Toys and Games Books

Of all of the reference guides I own, I use two. This is one of those two. This book is an invaluable resource for identifying Matchbox models. It has several indexes to use--chronological, by name and by issue number. I would recommend that any Matchbox collector add this book to their reference library.

This book helped me greatly

I am preparing to homeschool my son and purchased "Math In Minutes" as a resource guide: a handy book of ideas to keep in my library so that I can provide a variety of activities in our curriculum. I have to say that I got more than I bargained for.
First, I am very happy with the way that the book is laid out. After a basic introduction, which is definitely aimed more at school teachers and administrators, the author organizes the activities into several chapters corresponding to a particular mathematical concept, for example Chapter 3 is Computation and Estimation activities, Chapter 4 deals with Measurement, Time, and Money activities, Chapter 6 is Sorting, Classifying, Graphing, Data Analysis, and Probability activities, etc. Each chapter begins with a description of the mathematical concept that will be covered and specific points for the teacher to consider about teaching the concepts to children. Although I was skeptical at first about age appropriateness (the book cover indicates that these are easy activities for children 4-8 years old, but the chapter titles looked a little daunting...what was seriation again, anyway??--and will a five year old understand estimation and probability??), I must admit that MacDonald does a GREAT job at succinctly and adequately covering these topics in her introductions so that a teacher fully understands how these topics pertain to and relate to the children and child development in general at the target age group. The chapter introductions made me feel comfortable with the concepts, both as a review of the math involved and as a platform for introducing the topic to my son.
Second, the activities themselves are creative and, I think for the most part, relatively easy and inexpensive to implement both at home and in the classroom. Also, the author tells us that a premise of the book is to provide quick ideas as well, so you aren't spending hours preparing for a game that a child decides he or she has no interest in after two minutes! (great idea!)There are a variety of activities listed for each area and, for some activities, there are even recommendations on how to change up the activity to continually challenge the student (such as creating an estimation station). I also enjoyed her chapter on putting things together as a Pizza Unit Study. I really think this is a book that I will be able to use for years...as my son grows and learns, rather than a simple list of math games and worksheets that, once "conquered", are far from challenging and even boring to repeat.

Another fun note about the book is that there are also recommendations for activities that tie in books and songs in order to provide a more thematic approach to the material.

I am enjoying the book immensely and am excited to introduce some of the games and math station ideas to my son as we begin homeschooling.

A compendium of 150 math activities specifically designed for children ages 4 to 8, "Math In Minutes" by Sharon Macdonald is a highly recommended addition to any preschool, elementary school, and home-schooling curriculum to introduce children to basic mathematical concepts and skills. MacDonald draws upon her more than fifteen years of experience and expertise training classroom teachers to create this compilation of math exercises and activities, each of which is in full compliance with the standards of The National council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Thoroughly 'kid friendly', "Math In Minutes" is an excellent tool for teaching mathematical literacy including number sense and numeration, computation and estimation; measurement, time, and money; geometry and spatial sense; sorting, classifying, graphing, data analysis, and probability; patters and number relationships; as well as problem solving and reasoning. Of special note is the final chapter 'Putting It All Together: A Pizza Unit of Study', as well as the extended glossary, appendices, and indexes.

Creative learning for your kids! Hours of interactive fun creating bugs of all shapes and sizes. The book is divided into three sections. This format allows children to play independently or with others. The graphics are exciting and colorful.

No more bugs in the rug! This delightful, creative book allows your child to mix and match both the names and the bodies of bugs you've never heard of. My daughter laughs out loud at the silly creatures she creates. No more tears from fears of bugs but rather a new interest has been peaked!

I was pleasantly surprised to see several of my toy concepts presented in Ms. Baker's book, "Modern Toys". As Vice President of Product Concept & Development for Creative Playthings of CBS Toys, in the late 70's, when the broadcast giant also delivered quality educational and learning toys and games, my group birthed what I now frequently grace the tables of flea-markets and yard-sales. One series, "Block Family", is represented in the "Who-Sit?" category, to which I quickly responded with patent details for Linda's "next book", which I sincerely hope she may produce. I grew up with many of the classics in her array, and applaude her for preserving, at least in print, memories for millions of youngsters, of a more simpler period in childhood-Americana.

Mattiene'Moustakas Industrial Design & Invention Box 251-University Station Syracuse NY 13210-0251

This book has a selection of toy pictures from all the big toy manufactuers, with an extensive section on Fisher Price, both for little people and their earlier push toys. A great book to go to for reference when I am checking on a set's piece count or number. The color pictures are wonderful, but coverage can be spotty....that is, not all toy manufacturers and their lines are as fully represented as I would like them to be. Nevertheless, this is one of my main toy reference books. Feel free to email me if you would like to know how well a certain manufacturer is represented, and I will be happy to look it up for you.

