101 Pep-Up Games for Children is a fantastic book to increase the energy level of children ages 6 to 10. Anyone who has ever tried to work with a group of younger children is aware that as kids become restless, their ability to attend and concentrate on the task at hand diminishes. Bartl designed this book around children in a classroom setting who might need to release some energy.

The book starts with exercises and activities for the younger child and increases in difficulty. The activities are generally very simple, requiring little in the way of props but that encourage children to move, stretch or use their imagination. For example, Exercise #15, "Dancing Feet," has the following instructions:

The children sit up straight in their chairs and put their shoeless feet in a row on the floor (rearrange chairs if necessary, or have the children turn sideways in their chairs so their feet are all in a row in the aisle). In time with the music, they lift their heels as far as possible while keeping their toes on the ground. They do this eight times, and then it's the toes' turn. They point up as high as they can go while the heels stay on the ground. The leader gives the instructions for each action. This foot dance works best when done in time with music. Afterward, the feet are gently shaken out. Pick-Me-Up Tip: Put a few drops of peppermint oil into a scent lamp with a little bit of hot water. Light a tea candle underneath and be amazed at the positive effect it has on tired children.

101 Pep-Up Games for Children has many such tips for improving the enthusiasm of a group of children. The book is organized by games with special requirements, games requiring props, games in which physical contact might be involved, games requiring a large space, games required to be played outside, games requiring music, and games specialized to group size.

101 Quick-Thinking Games + Riddles for Children contains games geared toward increasing concentration, reasoning, patience and memory for children ages 6 to 10. "The encouragement of team spirit and social behaviors stands in the foreground of this book." The activities in this book encourage children to have fun while learning and play cooperatively with others.

These activities are also listed by categories of props needed, group size and whether they should be played indoors or out.

These games and riddles are perfect for a classroom. I attempted some with my younger child and, while he remained attentive, he said, "This would be better if there were other kids around."

Bartl has indicated that both books are for teachers or group leaders. She appears to be sensitive to the needs of both children and teachers. She is especially perceptive that children need to get up and move during a long day in a classroom setting. These books are perfect gifts for teachers and would be much more meaningful and practical than the standard teacher appreciation gifts normally given.