Hopscotch (Games Around the World)

From School Library Journal Grade 1-4-These books provide a basic introduction to each game, including its history and the variations found in different countries. Dominoes defines terminology and describes the materials used for the playing pieces. Subsequent sections describe block and draw dominoes, both American variations; matador, a Spanish game; and Hungarian dominoes. There is also a section about playing with dominoes as blocks, and setting them up to create the "domino effect." The instructions and colorful diagrams are clear. The Victorian-style engravings and contemporary color photos add to the charm. Hopscotch is similar in format. It describes three variations: potsy, from the U.S.; escargot, from France; and chilly, from India. This book also has color photos of children playing the game in several countries. Mary D. Lankford's Dominoes around the World (1998) and Hopscotch around the World (1992, both Morrow) are more detailed, include many more country variations, and might be appreciated by slightly older children. Jaffe's titles, with their simple discussions, will be an asset to collections lacking books in these subject areas.