Toys in Space
Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:
Toys in Space
Author and Illustrator Mini Grey
Borzoi Book Published by Alfred A. Knopf, 2012
Fiction
Suitable for: Ages 5 to 8
Theme/Topic: Imagination, Cleaning Up, Storytelling
Opening spread: That summer night, for the first time, the toys were left outside.
The sun went down, the sky grew dark, and, for the very first time …
Brief Synopsis: A boy forgets his toys in a garden and the toys find themselves left outside. Wonder Doll tells them story about an alien, who collects lost toys.
Links to Resources: There are multiple resources on how to teach your toddlers how to clean up. Use your imagination and find some toys to create a story like the Toys in Space. Will your toys go to the grocery store for an adventure or avoid the neighbor dog guarding the playground? Who knows what stories your toys will create?
Why I Like This Book: I enjoyed the wide cast of characters (toys) in the story. Each toy’s personality shines throughout the story. The Wonder Doll makes a great narrator for the toys’ adventure. And, the end … well, adults can relate to this more than children. I noticed the book doesn’t have the best rating on Amazon. I checked some of the reviews and they noted something I forgot to mention. The Cowboy toy has quite a personality. He says things like “dang it” and “You ninny.” If that bothers you, this may not be the book for you. I tend to self-edit words I don’t want to hear repeated. Happy reading.
For more PPBF books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Blog.