Dominoes Around the World [Library Binding]

Mary Lankford (Author), Karen M. Dugan (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up

From King Tutankhamen to children today, millions of people have enjoyed the game of dominoes. Here is a clear and lively explanation of domino basics, along with versions of the game from countries as diverse as Mexico, Vietnam, and France.

Using both extensive research and primary sources, Mary D. Lankford has assembled a collection of domino games--including Blind Hughie, Matador, and Maltese Cross--from all around the world. She also provides challenging domino puzzles and an entertaining game of solitaire dominoes.

With Karen Dugan's warm illustrations, Dominoes Around the World offers hours of fun as well as an active way to bring other cultures to life. You can improve your memory and math skills by playing dominoes, but the best reason to play this games is to have fun!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-5?Similar to its counterparts, Hopscotch Around the World (1992) and Jacks Around the World (1996, both Morrow), Lankford's third title in the series introduces a familiar childrens' game as a global activity, adding a unique cultural perspective to a popular pastime. Colorful illustrations of domino players and descriptions of game-playing customs from countries such as Malta, Cuba, and the Netherlands are included. Several brain teasers (and a recipe for edible "disappearing" dominoes) conclude the trip around the world. While domino aficionados will appreciate the numerous variations, those who have never played should be equally intrigued by the variety of games, which include names such as "Maltese Cross," "Matador," and "French Draw." The cultural tips provided (such as playing very noisily, as in the Vietnamese version) will especially be enjoyed by children interested in learning the game-playing customs of different cultures. While perhaps best used as a domino-instruction aid, the information may be useful for reports and the clean, attractive layout invites browsing. Since few titles have touched upon the international aspects of the game, most of the material is unique. An appealing enhancement to most collections.?Jennifer Oyama, Los Angeles Public Library, CA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3^-5. Lankford, who has done previous books on hopscotch and jacks, now turns to dominoes. In this handsome volume, she features different versions of the age-old game played in eight diverse countries, including the U.S., Malta, the Ukraine, and Vietnam. Written in a concise and clear style, the introductory information includes a historical overview of dominoes, a description of the playing tiles, and the basic rules of the game. Brief descriptions of each country, the origins of the particular game played in the country, and easy-to-follow rules for playing each version are presented in a single page of text. Opposite this page is a brightly colored illustration of children and adults from the cultures in focus playing dominoes. This solid work concludes with rules for playing domino solitaire and completing puzzles using the tiles as well as a recipe for making eatable dominoes. A refreshing approach to a fun-filled game that may entice cool 1990s kids into playing a variety of these traditional games. April Judge --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Library Binding: 40 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (March 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688140521
• ISBN-13: 978-0688140526
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,167,542 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Packed with fun information, history & cultural contrasts., August 16, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dominoes Around the World (Hardcover)

Primary source materials blend with the author's own research in this assembly of domino games and facts from around the world. From puzzles to games which can be played alone, Dominoes Around the World packs in fun contrasts between games and other cultures' experiences.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice resource for keeping the kids happy and entertained, March 12, 2010

By 

Jerry Saperstein (Evanston, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Dominoes Around the World (Hardcover)

Sad to say, I never really got the hang of dominoes when I was a kid. Generally wound up making imaginary trains out of them or building forts.

Now that I'm a grandpa who delights in having his two little balls of energy visit, I am always searching for new ways to keep them occupied.

Mary D. Lankford appears to have carved out a comfortable niche for herself doing books about activities "around the world".

This book describes how to play dominoes in the traditional American fashion and as it is allegedly played in eight other nations.

It is a fun book, despite Lankford's excursions into political correctness.

She provides a surprisingly extensive history of the game, the pieces, fundamentals of the game and then the details or playing different variants.

The publisher's description says the book is suitable for children in grades 1 - 6. In fact, Lankford's writing style is so clear and engaging and has such a nice rhythm, that I think it is suitable for pre-kindergarteners up through pre-teens. Her style is well suited for reading aloud.

Old (and cranky) as I am, I enjoyed the book, finally learned the actual rules for playing dominoes and had a lot of fun with the grandkids.

Can't ask for more than that.

Jerry