stay in gorgeous shape. I just adore it, and know what I am giving as stocking stuffers to all the children I know this holiday season. Dimotta is a real talent -- his animals just make me smile. So, so sweet.

Marc Bekoff's Animals at Play is a delightful and informative book that gives children the tools to understand the importance of play in an animal's life. The book provides detailed information about how animals go about engaging friends or family members in a bit of fun and also explains how they indeed abide by rules during these social interactions. The illustrations are amusing and thoughtful and accurately depict how a variety of animals play as they run, chase, wrestle or just stroke each other. Children will truly enjoy learning something new while reading Animals at Play: Rules of the Game!

A wonderful book that adults will enjoy reading to young children age 4 and which the children will enjoy because of the illustrations which are worth the price of the book just on their own. The lessons are that all beings -- animal and human have rules to live by and we can learn from watching how the animals do it. The paintings stay away from being cutsey and anthropomoric but are energetic, engaging, fun and just plain beautiful. A lovely book.

Few kids will suspect what award-winning ethologist Marc Bekoff helped discover: animals have a moral code. Those that cheat, lie, or break the rules are shunned. In order to work their way back into the group, they must apologize. Just like humans. This revelation comes at the end of Bekoff's new 32-page, picture book, Animals at Play: Rules of the Game.
The rest of the book is devoted to explaining why and how animals play. Nineteen diverse species, from dogs to ravens, are discussed, and readers learn what to look for in order to tell whether they are playing or fighting. Complimenting Bekoff's descriptions are Michael J. DiMotta's whimsical, full-color illustrations of smiling critters enjoying themselves.
Animal lovers in grades 4 and up will enjoy reading about a topic relevant to their own lives. Parents and teachers can use this fresh evidence of fair play among animals to nurture a respect for all creatures, both four-legged and two.

Aline Alexander Newman
Teacher and Freelance Writer with bylines in Boy's Life, National Geographic Kids, Highlights for Children, and others.