The Way Toys Work: The Science Behind the Magic 8 Ball, Etch A Sketch, Boomerang, and More [Paperback]

Ed Sobey (Author), Woody Sobey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2008

A Selection of the Scientific American Book Club

Profiling 50 of the world’s most popular playthings—including their history, trivia, and the technology involved—this guide uncovers the hidden science of toys. Discover how an Etch A Sketch writes on its gray screen, why a boomerang returns after it is thrown, and how an RC car responds to a remote control device. Leaving no detail unrevealed, the guide includes original patent-application blueprints and photos of the “guts” of several devices. Inventors and museum curators also offer their observations of favorite gizmos while dispelling (or confirming) several toy legends. Complete with explanations of do-it-yourself experiments and tips on reverse engineering old toys to observe their interior mechanics, this entertaining and informative reference even provides pointers on how budding toy makers can build their own toys using only recycled materials and a little ingenuity.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School—The authors examine 50 toys, including their history and scientific principles. In many cases, they discuss and reproduce original patent drawings. They also take the toys apart to reveal the technology that makes them tick and offer suggestions on how one might build some of these items from scratch. The entries include the balsa wood plane, Erector Set, Frisbee, gyroscope, hula hoop, and Nintendo Entertainment System. Written for novices and illustrated with black-and-white photos throughout, this book is sure to provide hours of entertainment and enlightenment.—Robert Saunderson, Berkeley Public Library, CA
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Review

"Written for novices and illustrated . . . throughout, this book is sure to provide hours of entertainment and enlightenment."  —School Library Journal

"Perfect for collectors, for anyone daring enough to build homemade versions of these classic toys and even for casual browsers."  —Booklist

"Really fun . . . can keep little and big brains occupied for hours."  —mamaspeaks.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 178 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press (May 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556527454
• ISBN-13: 978-1556527456
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #333,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #87 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Toys

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great book for all ages, July 28, 2008

By 

T. J. Wallace (Norton, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Way Toys Work: The Science Behind the Magic 8 Ball, Etch A Sketch, Boomerang, and More (Paperback)

This book is excellent. I'd like to think my grandson will grow up to be an engineer based on his love of how things are put together and what makes them work. The Way Toys Work is easy to understand while providing lessons in an enjoyable atmosphere.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for parents and child, December 16, 2008

By 

David Walden (Boston, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Way Toys Work: The Science Behind the Magic 8 Ball, Etch A Sketch, Boomerang, and More (Paperback)

Children above a certain age may read this book themselves. Parents (or others simply interested in product design) will read the book themselves. I can also imagine reading the book to younger children while explaining things to them (teaching them about things).