Author: Àngels Navarro
Genre: Children
Publisher: Combel Editorial, 12 páginas
Reader: Miranda France
A highly attractive compendium of ten board games from different cultures around the world, some of them dating back hundreds or even thousands of years. The boards, made of stiff card can be pressed out from the pages and returned to their slots after use. Press out counters can be stored in an envelope. The games include several ancient games such as Tablut (Scandinavia), once played by the Vikings, Yoté (Mali and Senegal) played in the sand by nomadic shepherds and Patolli (Mexico), played by the Aztecs, who would make religious offerings and prayers before beginning a game. Mu Torere (New Zealand), a favourite of the Maoris, baffled colonisers who, legend has it, were never able to beat the indigenous people at their game. Each game is accompanied by notes giving the history and context of the game, clear rules and tips on strategy. Simultaneously a source of entertainment and learning, this would make a striking and rewarding present for any child over eight years old, and a great book to take on holiday.