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Go Play: How Parents Can Empower Kids to Build Their Own Worlds
Why the best thing for your kids is also the most fun!
We live in a society that undervalues play. Increasingly, children lead regimented lives that include commuting, school, and extracurriculars, with little time for the play and exploration that allow them to develop emotionally, socially, and believe it or not, academically. Among many other benefits, open-ended play, more than any other activity, has been shown to improve children's confidence, agency, literacy development, social and emotional skills, and problem-solving abilities. Play quite literally changes the structure of the brain and is a key building block for children's social and emotional well-being. And it's fun!
When our children build their own worlds through play, they develop their brains, learn new skills, and increase emotional regulation. Our kids are already primed to play and learn. All we have to do is let them.
For parents who want to build more open-ended play into their children's lives but aren't sure where to start, Go Play is part urgent call and part friendly guide. Coauthored by play advocate and early childhood education expert Gennie Gorback and award-winning children's author Kate Allen Fox--both parents themselves, who facilitate their children's play on a daily basis--this book is packed full of easy and meaningful strategies and ideas. Steeped in research but still accessible, Go Play provides loads of helpful tips and tricks for encouraging kids to play, fueling parents with the knowledge and confidence to create a culture of play at home, in the car, at parks, restaurants, waiting rooms, or anywhere else.
Armed with the knowledge in this book, parents will see how play can unlock many wonderful possibilities--and unexpected joys--for their families. Because there's no such thing as "just play." Play isn't just anything; it is everything.
We live in a society that undervalues play. Increasingly, children lead regimented lives that include commuting, school, and extracurriculars, with little time for the play and exploration that allow them to develop emotionally, socially, and believe it or not, academically. Among many other benefits, open-ended play, more than any other activity, has been shown to improve children's confidence, agency, literacy development, social and emotional skills, and problem-solving abilities. Play quite literally changes the structure of the brain and is a key building block for children's social and emotional well-being. And it's fun!
When our children build their own worlds through play, they develop their brains, learn new skills, and increase emotional regulation. Our kids are already primed to play and learn. All we have to do is let them.
For parents who want to build more open-ended play into their children's lives but aren't sure where to start, Go Play is part urgent call and part friendly guide. Coauthored by play advocate and early childhood education expert Gennie Gorback and award-winning children's author Kate Allen Fox--both parents themselves, who facilitate their children's play on a daily basis--this book is packed full of easy and meaningful strategies and ideas. Steeped in research but still accessible, Go Play provides loads of helpful tips and tricks for encouraging kids to play, fueling parents with the knowledge and confidence to create a culture of play at home, in the car, at parks, restaurants, waiting rooms, or anywhere else.
Armed with the knowledge in this book, parents will see how play can unlock many wonderful possibilities--and unexpected joys--for their families. Because there's no such thing as "just play." Play isn't just anything; it is everything.
- GenresParenting
272 pages, Paperback
Published April 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 15, 2026
A clear, structured guide to rethinking play in everyday family life. The “what, why, and how” format makes it easy to move from theory to practice, with a strong emphasis on emotional well-being, independence, and open-ended play. What I really enjoyed is the tone, being grounded in real life instead of perfection.
A practical resource for caregivers looking to shift perspective without adding pressure. Recommend for parents of younger kids, preschool teachers and early ed teachers!
A practical resource for caregivers looking to shift perspective without adding pressure. Recommend for parents of younger kids, preschool teachers and early ed teachers!
April 18, 2026
GO PLAY! has completely transformed the way I understand the world, how my young boys interact with their environment and playthings, and how I can—almost effortlessly—support their development. As a millennial and self-proclaimed overstimulated parent, I often struggle to balance encouraging my children’s autonomy with giving them hands-on attention. Too often, my desire to be fully present is replaced by exhaustion, resentment, and guilt.
