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St. Martin's Press

Toys!: Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions

Based on 145 reviews
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$10.18
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Arrives Thursday, Nov 19
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At a glance

Condition
New
Dimensions
5.1 x 0.6 x 7.6 in
Weight
5.7 oz
Publisher
Square Fish
Publication date
December 2, 2014
Edition
First Edition
Language
English

Description

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. Read more

Specs 10

Publisher Square Fish
Publication date December 2, 2014
Edition First Edition
Language English
Print length 208 pages
ISBN-10 1250034094
ISBN-13 90
Item Weight 5.7 ounces

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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Thursday, Nov 19

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Top Amazon Reviews

Fun Book for Everyone
Format: Paperback
This book gives a quick history of some very popular toys. Good for children and adults. A child does not have to read the whole book but may choose chapters about toys that he/she knows and loves.
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2017 by Victor T. Bucci
Great for all Ages - I read it Aloud to my Students
Format: Hardcover
I am a teacher and one of our Science modules is called Ideas and Inventions. I have used this book in my classroom for read-aloud time during this unit. The stories are interesting and to-the-point. The students are as interested in the various Toy origin stories as I am. I love discussing with them the humble origins that many of the most memorable toys of the last 100 years come from. You don't have to be a genius or wealthy to have a great, original idea. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2008 by G. Sims
Very interesting book
Interesting book about how the toys made with a real story behind it. Unexpected. Attention catching. Kids loved it! So was interesting for a parent to read
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2014 by natalie
Fun read
Format: Paperback
Probably not that well researched but a fun and interesting read.
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2026 by Ava W.
My son loved this book!
Format: Hardcover
It is hard sometimes to get a child to read an informational book. This won a prize though with my son. He loved learning the history of toys and how they got their start. I didn't have to force him to read or finish it.
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2013 by Amy Rachiele, Author
My daughter is 10 and received this book for Christmas ...
Format: Paperback
My daughter is 10 and received this book for Christmas. She loves it! It is her current "go- to" book when her schoolwork and assigned reading is complete.
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2015 by Michelle S
Interesting book for the whole family
Format: Paperback
Review Image by Janine M
Review Image by Janine M
Fun book full of interesting stories about toys/games and how they were invented.
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2019 by Janine M
The story behind some classic toys
Format: Hardcover
I'm a Raggedy Ann fan, so reading the story behind the doll was very interesting. Several other stories behind classic toys were also fun to read.
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2020 by Judith J. Bellando
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