Toys!: Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions

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? Here 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.