Toys!: Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions
What’s inside...
Describes the creation of a variety of toys and games, from seesaws to Silly Putty and toy soldiers to Trivial Pursuit. 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 because it was initially a product for cleaning wallpaper. The book explores who invented Lego, Mr. Potato Head, and toy trains, among others. It explains the historical and cultural significance of these toys, such as why the see-saw was popular with the Romans and how the Slinky was used during the Vietnam War. With humor and wit, the book serves up slices of cultural history and inspires young readers to think about creating their own toy inventions.
Age
8-12
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What invention from the book did you find the most interesting and why?
How do you think toys have changed from the past to now?
If you could create a toy, what would it be like and how would it work?
Can you think of any ways that these inventions have made people's lives more fun or easier?
How do the stories of these inventors inspire you to be creative?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own favorite toy from childhood and ask them about theirs. Encourage them to use their imagination by asking what kind of toy they would invent. Connect the stories from the book to real-life scenarios or problems that the invented toys might solve. Praise their creative ideas and link the discussions back to the inventors’ stories from the book to enhance their understanding and appreciation of creativity and perseverance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Innovation and Creativity
Explanation: The book showcases the origins of various toys, highlighting how inventors used creativity to turn simple ideas into playful items.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and innovatively, possibly sparking ideas for their own inventions or creative play.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Several stories in the book detail how inventors overcame obstacles during the creation of their toys.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of perseverance and problem-solving skills in overcoming challenges in daily activities or school projects.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: The book provides historical contexts for each invention, giving insight into how and why these toys were created during specific time periods.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate history and its impact on modern inventions, enhancing their understanding and curiosity about how past innovations influence current life.
Example Lesson: Understanding Patents and Intellectual Property
Explanation: The narrative includes discussions about the patenting process some toys went through, showing the value of protecting one’s inventions.
Real-World Application: Introduces basic concepts of intellectual property, encouraging respect for others’ creative works and the significance of legal protection for one's own creations.