229 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

Includes index.

The promise of play -- What is play, and why do we do it? -- We are built for play -- Parenthood is child's play -- The opposite of play is not work -- Playing together -- Does play have a dark side? -- A world at play.

We've all seen the happiness in the face of a child while playing in the school yard. Or the blissful abandon of a golden retriever racing with glee across a lawn. This is the joy of play. By definition, play is purposeless and all-consuming. And, most important, it's fun. As we become adults, taking time to play feels like a guilty pleasure--a distraction from "real" work and life. But as Dr. Stuart Brown illustrates, play is anything but trivial. It is a biological drive as integral to our health as sleep or nutrition. In fact, our ability to play throughout life is the single most important factor in determining our success and happiness.

Play -- Psychological aspects.

Play -- Social aspects.

Mind and body.

Vaughan, Christopher C., 1961-

9781583333334 alkaline paper

1583333339 alkaline paper