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Below are a few new books we have on toys in the library. Search the catalog using the search terms suggested in the box to the left to find even more!
Exploring the history of childhood and play through 50 historic treasures by 
Figure It Out: designer toys & their makers by 
Art of He Man and the Masters of the Universe
In 1983, the world was introduced to He-Man and The Masters Of The Universe. What followed was a cultural sensation that changed the landscape of children's entertainment forever. Join Mattel and Dark Horse in this comprehensive retrospective chronicling He-Man's decades-long epic journey from toy, to television, to film to a true pop culture phenomenon!
Kids Design by
Cute little bears in all different colours, grinning elephants and cuddly mice cavorting on the padding on the changing table, the winter parka, the playhouse: the design quality of products for children frequently leaves much to be desired. But fortunately the examples are increasing of child appropriate design with style. This is of course not simply a matter of satisfying the aesthetic demands of the adults: It is more about an attractive product design which makes sense for children and their development. This volume presents products for children which allow children to be children. Such products must of course also be functional and stable. But it is at least as important that they playfully incite their phantasy and creativity while encouraging their capabilities and potentials. They should also be a source of pleasure for the potential design lovers of tomorrow. The products presented include toys, baby carriages, furniture, clothing, shoes and much more in the categories of living, fashion and playtime.
Making Mechanical Toys by
Mechanical toys transcend categories of age with their universal appeal. Whether the mechanism is hidden or revealed, simple or complex, the cycle of movement allows you to simply turn a handle and see the magic work. Making Mechanical Toys explains how to make these wonderful and fascinating toys through a variety of bright and exciting projects. 17 original "gallery" mechanical toys have been designed and made especially for this book, which includes step-by-step instructions with over a 140 color photographs and plans for making the toys. Advice on tools and materials, priming and painting, and tricks of the trade draw upon the author's wide experience.
Toons in Toyland by
Every living American adult likely prized one childhood toy that featured the happy image of an animated cartoon or comic strip character. There is an ever-growing market for these collectibles, and stacks of books pose as pricing guides. Yet Tim Hollis is the first to examine the entire story of character licensing and merchandising from a historical view. Toons in Toyland focuses mainly on the post-World War II years, circa 1946-1980, when the last baby boomers were in high school. During those years, the mass merchandising of cartoon characters peaked. However, the concept of licensing cartoon characters for toys, trinkets, and other merchandise dates back to the very first newspaper comics character, the Yellow Kid, who debuted in 1896 and was soon appearing on a variety of items. Eventually, cartoon producers and comic strip artists counted on merchandising as a major part of their revenue stream. It still plays a tremendous role in the success of the Walt Disney Company and many others today. Chapters examine storybooks (such as Little Golden Books), comic books, records, board games, jigsaw puzzles, optical toys (including View-Master and Kenner's Give-a-Show Projector), and holiday paraphernalia. Extending even beyond toys, food companies licensed characters galore--remember the Peanuts characters plugging bread and Dolly Madison snacks? And roadside attractions, amusement parks, campgrounds, and restaurants--think Yogi Bear and Jellystone Park Campgrounds--all bought a bit of cartoon magic to lure the green waves of tourists' dollars.
Titles in red show current subscriptions. Bold dates show Periodicals Department holdings.
