String Games

ANNOTATION

Provides directions, illustrated with photographs, for making many different string figures--from the fairly simple Jacob's Ladder to more complex Mt. Fuji--along with information about their history and meaning.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Strings to play with, multicultural activities that use them, and a complete package wrapping it all up: this all-in-one kid's kit will provide hours of enrichment and entertainment. Inside the sturdy hardcover volume, with its concealed spiral binding, is a bound-in, resealable box containing three bright strings in different sizes and colors. Choose one, then turn the pages, and begin the fun! Pick a favorite trick or game, and follow the simple instructions and photo illustrations. Children can improve their hand-eye coordination as they enjoy creating patterns from basic to flashy to 3D; the huge variety goes from beginner right up to very tricky and elaborate. Invite a friend for two-handed games that double the fun. Many of the games come from different ethnic and national groups, so along with the basics of play, there are fun lessons that enhance cultural awareness and fascinating tales of the tribal origin of figures like "Walking Sticks of Old Woman" and "Pillars of the Sun." Whether captivating friends or entertaining the family, developing skills will build confidence, inspire imagination, and initiate youngsters into the long and proud tradition of string games.Also available in a jacketed hardcover without the strings!

SYNOPSIS

Strings to play with and multicultural activities that use them: this all-in-one kid's kit will provide hours of enrichment and entertainment. Inside the sturdy hardcover volume, with its concealed spiral binding, is a bound-in, resealable box containing three strings in different sizes and colors. Pick a trick or game, and follow the simple instructions and color photo illustrations. The huge variety goes from beginner right up to very elaborate, and there's fun information on the cultural origins of each one. Also available in a jacketed hardcover without the strings!

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Barbara L. Talcroft

String games and figures derive from many cultures (Japanese, Native American, African, Pacific Island), can be created by one or two people, and achieve various levels of complexity. There is even an International String Figure Association with members around the world. Author Darsie is an aficionado who brings his enthusiasm and expertise to this spiral-bound manual for both beginners and more experienced artists. The text explains basic positions and moves, lengths of string loops, common opening movements, and some fairly simple figures for beginners. Then it proceeds on to quite complicated and often elegant patterns made singly or with a partner. Each figure is presented in numbered steps with photographs of the more difficult parts. For those who like to perform, some tricks with string figures are included, as well as some three-dimensional ones￯﾿ﾽ"the Corvettes of the string-figure world," according to the author. While levels of Easy, Easy to Medium, and Medium are designated, all require motivation and concentration to master. Throughout the book, sidebars provide interesting information about the cultures of origin, famous people in the world of string figures, and supernatural beings like the "spirit of string figures" from Inuit mythology. For young readers drawn to this fascinating skill, getting started may be the hardest part. To lure them in, the publisher has packaged three cords of differing lengths and colors at the front of this neat and thoughtfully produced handbook. 2003, Sterling, Ages 9 up.

School Library Journal