Horn Book (Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 2001)

Parcheesi, bicycles, and Mr. Potato Head are among the playthings highlighted in this overview. The accessible prose shows how various toys have been invented (the Slinky was developed by a military engineer), became popular (the Tonight show was responsible for the initial success of Twister), and affected popular culture (the Super Bowl's name was inspired by the Super Ball). Keller's loopy illustrations add to the fun. Bib.

ALA Booklist (Thu Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2000)

It's hard to say whether adults or kids will get a bigger kick out of Wulffson's intriguing histories of favorite toys and games. A glance at the table of contents will send readers scampering in a dozen directions to discover the origins of Baby Boomer favorites such as Mr. Potato Head, Slinky, and Silly Putty; really ld favorites such as kites, checkers, and Parcheesi; instant classics, including super balls, Play-Doh, and Twister; and evolving classics such as card games, toy soldiers, and arcade games. Each of the 25 chapters is illustrated with small, humorous drawings and discusses a particular toy or game's origin and development. The book ends with a bibliography and a list of Web sites. Good, readable fare for browsing or light research. (Reviewed June 1 & 15, 2000)

Kirkus Reviews

Wulffson follows up The Kid Who Invented the Popsicle (1997) with the sometimes quirky tales behind more than two dozen novelties, gadgets and games, from playing cards and wind-up toys to Play-Doh. Some (tops, seesaws) have long histories, some (whoopee cushions) only seem to have been around forever, and some (Trivial Pursuit) are of recent vintage. The author brushes in their origins and variations with broad strokes, livening the picture further with factoids at each chapter's end, and Keller's gnomic, black-and-white cartoon figures lighten the tone further by cracking wise on the side. The generalizations may sometimes shade over into oversimplifications ("There is even an Asian religion based on kite flying"), and there is nothing about Pokemon or other current crazes, but these accounts of the origins of super balls, Raggedy Ann, Legos, Twister, Pong and the like will give middle graders new insight into their parents' misspent youths—and a bibliography and a list of Web sites will give readers who want all the details a head start. (Nonfiction. 9-11)

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-Wulffson shares the stories behind classic and commercial toy inventions such as Legos, Mr. Potato Head, Raggedy Ann, toy soldiers, Twister, checkers, and remote control cars. Readers will discover that some of the most popular creations were the products of experiments gone awry, thus providing a lesson in persistence, surprise outcomes, and creative thinking. Several pages of history are provided for each plaything, followed by bulleted trivia, such as "The ingredient that gives Play-Doh its distinctive aroma is vanilla." Keller's clever black-and-white cartoons add humor to the already-engaging text. A light read or a lively report source on inventions.-Victoria Kidd, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.