Mr. Toomey ranges across the breadth of scientific research into both the "what" and the "why" of play ... Ultimately, it is in its perspicacious survey of how play subtly interacts with—and advances—natural selection and evolution that this book achieves its charm.
Engaging ... Toomey takes a wonderful, "this is so cool" approach to chronicling just how playful diverse animals are and the benefits they accrue from this practice while explaining the science involved in watching animals play, making for a fun and absorbing read.
There are plenty of amusing anecdotes ... Unfortunately, the author’s discussion of the potential neuroscientific and genetic underpinnings of play feels rushed and insubstantial, and the scant number of recent studies cited raises questions about whether the science is up to date. This comes up short.
