Everybody has a favourite toy; some of us still have them. As adults, they are a link to our childhood, imbued with the emotion and nostalgia of the past. Photographer and journalist Gabriele Galimberti travelled to over 50 countries to create this amazing book, documenting children with their prized possessions. The children featured are aged between 3 to 6 years, pictured in their homes or neighbourhoods with their favourite toys neatly set out in front of them. It is curious to note that the nature of the toys hasn’t changed much in the last few decades: cars, trucks and trains, dinosaurs, Lego, dolls, stuffed toys and Barbie are still hugely popular and it is mesmerising to look at these collections, and the children’s surroundings, to get a sense of their lives.

As you can imagine, there are vast contrasts in the children’s circumstances and one of the interesting things noted by Galimberti is that the more affluent the child was, the more possessive they were of their toys, whereas the children from poorer countries – who often only had one or two toys – weren’t so fussed about them, preferring to be out playing with their friends. There are so many stories within these photos, which is what makes this such a fascinating book.

And my favourite? Well, it is a toss-up between Botlhe from Botswana and Maudy from Zambia. I was totally engrossed by Toy Stories and highly recommend it.

Alexa Dretzke