Steven Caney's Toy book

By Steven Caney

Book Overview

First published in 1972, Steven Caney's classic Toy Book was written only after much research by the author and a group of 30 friends, all under the age of 13. A designer at the Boston Children's Museum (who had lectured at Harvard on the virtues of the refrigerator carton as a plaything), Caney came up with ideas the kids tested: they constructed and built, tried variations, used different materials, played. No toy could be included in the now-famous collection until it was agreed upon by every child. Could it be made easily? Was it fun? Safe? Caney and the children did their work well. As soon as Toy Book was released, it was recommended by the Museum of Modern Art, numerous book clubs, critics. Use it now as boys and girls always have: to enter new worlds of imagination, concentration, and confidence. Book jacket.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0911104151
• ISBN13: 9780911104158
• Release Date: January 1974
• Publisher: Workman Pub. Co
• Length: 175 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Age Range: 4 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 5

Customer Reviews

Fun and Creative Play

Very good book that teaches kids and parents how to make toys that are fun and creative. From the tire swing to the home made barrometer instructions are easy and educational. My kids didn't stop when the book was totally consumed. They began making their own toys and performing their own experiments.

A favorite childhood book

I remember spending hours with this book-creating the toys and games it described. Wonderfully creative and down to earth in a time of too much plastic and passive activity. Great suggestions for making new toys and games out of found objects and household "throw-aways". This review is based on the original issue. Great for those of us who watched Zoom as kids.