As If

Sometime during the second year of life, a fascinating behavior emerges in the life of a child, a behavior that will characterize much of the child's activity during the early childhood years. This behavior is referred to by a variety of terms, such as pretend, fantasy, and imaginary play. It is the type of play that lets a child remove herself from the immediate here and now and enter the worlds of 'once upon a time' and 'lands far, far away.' It is the play of a red towel tied around your neck turning you into a superhero and the play of a crying baby doll needing the comfort of your parental arms. It is the play of make believe; it is the play of as if.

But as if is not just for children. As David Kuschner shows us in his new book, in addition to being a major part of childhood, the essence of as if is also part of waging war, performing brain surgery, using secret codes, telling lies, and coping with life's challenges. This thought provoking book suggests that children pretend and engage in as if not because they are children but because they are human beings.

"David Kuschner explores the range and depth of the subject of make-believe for children (and adults), and takes us on a fascinating journey through the human capacity for fantasy and invention. He highlights the use of 'as if' as a way of exploring not only the straightforward elements of make-believe play, but also its wider implications for all aspects of human development. The book is a roller-coaster ride through, among other topics, symbolic play, imaginary friends, superheroes, and even the telling of lies; all of which are ways we refuse to accept reality in order to feel in control of our lives."

-Professor Fraser Brown, Child Development and Playwork Team, Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom