RISKY PLAY
GONE AWAY

Written by: Lauren MacLean
Illustrations by: Yana Popova
Recommended audience: 2-12
Self Published 

In Risky Play Gone Away, three adventurous kids love exploring, climbing, and testing their limits until a few scrapes and tumbles convince the adults to shut everything down. Suddenly, play becomes dull. No imagination. No fun. No freedom.

Determined to reclaim their spark, the kids dream up a bold solution: a Yes Space, a place where they can move, create, experiment, and take safe risks. Through curiosity, problem-solving, and plenty of laughter, they discover that risk is not something to fear, but a powerful part of learning and growing.

Written by Lauren MacLean, author, teacher, speaker, and outdoor educator, Risky Play Gone Away is a vibrant reminder of why risky play and play in many styles, matters. It encourages adults to create environments where children are supported, empowered, and trusted to explore the world with confidence, independence, and joy.

Stories like this remind us that when we step back and trust kids’ instincts, we give them the space to grow into capable, resilient, and courageous humans. This book is perfect for parents, caregivers, and educators alike. 

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Best Blurb

Because every tumble, every climb, every fall,
Helps them grow stronger and helps them stand tall.
With courage and care, they try something new.
That’s how they learn what their true selves can do.

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Find it: outdoorlearning.com​