Toys!

August 24, 2000
Gr 4-8-Wulffson shares the stories behind classic and commercial toy inventions such as Legos, Mr. Potato Head, Raggedy Ann, toy soldiers, Twister, checkers, and remote control cars. Readers will discover that some of the most popular creations were the products of experiments gone awry, thus providing a lesson in persistence, surprise outcomes, and creative thinking. Several pages of history are provided for each plaything, followed by bulleted trivia, such as "The ingredient that gives Play-Doh its distinctive aroma is vanilla." Keller's clever black-and-white cartoons add humor to the already-engaging text. A light read or a lively report source on inventions.-Victoria Kidd, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA

Copyright 2000 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2000
Gr. 4^-6. It's hard to say whether adults or kids will get a bigger kick out of Wulffson's intriguing histories of favorite toys and games. A glance at the table of contents will send readers scampering in a dozen directions to discover the origins of "Baby Boomer" favorites such as Mr. Potato Head, Slinky, and Silly Putty; "really "old favorites such as kites, checkers, and Parcheesi; instant classics, including super balls, Play-Doh, and Twister; and evolving classics such as card games, toy soldiers, and arcade games. Each of the 25 chapters is illustrated with small, humorous drawings and discusses a particular toy or game's origin and development. The book ends with a bibliography and a list of Web sites. Good, readable fare for browsing or light research. ((Reviewed June 1 & 15, 2000))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2000, American Library Association.)