Weighing in a nearly four pounds, this is one book that truly lives up to its name. I cannot ever recall seeing a resource book that had more ideas between the covers. There are action stories, fables, folktales, rhymes, puppet stories, listening stories, games, craft projects, recipes, dances, activities, and more. There are old favorites, new favorites, and everything in between.

The book is quite easy to navigate, thanks to the handy thematic chart as well as two unbelievably comprehensive indices. There is a general index as well as a theme index. Need an activity for shapes? Just look under the topic and you will find nearly fifty from which to choose. Want to explore outer space with your students by way of a folktale? Photocopy the story patterns found in the appendix, trace them onto interfacing, color, and put them on flannel board. Now you're all set for "The Sun and the Moon," a short pourquoi. Can't remember the words to "This Old Man?" They're in here. Need a recipe for soap crayons? Snow dough? Wheat paste? They're in here too. As I sat with my colleagues viewing the book, I challenged them to think of a every early childhood game they knew of. No one thought of a game that was not included in the book!

Put this book on your shelf and you will never be stumped for ideas again. Additionally, I highly recommend this title for beginning teachers. They will find it a valuable resource to which they will turn again and again. (Indeed, I found it so complete and well-done that I bought a copy for a former intern who is now preparing to teach first grade.)

Reviewed by K.J. Wagner
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