Terry Denton’s Bumper Book of Holiday Stuff to do!

Terry Denton

Puffin, 2022

304pp., pbk., RRP $A16.99

9780143777809

It’s approaching that part of the summer holidays when the excitement of Christmas has worn off, the anticipation of the new year is over, the fun of a holiday away is almost forgotten and the familiar “I’m bored” starts to creep in.  Perhaps even moreso these holidays with COVID leaving its mark across so many families.

So this is a timely release which is packed full of ideas that will entertain as readers are encouraged to share their ideas by expressing them in drawings and words, and requiring some everyday items – pens, ideas. senses, time and a desire for fun – to participate. From finding things in a line drawing of the school concert; to imagining your octopus outfit to scavenger hunts, Denton provides the impetus and the reader just supplies their imagination. 

Whether it is used by just the reader as a starter or by the family as the inspiration for their evening’s entertainment, Denton demonstrates that there are so many ways to entertain and be entertained using just paper and pencil – there really is no limit to the imagination.

While it is a must-have for families, it is also a grand addition to the teacher toolbox as the ideas can be used throughout the year as tension-breakers or early finishers. I could write more but I have an urge to draw acrobatic sheep!