Creating a Beautiful Mess: Ten Essential Play Experiences for a Joyous Childhood

2015 GOLD WINNER in the National Parenting Publications Awards

Parents will appreciate Creating a Beautiful Mess because it's fun and helpful. This book isn't about parenting rights or wrongs; it's about playful, joyous play experiences for childhood that are universal. It boils down the essential play experiences in an accessible, practical, and easy way. The chapters represent an optimal balance among experiences that support learning, provide physical activity, encourage creative expression, and promote social and family connections.

Ann Gadzikowski: Ann Gadzikowski is an early childhood educator and the author of several books, including Story Dictation: A Guide for Early Childhood Professionals and Challenging Exceptionally Bright Children in Early Childhood Classrooms. Ann coordinates the Leapfrog and Spark enrichment programs for Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development. She is a frequent presenter at professional conferences on the topics of both early childhood education and gifted education. She has been an instructor of early childhood courses at Oakton Community College for more than a decade. Ann earned a master’s degree from the Erikson Institute for Advanced Study in child development and has worked as a teacher and director of preschool and early childhood programs.