The Top 5 Best Play Inspired Books for Educators

Looking for the best play books for early childhood educators? Whether you’re setting up a new classroom, re-thinking your environment, or simply craving fresh inspiration, the right books can spark big change.

These aren’t heavy academic texts. They’re practical, inspiring, and simple to use in your daily work with children. Each book is full of ideas for play-based learning, loose parts play, and child-led environments.

Here are five must-have books for your staff room shelf - perfect for anyone who wants to create meaningful, play-rich learning spaces.

1. Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children by Lisa Daly & Miriam Beloglovsky

What it’s about:
This bestseller introduces the concept of loose parts play - everyday materials like wood, stones, fabric, shells, and recycled items that children can move, combine, and transform in endless ways. With 550+ full-color photos, it’s both inspiring and practical.

Why educators love it:

• Shows how to set up engaging learning spaces with simple, low-cost resources.

• Encourages creativity, problem-solving, and independence in children.

• Makes the loose parts philosophy easy to understand and apply right away.

“When children play with loose parts, they’re not just ‘playing’ — they’re building creativity, resilience, and critical thinking skills.”

2. The A-Z of The Curiosity Approach® – 2nd Edition

What it’s about:
Described as a recipe book for inspirational practice, this guide invites educators to transform their classrooms into calm, curiosity-driven spaces. It blends Montessori, Steiner, and Reggio philosophies with modern early years practice.

Why educators love it:

• Packed with ideas for using natural materials and reducing plastic toys.

• Helps educators reconnect with their values and philosophy.

• A great resource for staff training, reflective practice, and team discussions.

“The Curiosity Approach reminds us that classrooms should be calm, homelike, and meaningful — not overstimulating.”

3. Loose Parts in Action: The Essential How-To Guide by Lisa Daly

What it’s about:
Think of this as the “hands-on manual” to loose parts play. It goes deeper into the practical side of setting up, rotating, and managing loose parts in your classroom. Perfect for educators who like step-by-step guidance.

Why educators love it:

• Explains how to collect, store, and rotate loose parts safely.

• Shares real-life examples from classrooms and outdoor settings.

• Shows educators how to balance freedom with structure in play.

“Loose parts don’t have to be complicated. This book shows you exactly how to make them work in everyday practice.”

4. The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Experience in Transformation by Carolyn Edwards, Lella Gandini & George Forman

What it’s about:
This classic text shares the heart of the Reggio Emilia philosophy: the idea that children express themselves in “a hundred languages” - through art, movement, storytelling, building, music, and relationships. It shows how environments can be designed to support these languages.

Why educators love it:

• Deepens your understanding of the environment as the third teacher.

• Encourages you to listen differently to children’s ideas and expressions.

• Offers inspiring stories from Reggio Emilia schools.

“Children speak in many languages — our role is to listen, honour, and create spaces where their voices are heard.”

5. Looking for Learning: Loose Parts by Laura England

What it’s about:
This book focuses on observing children during loose parts play. It teaches educators how to notice learning in action and use these insights to plan engaging environments.

Why educators love it:

• Sharpens observation skills - a must for reflective practice.

• Helps link loose parts play to learning outcomes.

• Provides simple prompts for staff teams to discuss and reflect together.

“Loose parts are powerful, but only if we notice how children use them. Observation is the key.”

Why These Play Books Belong in Every Early Childhood Setting

These five books combine inspiration and practicality. They remind us that:

• Play is the foundation of children’s learning.

• Environments are powerful - they send messages to children about their worth, independence, and creativity.

• Small, thoughtful changes (like adding loose parts or reducing clutter) can transform the classroom experience.

With these resources, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to:
Create meaningful, play-rich learning environments
Support staff with reflective practice and professional learning
Keep children’s rights, wellbeing, and curiosity at the heart of your program

Next Steps

✨ Ready to grow your practice? Start with one of these top play books:

• Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children
  

• The A-Z of The Curiosity Approach® – 2nd Edition
  

• Loose Parts in Action: The Essential How-To Guide
  

• The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Experience in Transformation
  

• Looking for Learning: Loose Parts
  
  

And if you’re looking for ready-to-use resources to support your team, check out:

• Your Planning Guide to Re-Architect Your Playspace — a practical guide to transforming learning spaces
  

• Make it Matter: 12 Months of Meaningful Staff Meetings — reflective tools for professional growth

Affiliate Disclaimer - This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend books and resources that I truly value and believe will support early childhood educators in their work. Thank you for supporting my work through these links -it helps me keep sharing free resources and inspiration with you.