Gennie and Kate’s book provided a road map to see my kids more holistically—recognizing what types of play they’re naturally drawn to, how “loose parts” (including friends!) transform their experiences, and what role I can play in supporting them. Reading GO PLAY! felt like putting on glasses for the first time: suddenly, I could see endless opportunities for play, learning, and growth right in my own home and backyard.
Play invitations were a brand-new concept for me, yet so simple to set up—and such a success. I’ve never come across another resource that educates and empowers parents in such a practical, evidence-based, and entertaining way. This book has me genuinely excited to see what my kids will create tomorrow.
Gennie and Kate’s book provided a road map to see my kids more holistically—recognizing what types of play they’re naturally drawn to, how “loose parts” (including friends!) transform their experiences, and what role I can play in supporting them. Reading GO PLAY! felt like putting on glasses for the first time: suddenly, I could see endless opportunities for play, learning, and growth right in my own home and backyard.
Play invitations were a brand-new concept for me, yet so simple to set up—and such a success. I’ve never come across another resource that educates and empowers parents in such a practical, evidence-based, and entertaining way. This book has me genuinely excited to see what my kids will create tomorrow.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reading Go Play honestly felt like a small but meaningful shift in how I see kids, play, and my role around them. Gorback and Fox don’t just talk about play; they show why it matters and how deeply it’s woven into learning, creativity, and connection. I loved how practical and eye-opening it was. It made me look around my house and community and realize how many play opportunities were already there, just waiting to be utilized.
What really stands out is how supportive and encouraging the book feels. There’s no guilt or pressure, just a clear, joyful invitation for parents to step back, trust kids more, and make space for real play. If you care about raising curious, imaginative children and want to better understand why play is so powerful (and how to support it without over-directing), this book is a genuinely inspiring read. It feels like a gift—for kids and for the adults who love them.
What really stands out is how supportive and encouraging the book feels. There’s no guilt or pressure, just a clear, joyful invitation for parents to step back, trust kids more, and make space for real play. If you care about raising curious, imaginative children and want to better understand why play is so powerful (and how to support it without over-directing), this book is a genuinely inspiring read. It feels like a gift—for kids and for the adults who love them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kate Allen Fox’s Go Play! is a vibrant, rhythmic celebration of active play and the great outdoors. It’s a high-energy picture book that encourages kids to step away from screens and explore the physical world around them.
The Highlights:
Energetic Prose: The bouncy, rhyming text makes it a fantastic "read-aloud" that naturally builds excitement and movement.
Inclusive Representation: The illustrations beautifully showcase children of all abilities and backgrounds enjoying nature, emphasizing that play is for everyone.
Inspiring Themes: It doesn’t just tell kids to play; it illustrates the feeling of freedom and discovery that comes with outdoor adventure.
Why 4 Stars: While the message is simple, its execution is wonderfully bright and motivating. It’s a great "intro" book for toddlers and preschoolers, though older kids might finish it quickly.
The Highlights:
Energetic Prose: The bouncy, rhyming text makes it a fantastic "read-aloud" that naturally builds excitement and movement.
Inclusive Representation: The illustrations beautifully showcase children of all abilities and backgrounds enjoying nature, emphasizing that play is for everyone.
Inspiring Themes: It doesn’t just tell kids to play; it illustrates the feeling of freedom and discovery that comes with outdoor adventure.
Why 4 Stars: While the message is simple, its execution is wonderfully bright and motivating. It’s a great "intro" book for toddlers and preschoolers, though older kids might finish it quickly.
April 20, 2026
Go Play by Kate Allen Fox and Gennie Gorback is a return to the fundamentals of childhood play combined with an accessible approach and modern ideas for today’s parents. This books mixes play wisdom with plain language, making it an easy and quick read for busy adults. From sensory play and nature play to music, movement, imagination, and more, Go Play offers play ideas for all sorts of kids (and parents). I love the simple sensory play recipes at the back and recommend this book for anyone looking to broaden their kids’ play options or encourage independence and creativity.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews