The life of A.C. Gilbert was a magical one: accomplished magician, Olympic champion, inventor, toymaker, The Man Who Saved Christmas. And now, for the first time ever, comes a children’s book about this legendary man. The Magic of A.C. Gilbert, a 32-page picture book with colorful illustrations throughout, tells the inspiring story of the man who changed the toy industry as well as the way American viewed playthings.

Written by Robert Young, award-winning author of twenty-eight books for children, this book is a realization of a long-time dream to celebrate the life of one of the most innovative Americans. Robert’s journey with A.C. Gilbert began long ago when he received an Erector Set for Christmas. Thirty-five years later, after taking his fourth grade class to A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village in Salem, Oregon, the idea for a book emerged. After that, it was only a matter of researching then writing, rewriting, and rewriting. The Magic of A.C. Gilbert is the result.