Product reviews for Den Building

Den Building is not just a how-to book, not just a set of projects for a rainy day; it's a starting place for a lifetime of exploration and ideas, creativity and fun.

The book contains everything from the simplest pillow fort, to elaborate villages of interconnected creations. Project books for children usually require a shopping list of things before you can start, but there will be something you can make today out of the things you have lying about. If its 9am, and raining, and the kids are already running in circles screaming, there is something in this book that they can put that energy into, and make somewhere magical to spend the day.

The most impressive effect of Den Building is that you and your children will never see your house in the same way again. Every nook will become a den, every bit of recycling a possible window or chimney or robot rocket ship. The only danger I can see is that you all become addicted to dens, and when people call round they have to search for you in a house full of tents and igloos and giggling, shaking cardboard boxes!

I love that it is something that needs you all to do it together. The children need help with construction, but the adults need ideas and stories for what's happening inside. It's truly a joint effort, which is always a hard balance to strike.

I also love that it gives you all permission to make a mess. In a world where grown-ups are always tidying, and moaning about mess, it's liberating to show children that you enjoy chopping up cardboard and collecting pine cones. It also gives them a cracking incentive to help put it all away at the end, because then the space is ready for the next den!



I am definitely going to be making some dens in the future. I think I may need to visit a pound shop. And have a look in the loft ...