Making It Up: A Revolutionary Way to Bond with Kids Through Play

by Christopher Mannino, Cory Reid (illustrator)

“Yes, and . . .” Explore how the principles of theatre and improv can help parents engage in imaginative play with their children with actor and theater teacher Christopher Mannino.Just ask a certain animated blue dog we all Play-centered parenting is what every young child wants and needs, yet it’s hard to manage in today’s busy, hectic world.How can real-life parents with real responsibilities and stresses drop everything to be silly with their kids? You don’t need to be a trained actor to engage in your child’s imaginative world. It’s easier than it sounds, and far more powerful than you can imagine.With the techniques found in Making It Up, accompanied by playful illustrations from Cory Reid, you’ll have more energy, more confidence, and a stronger relationship with your kids in just ten minutes a day. And you might just find yourself having fun!

Genres: Parenting, Self Help

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

​Mannino's writing journey began when he was stranded on the Cornish coast at the supposed birthplace of King Arthur. The experience inspired The Scythe Wielder's Secret. He studied mythology, theatre, and literature both in the US and at Oxford. A former theatre teacher, he is a digital nomad currently residing in Malta with his wife and two inspiring children. He continues to write both fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. In addition, as a freelancer he is most known for his work with Business Insider where he has amassed over 4.5 million readers. Mannino is an expert at helping parents and kids connect better. Be sure to check out his revolutionary approach the Making it Up Method.

Reviews

[Analie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book for so many reasons. Play can be uncomfortable for many adults, but it's a powerful way to connect with kids and leads to wonderful memories, trust, and better compliance. I can see the influence of PCIT therapy as well as Improv in this book and have enjoyed using the principles. As a play therapist, I'll be recommending this book to parents and others who work with kids.

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making It Up: A Revolutionary Way To Bond With Kids Through Play is a fascinating, needed, and wonderful guide! Play is a child's work and is crucial to their development. While unstructured playtime might seem unnecessary to an adult, it is actually extremely important. Even more important than allowing space for unstructured play is strengthening bonds and tackling challenging situations collaboratively through play. Parents who are uncertain where to start or how to engage in unstructured play would highly benefit from picking up this book!

[David Carriere]

A Joyful, Practical Guide to Reconnecting with Kids Through Play

Making It Up is an inviting, empowering parenting book that removes the pressure from play and replaces it with connection, confidence, and joy. Christopher Mannino translates the simple but transformative principles of improv into everyday moments any parent can access, no performance background required. What stands out most is how achievable the approach feels, showing that just a few minutes of imaginative presence can strengthen bonds, ease stress, and bring genuine fun back into family life. With Cory Reid’s playful illustrations enhancing the experience, this book feels less like a manual and more like a warm invitation to show up and play.

[Krystal Kraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that could help so many people who struggle to play with their children! Me being one of them. It’s not that I don’t LIKE to play, it’s just hard because there feels like there is ALWAYS so much adulting to do. Enter this book. It reminds you that the play can be as short as 10 sweet, uninterrupted and unplanned! Phones down, tv off, improv your way through and see where you end up! The kids will enjoy it, I’m guessing there will be laughter, and that time spent together will be cherished by them! This book has some great suggestions and games you can play! Really enjoyed it and recommend it!

[Charley Goodyear · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a preschool teacher, I adored this book! It teaches grown-ups how to better engage with children's play through the concept of saying "yes, and" and using bricks (ideas) to build up the play. If anyone has taken theatre or an improv class, these ideas may be familiar. It also teaches the concept of "no, but" (No, I can't play now, but I can in XX minutes is a good example) as well as using strong positive emotions as an anchor for playtime. Each chapter opens with a short paragraph from a real parent who has tried the method, offering insight into how people adapt it for their lives and children. I have already started attempting to use this method with the children at work (I struggle with imaginative play due to being on the spectrum) and I think it is helping!

Thank you to netgalley and Familius for the review copy, all opinions are my own.

