Toys!

Written by Don Wulffson · Illustrated by Laurie Keller

Discover the surprising origins of iconic toys and their hidden histories.

3.9 Goodreads · 314 ratings

208 pages· 920L

$10.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Uncover the unexpected beginnings of beloved toys like Lego and Mr. Potato Head. From Play-Doh's wallpaper-cleaning past to the Slinky's wartime use, each story reveals a slice of cultural history. Why did the Romans love the see-saw? What secret does Raggedy Ann's heart hold? Dive into these fascinating tales and be inspired to invent the next great toy.

From the publisher

A fresh, intriguing look at the stories behind great toy inventions, by Don Wulffson and illustrated by Laurie Keller. “Originally, Play-Doh only came in white. There’s a good reason for this. You see, Play-Doh didn’t start out as a toy. It started out as a product for cleaning wallpaper.” Have you ever wondered who invented Lego, Mr. Potato Head, or toy trains? In Toys! are the fascinating stories behind these toy inventions and many others. Learn why the see-saw was popular with the Romans, how the Slinky was used during the Vietnam War, and the reason Raggedy Ann has a red heart on her chest that says “I love you.” From dolls and checkers to pinball and the modern video game, there’s a wide selection here for boys and girls alike. With humor and wit, this intriguing book serves up slices of cultural history that will inspire young readers to start thinking up their own toy inventions.

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