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 . . . such a beautifully written and compelling account of a remarkable story of collaborative inquiry into confidence, well-being and the Scottish psyche. Every illuminating chapter is rich with creative initiatives, humane insights, remarkable thinkers and practitioners and honest reflection. . . (a) superb book. 

Will Storrar, Director, Center of Theological Inquiry, Princeton, New Jersey  

This is a limited edition book which won't be reprinted. So order your copy of this handsome, hardback book now with £10 off RRP. 

TO ORDER BORN TO PLAY please click here

Play is a necessity (indeed a biological imperative) for children and young people to develop into the rounded human beings we all want them to become. The predisposition to play can be found regardless of the situations in which children find themselves: play can blossom even in the most adverse circumstances. 

 
The book aims to reach a wide number of readers who would like to find out more about play including those with an interest in what digital play is squeezing out of children’s repertoire and to provide an understanding of what makes children born to play. 

 
Tam Baillie is a member of the International Play Association World Board. He was previously Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People. 

John H. McKendrick is a Professor in Social Justice at Glasgow Caledonian University. 

 
Contributors to Born to Play include Sue Palmer from Upstart, Marguerite Hunter Blair CEO of Play Scotland, Dr Lynn J. McNair, Professor Aline-Wendy Dunlop, Cameron Sprague from Stramash and Robyn Monro Miller and Theresa Casey who both hold senior positions in the International Play Association. 

To whet your appetite here's one enthusiastic endorsement -

‘For the authors of this snappy collection – an “A List” of play champions from Scotland and beyond – the personal is playful is political. The result is an engaging tapestry that weaves together impassioned argument and moving testimony to highlight the centrality of play in the lives of all children everywhere.’ 

Tim Gill, author of Urban Playground: How child- friendly planning and design can save cities 

(For PLAY IS THE WAY orders click here)

We are organising an event called Born to Play in the Village Club, Strathblane/Blanefield, on Wednesday 17th of September at 7.30 pm* 

Carol Craig, who founded the Centre for Confidence and Well-being and is the Commissioning Editor for the Postcards series has been concerned about children and young people's lack of play and declining well-being for some time now. Indeed she has commissioned and published two Postcards books on the importance of play. (Play is the Way and Born to Play). For years she has talked and written about children's loss of resilience and this, to some extent, mirrors the decline in play. At the event she'll outline her concerns and experience on the topic and those who come along will also hear from Tam Baillie, former Children's Commissioner in Scotland and co-editor of Born to Play as well as an ex primary school head teacher and play campaigner, Willie French.

We hope lots of parents, grandparents, neighbours and community members come along to hear the speakers and then participate in a full discussion about what people in the village can all do to get children playing outdoors more. 

The discussion time will focus on Strathblane and Blanefield but people from other places can also attend.  

No booking required. Teas and coffees will be served at the end to allow lots of discussion.

*Earlier publicity stated that the event was on September 3rd but we have postponed for two weeks as the original date clashed with the parents' AGM at the school.