Acclaimed science writer David Toomey will take us on a fast-paced and entertaining tour of playful animals and the scientists who study them. A “lively, informative, and scientifically entertaining animal behavior study” (Kirkus Reviews) Kingdom of Play is an illuminating look at a little-known aspect of the animal kingdom. This event in our Manchester store is presented in partnership with Red Fox Community School, and will feature a musical intro by Maxine Linehan!

Acclaimed science writer David Toomey takes us on a fast-paced and entertaining tour of playful animals and the scientists who study them. From octopuses on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to meerkats in the Kalahari Desert to brown bears on Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, we follow adventurous researchers as they design and conduct experiments seeking answers to new, intriguing questions: When did play first appear in animals? How does play develop the brain, and how did it evolve? Are the songs and aerial acrobatics of birds the beginning of avian culture? Is fairness in dog play the foundation of canine ethics? And does play direct and possibly accelerate evolution? Monkeys belly flop, dolphins tail-walk, elephants mud-slide, crows dive-bomb, and octopuses bounce balls. These activities are various, but all are play, and as Toomey explains, animal play can be defined as a distinct behavior that is ongoing and open-ended, purposeless and provisional—rather like natural selection. Through a close examination of both natural selection and play, Toomey argues that life itself is fundamentally playful. A “lively, informative, and scientifically entertaining animal behavior study” (Kirkus Reviews) Kingdom of Play is an illuminating—and yes, playful—look at a little-known aspect of the animal kingdom.

David Toomey is a Professor of English at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he teaches courses in writing and in the history of science. He is the author of several books of nonfiction, including Weird Life and The New Time Travelers. In his lifetime he has known and played with a great many animals, both human and non-human.

Kingdom of Play written by David Toomey reflects the values of Red Fox Community School by celebrating curiosity, creativity, and the importance of play in learning and development. Just as Red Fox emphasizes hands-on, experiential, and play-based activities, the book highlights how play fosters adaptability, problem-solving, and social connections in both animals and humans. Red Fox’s commitment to nurturing a love for discovery and honoring the natural world ties to how the book explores the role of play in fostering resilience and innovation. In addition, the sense of joy and wonder celebrated in Kingdom of Play mirrors the school’s ethos of inspiring students to dream big, build meaningful relationships, and connect deeply with the world around them.

The book also discusses how certain animal behaviors, such as the complex vocalizations of birds, can be seen as forms of play that contribute to social bonding and cultural development. Singer, writer, producer, and actress Maxine Linehan will kick this event off with an acoustic performance. Maxine is an interpretive artist that uses popular songbooks and theatrical presentations to share intimate truths and build communal bonds. The Irish performer’s masterful productions reimagine beloved music catalogs with courageous and emotive storylines, and immersive experiences. In doing this, she enriches our bonds with our favorite music.

If you have questions about this or any other Northshire event, please e-mail us at events@northshire.com.