[Grace Btrs (very busy - semi ia - trying to catch up) · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎭 “Hi reader, I’m Dad.”

“I’m not embarrassed. Why would I be ashamed to play with my kids? Why shouldn’t I play as crazy as I can? Playing with kids is awesome.”
That energy carries the whole book.

🧠 Play Is for Parents Too
I really enjoyed how this book highlights that play isn’t just vital for children, it’s just as important for parents. It helps adults relax, have fun, and genuinely connect, rather than just supervising from the sidelines.

🤍 Zero Judgment, All Encouragement
The tone is informative, warm, and completely judgment-free. Play feels accessible even to busy parents or those who feel awkward, rusty, or disconnected from play, thanks to society doing…

🎨 Improvisation as a Superpower
The book is rooted primarily in improvisation, which I loved. It means you can use whatever you have, wherever you are, regardless of space, time, or circumstances. No fancy setups. No pressure. Just presence.

Thank you, Netgalley and Familius Books, for the ARC.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making It Up offers an encouraging and practical approach to imaginative play, drawing on the principles of theatre and improv to help parents connect more deeply with their children. You don’t need to be a performer to use these tools. Christopher Mannino makes play-centered parenting feel accessible, even for adults juggling real responsibilities and daily stress.

What I appreciated most is how realistic the book is. The focus on short, intentional bursts of play makes the practice feel doable, not overwhelming. The improv concept of “yes, and…” becomes a powerful framework for entering a child’s imaginative world with curiosity and openness. The playful illustrations add to the book’s warmth and approachability.

This is a helpful resource for parents and caregivers who want to strengthen connection through play and rediscover some joy along the way.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.

[Sarah Hovorka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a parenting book that is about more than just parenting... it's a look at how to connect and engage with people without being combative, without unintentionally putting them down or squashing their ideas, and without being condescending. While the book's ideas are focused on playing, there are plenty of examples of how to turn real life situations that could easily become arguments into a considerate discussion of each other's needs. Additionally, the examples of play-based parenting, which have been modified from improv theater ideals, can also be used for a variety of creative endeavors. As a homeschooler, I plan to use some of the ideas to support a story writing club that I run in our community. This book is a great resource and a fun read that doesn't feel like fluff.

[Meagan Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making It Up presents imaginative play as simple and achievable. Christopher Mannino uses improv-inspired ideas to help parents connect with their children in practical, realistic ways that fit into busy lives.

By focusing on short, intentional moments of play, the book makes connection feel manageable. A main focus of the book, the “yes, and…” approach offers an easy way to follow a child’s lead with curiosity.

If you are looking to be the next Heeler family, you should give this one a read!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has really amped up the playtime at our house—my son told me after the first time we played together post-reading the first few pages, “Mom, you’ve gotten so much better at playing!” That said, it felt a little repetitive (and at times, honestly, unrealistic). The most important parts are the first 70 pages or so—-if you read those, you’ll get the idea.

[John Chancey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this one up on a whim from the library. Glad I did. My kid isn’t quite old enough for some of the ideas about initiating play in this book but I’m excited to try them out when she is.

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I received an early reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rarely does anyone claim (after the fact) they were ready for parenthood. One of our most pressing challenges is relating to our children. Our days are filled with bills and jobs and umpteen other stresses - and remember when our biggest worry was whether or not we'd get to stay up later? Many of us have worked hard to train the child out of ourselves, supposedly to better prepare ourselves for the adult world.

This book demonstrates it's not only possible to reclaim your inner child, but doing so will improve both your life and your connection with your children. By using simple theatre techniques, Making It Up will show you how to meet your child's imagination and wonder at their (nearly limitless) level, and love doing it too. It will also show you how reconnecting with this joy and wonder can help you recentre yourself, better equipping you to deal with the stress that comes with being an adult.

I would highly recommend this book to any parent, grandparent, parent-to-be, or anyone who works with children!