I first learned about the importance of make-believe play while attending graduate school at Bansktreet College of Education in New York. The whole concept made a lot of sense to me.
Children must be provided with ample opportunities to put their imagination to full use. According to Jean Piaget, this is one way children can develop cognitively.
Janet Halfmann’s book Fur and Feathers is about the best book I have read that showcases how far a child can go with his or her imagination.
It follows the adventures of Sophia, who helps her animal friends who lose their coats, made of fur, shells, feathers and scales, to a whipping wind. The wind leaves the animals to shiver in their bare skin.
Sophia first tries to help by dressing the animals with every piece of clothing she owns. Much to her dismay, the animals, though very thankful for her willingness to help, do not feel comfortable with human clothes.
Sophia’s vivid imagination than leads her to start sewing personal new coats for each animal.
I love this well-written book. If you are a parent who is interested in showing your child the importance of imaginative play, this is the book for you.
The educational resource "For Creative Minds" in the back of the book is worth its price in gold. Teachers and parents can use this valuable resource to teach children about the animal kingdom and scientific classification.
Lastly, illustrator Laurie Allen Klein does an exceptional job bringing the story to full life with her vivid art work.
Article comments
1 - Janet Halfmann
Thanks so much for the great review of my book. Readers of Fur and Feathers often come up with their own creative ideas for animal coats, such as dryer lint for a bunny or toothpicks for a porcupine. What fun!