This book is great! I'm on-line to buy a second copy because I wore my first one out. I love this book because it has simple, simple books that get kids reading right away. The book continues to get harder, but I've never taken a student all the way through because once they get about half-way they are able to read "real" books. I also love it because you can copy the books and send them home with students to practice. I used this when I taught kindergarten. I used it with my son and nephew. Now I use it with ESL students in third grade. It is awesome!

I have used this book for over eight years in teaching ESL students. The simple language and repetition is just what many of my students need, especially those with little or no English. The books are fun for the students and very worthwhile in teaching the basic sight words. Because they are short (8 pages each, made front & back on one piece of paper), the children can easily see their progress. Because words are constantly used again in new stories, they don't have a chance to forget them. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great way to get students started with reading!

Very Good. Very educational. Easy for child to understand.

This book combines interesting pictures and facts into a great introduction about time. Time impacts our lives in many ways and all are covered in this book. I used to teach 1st grade and used this book during my time lessons. My 2 yr. old is fascinated with clocks and loves it too!!

my kids just love this puzzle and now I have to buy 4 more for their cousins, and the drawings are also cute, you're kids will not be dissapointed with this for a gift.

My son loved this book and the included puzzle. The game that went along with the book was also fun, too. Great gift for any little boy who loves construction trucks. Fun story, too.

The guide is beautifully done, with clear pictures and fantastic organization. There is clearly a lot of research and work that has gone into this labor of love, and it shows. This book is just brimming with valuable information.

It's a great resource to have on hand. For those of us with extensive collections, it really makes all the difference when trying to organize and inventory ponies and accessories.

As someone who owns both of Summer's books, I highly suggest getting one of your own--it's a great investment!

The pictures in this book are terrific. They are full color and quite detailed. I especially like that Dream Beauties, petites and little litters are included. Accessories are listed but not always shown but it's a wealth of information. I am really enjoying reading it.

This soft hardcover board book is the perfect book for an introduction into the wonderful world of DK Publishing! This book is perfect for little chubby hands and grows with your child. At 2 1/2 my daughter still loves these DK books. They have expanded her vocabulary and also her pride in herself when she can tell me what each picture is as if she is reading each page. Her bright smile is worth millions, now and her love of books is a pay off that will reap benefits later on in her life..... really!

This book includes 2 pages each:
Animals - Elphant & her calf, a Panda, Puppy & Foal, Birds- Nest, Chicken Chick, a Penguin Family, Pigeon & Feathers. Plants - Wheat, Flower, Wind carrying Dandelion seeds & Cactus, Insects - Ants, Ladybug, Monarc Butterfly, Grasshopper, & Bee. Fruit- Orange, Lemons, grapes, Strawberry & Pears. Sea Creatures - Seal, a school of Fish, Crab & Starfish, Trees - Leaves, Forest, various tree Seeds, & Blossoms and Weatherr- Rain, Wind, colors of a Rainbow, Sun and Snow.

We've been reading this book since my son was about 4 months old (he just turned 2), and I credit this book for inspiring much of his love of reading. Although he's not no longer as fixated on it as he once was (Richard Scarry is now his obsession!), he still loves to look at the beautiful pictures and brightly colored flowers, animals, fruits, and other natural elements.

This game is absolutely fantastic. I've got a pair of buddies at work that I've conscripted into playing on lunch breaks, and we've all become addicted.

The humor just keeps us laughing, and the "But you must explain how" conditions on some cards always create good times. I would highly recommend also purchasing the Sumo Size Me addition pack as the money and honor counters alone are worth it, not to mention the awesome new cards.

While I have been a fan of Steve Jackson for quite some time, my love is now firmly cememted after playing several of his newer games this weekend.

Picture the bad kung-fu movies of the 70's, now adopt one of those personas and deliver delicious hamburgers in 30 minutes or less, without being seen! Very tongue in cheek, and loads of fun. After selecting a persona, you get Fortune cards that can help you out on your mission, or hurt someone else's mission.

Then there are the missions. The mission cards have a set of dice rolls you must make, compared to your persona's abilities. If you succeed, you gain honor; if you fail, you lose honor. The player with the most honor gets the promotion to store manager, and wins.

Example - Ski Lift.
Man enters ski lift at bottom of hill hungry. When he reaches top, he is full of hot delcious Ninja Burger!

You must make a stealth roll at -2 because uniform contrasts with bright white snow. Next, you must make a climb roll at -1 to scale icy ski lift tower. If you win, you gain 1 honor.