Press Reviews

• HEAS Bulletin

  This is a perceptive and well researched study of children's art and imaginative play and their relationship to child development. It is scholarly but very readable. The book's first section traces the development of child art from the early stages to adolescence, while the second section charts the evolution of play from infancy onwards... The third section has a useful discussion of dreams, nightmares, storytelling and the emotions, describing the role of imaginative play in confronting fears and exploring emotions. The book is informative and helpful. A rich and well-developed imagination has a lasting effect on the child's sense of self and emotional wellbeing. The study helps parents to understand and to nurture the child's imaginative development; it is enlightening and reassuring.

• International Journal of Education & the Arts

  In this beautifully written book, Claire Golomb produces an eloquent account of three extraordinarily important practices that constitute an envisaging of children's pursuit and construction of imaginary worlds. Golomb, a noted psychologist and researcher, puts forth a compelling introductory text that works to provide parents, educators, and students of early childhood development with a persuasive and articulate rendering of the unwavering grasp that worldmaking has on young children, and the developmental trajectories, milestones, and slippages that compose the landscapes of their enduring quests for the alternative. Reading this book is like listening to a gifted storyteller; Golomb's seamless writing style moves you in and out of theoretical terrains, but in ways that refrain from the imposing weight and limitations of an overly esoteric writing style. Amidst the rise and fall of Golombs' narrations there is a healthy balance of imagery and transcription that further emphasizes and carries forward the thoughts and problematics that are generated throughout the text.

• John Matthews, University of Plymouth

  The appearance of a new book by Claire Golomb is always important to educators, especially those concerned with the developmental dimension of children's art from early infancy through childhood. This highly accessible book is a very good introduction to children's art in many of its forms.' 'What remains invaluable in this book is the obvious delight the author takes in the art of the child, and the importance, in developmental terms, she attaches to it. Children's art, in all its forms is shown to be a spontaneous outpouring of expression, representation and symbolism (no matter what contemporary curriculum guides tell you its all about), and as such deserve the most attuned and sensitive support. Claire Golomb's book is essential reading.

• eye (early years educator)

  This book successfully highlights the significance of imaginary world in children's lives and their role in fostering creativity, critical and abstract thinking. This book therefore, provides practitioners with invaluable insight into children's cognitive and emotional wellbeing.

• Young Minds Magazine

  this book provides interesting insight into the way in which childhood art, play, dreams and storytelling are a visual representation of their psychological development and also provide important tools to help them deal with complex emotions.