Imagination and Fantasy in Early Childhood

The Role of Pretend Play in Children’s Cognitive Development
This Early Childhood Research and Practice journal defines the cluster of concepts related to pretend play and cognition and briefly synthesizes the latest research on the role of such play in children’s cognitive, social, and academic development.

The Characteristics and Correlates of Fantasy in School-Age Children:
Imaginary Companions, Impersonation, and Social Understanding
Marjorie Taylor, Stephanie M. Carlson, Bayta L. Maring, Lynn Gerow, and Carolyn M. Charley
Developmental Psychology, 2004

Loose Parts 2: Inspiring Play with Infants and Toddlers
Miriam Beloglovsky
Redleaf Press, 2016

The toddler brain : nurture the skills today that will shape your child’s tomorrow : the surprising science behind your child’s development from birth to age 5
Laura A. Jana
Da Capo Lifelong, 2017

Block Play: The Complete Guide to Learning and Playing with Blocks
Sharon MacDonald
Gryphon House, 2001

A Child’s Work: The Importance of Fantasy Play
Vivian Gussin Paley
University of Chicago Press, 2005

Children’s Play: The Roots of Reading
Edward F. Zigler, Dorothy G. Singer, and Sandra J. Bishop-Josef
Zero to Three Press, 2004

Magic Capes , Amazing Powers: Transforming Superhero Play in the Classroom
Eric Hoffman
Redleaf Press, 2004

The Power of Play: How Spontaneous, Imaginative Activities Lead to Happier, Healthier Children
David Elkind
DaCapo Press, 2006