mabel and sam at home

A sweet story that demonstrates how young children use imaginative play to process emotions and understand significant events in their lives.  It’s moving day for Mabel and Sam and they are sailing the high seas as their belongings are packed up and transported to their new home.  Upon disembarking, they’re off to tour their “New House Museum,” with enough time to explore the reaches of outer space before bedtime.  All in a day’s work.  Children possess an innate creativity and allowing them unstructured free time lets them tap into it.  Social learning, cognitive development, language growth and of course joy — all these things take place during play.  “Play is the work of childhood.” — Jean Piaget

Also, the bond between these siblings is so endearing.

Mabel and Sam at Home: One Brave Journey in Three Adventures was written by Linda Urban, illustrated by Hadley Hooper and published by Chronicle Books.  It'll be out on June 5.