The House of Make-Believe

In the most thorough attempt to cover all aspects of childrens make-believe, Dorothy and Jerome Singer examine how imaginative play begins and develops, from the infants first smiles to the toddlers engagement in social pretend play. They provide intriguing examples and research evidence on the young childs invocation of imaginary friends, the adolescents daring, rule-governed games, and the adults private imagery and inner thought. In chapters that will be important to parents and policymakers, the authors discuss television and the imagination, the healing function of play, and the effects of playfulness and creativity throughout the life span.