It seems like children of the past had an easier time making their own fun and exploring the world on their own. Lately, however, the neighborhood streets are slightly more empty, the woodland trails less trodden. An age of heightened security and addictive video games deals a double-blow to children's learning, playing, and interactive experiences.
I want to write a series of books that introduces all sorts of wonderful topics to children. The goal: to encourage children to learn new things, pass on ways to have fun without relying solely on technology, inspire activity and interaction among kids.
There are so many topic ideas that would fit in this book. Here are some ideas I've had at a glance:
- How to Play Capture-The-Flag
- How to Identify Trees
- Making and Breaking Codes
- Science in the Kitchen
- How Garbage Harms the Environment (cigarettes tossed from windows, six-pack loops around fish, etc)
- Mythology of the Summer Sky
- Magic Tricks
- How to Make Puppets and Put On a Puppet Show
I also have a narrative element figured out: readers will follow a set of characters as they hang out together and engage in the activities that are instructed in each section.
I would love for this to be a series of books that grows with the child. Perhaps each book has a selection of topics that cover different age ranges. Kids could flip through the books as they grow, and continually notice new topics, or new things about old topics.
To do this, I'll need a couple of writers and authors. I'll be the equivalent of director/producer. If you're interested, please let me know!