Nestled among the rocks and trees, my children, Noah (13) and his little brother Rhion (3), sit perched on a natural ledge, barefoot and immersed in their surroundings. The sunlight filters through the dense canopy above, casting playful shadows on the rugged terrain below. This moment—of climbing, exploring, and experiencing the raw beauty of nature—reflects the very essence of learning through risk.

The idea of “risky play” is gaining momentum worldwide, as educators, parents, and policymakers recognize the importance of allowing children to engage in unstructured, adventurous play. The Woeste Westen play forest in Amsterdam exemplifies this movement, providing children the space to explore boundaries through climbing, wrestling, playing with fire, and even using tools like hammers and knives under supervision.

In an era where digital screens dominate childhood, outdoor play is becoming an endangered experience. Mascha van Werven, a charity director,...

The fifteen primary school children that came to the Liverpool John Moores University Library ranged from ages 8-12. These children were bright sparks, and as reading buddies, they assisted younger students with their reading skills. My initial thoughts were that My Bare Feet would be too young for these students, and I was apprehensive about "reading down to them", so I framed the book as something they could read with their reading buddies.

Conversation flowed from the beginning, and on each page, the students and I enjoyed discussing how walking through different surfaces and settings makes us feel.

After the reading, we looked at the reflexology chart at the back of the book, and the students took off their shoes and gave each other or themselves a foot massage. They observed how pressing on different parts of their feet affected other parts of their body. Feedback from one girl was that it made her so relaxed she would use foot massage before her exams to calm her down....