A Stick is an Excellent Thing

Poems celebrating outdoor play, from an award-winning poet and a New York Times best-selling illustrator.  

The trappings of childhood change from generation to generation, but there are some timeless activities that every kid loves. Marilyn Singer and LeUyen Pham celebrate these universal types of play, from organized games such as hide-and-seek and hopscotch to imaginative play such as making mud soup or turning a stick into a magic wand. Lyrical poems and bold illustrations capture the energy of a group of children in one neighborhood as they amuse themselves over the course of a summer day. At a time when childhood obesity rates are soaring and money is tight for many families, here is a book that invites readers to join in the fun of active play with games that cost nothing.

Praise for A Stick is an Excellent Thing

"A real strength of the collection is its engagement of the imagination. . . . A thrilling integration of verse and image, motivating all to serious fun." -Kirkus

"From running through sprinklers to blowing bubbles to catching fireflies, this book has 18 short poems about active, imaginative play in summer weather. . . . An appealing book." -School Library Journal  

"Fun for sharing and acting out many times over." -Booklist