Staff Picks
Toys, toys, and more toys!
- Laura Rogers
- Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Collection
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” – Fred Rogers
Explore titles about making toys, the importance of play, and great picture books that show the magic of simple playthings.
Pirates & Pompons
How to Make Children's Toys and Costumes
Published in 2016
Pirates & Pompoms is packed with playtime ideas for creative parents and carers. Follow a few simple steps to create handmade costumes, toys and props and you'll keep children entertained with make-believe worlds all day long. Only basic cutting, sticking and sewing skills are required. Focusing on these three popular themes (pirates, circus, and woodland animals), projects include: eye patches and a telescope, stuffed animal friends, leaf bunting, circus ringmaster's hat and a big-top canopy den. Each project includes a simple template and illustrated step-by-step instructions. It is perfect for crafty adults looking for holiday activities that will keep little ones happy and busy.
Natural Wooden Toys
75 Easy-to-make and Kid-safe Designs to Inspire Imaginations & Creative Play
Published in 2011
Toys to Sew
[dozens of Patterns for Dolls, Animals, Doll Clothes, and Accessories]
Published in 2006
Storybook Toys
Sew 16 Projects from Once Upon a Time - Dolls, Puppets, Softies & More
Published in 2012
What Shall We Play?
Published in 2002
Lily May and her friends have fun pretending to be trees, cars, cats, Jell-O, and fairies.
Toymaking with Children
Published in 2010
"... Instructions for making a wide variety of toys, from simple knotted animals and playcloths, to a dollshouse, a play store, puppets, boats and trains, and many varieties of dolls"--From publisher description.
I Like to Play
Published in 2010
Presents a visual essay depicting young people from a diverse range of cultures engaged in activities from games and dancing to pretending and cuddling.
Roxaboxen
Published in 1990
A hill covered with rocks and wooden boxes becomes an imaginary town for Marian, her sisters, and their friends.
In a Minute!
Published in 2001
Bartholomew wants to play with George, who is always too busy doing chores, but when George is ready to play, Bartholomew has his own ideas about what he wants to do.
Play
Published in 1998
A series of photographs shows that everyone likes to stretch the mind, body, and imagination in play whether alone or with others including family, friends, and even animals.
How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way
Published in 2017
"A practical parenting program to help build a calm and happy home life with your child, from birth through age six. This guide is based on Montessori school methods and packed with creative activities to help children discover more about their world as well as foster independence, concentration, and respect for others"--Back cover.
Bringing the Outside in
Published in 2016
A rhyming story that encourages children to get outside and play.
Pete's a Pizza
Published in 1998
When Pete feels miserable because rain makes it impossible to play ball outdoors, his father finds a fun indoor game to play with his son.