Overview

The first book to explain the technology of playthings, from wind-up racers to Nintendo controllers

If you’ve ever wondered how an Etch A Sketch writes on its gray screen, or why a boomerang comes back, or how an R/C car responds to a radio controller, now you’ll have your answers. The Way Toys Work explains the technology, history, and trivia behind 50 popular toys, with patent blueprints and photos of the “guts” of devices including:* Kaleidoscope * Magna Doodle * Slinky* Nintendo * Super Soaker * Big Mouth Billy Bass* Rubik’s Cube * Silly Putty * Video Game Light Gun* Furby * Dunking Bird * View-Master* Yo-Yo * Push ’n’ Go Car * Wiffle Ball* Gyroscope * Operation * Hula HoopYou’ll also find pointers on how to build your own versions using recycled materials and a little ingenuity, experiments that can be done with certain toys, and tips on reverse engineering old toys to get a better look at their interior mechanics. The only thing you won’t learn is how the Magic 8 Ball is able to predict the future--some things are best left a mystery.

Reviews

"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