Our Playground Rules!

by Kallie George, Jay Fleck (Illustrator)

Explore what it means to share space and have fun on the playground with this sweetly funny picture book of playground rules based in social-emotional learning.

There are so many reasons why our playground RULES!

1. Everyone gets a turn, no matter time that takes...)
2. We play fair, even when the weather isn't...)
3. We try to be patient, which is always worth it!

This young picture book plays with the double meaning of rules to explore how following a few simple rules of kindness can make playtime more fun for everyone! Featuring simple text and engaging illustrations that embrace with the varying needs and capabilities of the cast of animal characters, Our Playground Rules is built to help small children feel seen and to better empathsize others.

Genres: Picture Books, Plays, School, Friendship, Childrens, Animals

32 pages, Library Binding

Published May 17, 2022

About the author

I’m an author, editor, and speaker living in Vancouver, BC, near the sea. When I’m not writing or editing, I’m teaching creative writing workshops.

I have my Masters of Children's Literature from the University of British Columbia.

I love picture books, fairy tales, beautiful art and music, and baking cookies.

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of animals discover the meaning of kindness and community togetherness playing together on a playground. When I first looked at this book, I assumed the title referred to a list of rules about getting along on a playground. And it kind of does, but the title also refers to the playground and those using it being awesome because of the good choices they make. Each two page spread focuses on one thing that the animals do that contributes to the playground being a great place to be. Ideas such as listening to one another, taking turns, apologizing when needed, and returning what we borrow are all expressed in straight-forward text. What takes the book beyond just a regular rule-introducing book are the fun illustrations. The illustrations use different animals such as a hedgehog or porcupine, a rabbit and a turtle to show the animals engaged in actions related to the text. The two worms provide some humor as they try to swing, scare each other in the sand pile, and use the slide. I found this to be a nice book to read with children because the illustrations provide so much to take about in addition to the text.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our playground rules because...
we follow playground rules!

A list of all the ways children can make a playground a safe and fun place to be, illustrated with extremely cute little animals.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

With bright and cheery illustrations, a wide cast of characters (a bear, rabbit, duck, turtle, porcupine and hedgehog) share their rules for the playground. Make sure to pay attention to the two worms in a parallel story.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a title that serves as a pun or double meaning and illustrations created with pencil and digital painting, this picture book might be a good choice for the early days of school especially since it contains reminders about appropriate behavior on the playground. While some readers will think such a discussion isn't necessary, it seems more important now than ever to remind youngsters to make others feel welcome, take turns, offer help when needed, and listen to others. There are other behavioral tenets such as returning what is borrowed, being patient, learning from mistakes, and treating others fairly. What makes the book especially useful and appealing are two things: (1) how the animal characters strive to be "our" (unpaged) best rather than being the best, and (2) the side remarks of some of the animals as they wait for a turtle to slowly make his way up the steps to the slide and large font showing the quacking of a duck on a swing while two worms wait for a chance to use the equipment. There's a strong theme of support and acceptance running through the main text, which is encouraging, but it might be undermined by some of those humorous observations.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect book to introduce, establish and/or improve behaviors in a playground setting. With minimal text and bold illustrations, Our Playground Rules will easily engage young readers in examining their playground behaviors. Illustrated Jay Fleck has embedded two small earthworms in each illustration who share additional insights readers will enjoy discovering.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The people who think about playground rules are adults, teachers and parents. This book is for young children as a gentle reminder of good practices for playgrounds. The story is light-hearted and the illustrations help to make the points about kind, respectful behavior as the way to have great fun.

[Kate M. Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Dad borrowed this book from the library because he is obsessed with playgrounds. It features cute animals and all the ways they play nicely together. Apparently, they have read it every night while I have been gone on my work trip. I read it with Jack tonight, and he loved pointing out all the different playground equipment to me.

[Dylan Teut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mentor text if your class uses a "Classroom Promise" at the beginning of each year. (An idea from Debbie Miller in Reading with Meaning).

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must admit my brain kept switching to the more common "rules" definition, although the exclamation point at the end of the title makes it clear. good for use in preschools and earlyelementary.

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute for preschools and early elementary classrooms. A great framework for discussing community expectations, inclusive play settings, and SEL.

[Mompop · Rating 3 out of 5]

have not seen a tilt-a-whirl on a playground in years. (safety reasons?)

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Ashleigh Lister · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kids found it very humorous

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick review of basic playground rules modeled by the characters. All sorts of animals share the playground and interact with readers. Colorful illustrations support their points.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The worm subplot was definitely my favorite part about this book! A nice book about children animals playing together, getting along, and treating each with kindness and respect.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read by children about the playground rules between turtle, rabbit, and duck. Simple story with few words.

[Dorothy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable illustrations, kindness in abundance. My kind of book for a 3 year old.

[Ashley Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple early reading book. I love the simplicity of the rules-be kind and include one another.