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Comments About Dr. Toy’s Smart Play/Smart Toys: How to Raise a Child with a High P.Q.* (Play Quotient)

Comprehensive reviews of Smart Play Smart Toys on The Toy Man™ site.

Smart Play / Smart Toy available at:

 

Smart Play/Smart Toys is a delight on every page! This is a masterfully written book and definitely a "must read" for anyone involved in the children's toy and educational media industry. Thanks, Dr Toy, for authoring such a great guide!

Ruth Ann Abrahamson
Business & Development, Beantown Toys Company
www.beantowntoys.com

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Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys is a great guide for anyone searching for the right toy for creative play, building developmental skills or for just plain fun. It’s easy to use and well organized. Invaluable!

Alice Bergman
West Side Kids (ASTRA member), New York, NY

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I am not only a game designer whose company's focus is on sharing games but also a father of a two year old princess. I keep a copy of Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys on my most used resource shelf and reach for her book often for advice. It is a very enjoyable read and an informative resource that every parent should have on hand.

John A. Birmily, President
JABCO Inc.& Good Neighbors Channel, www.goodneighborschannel.com

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Smart Play/Smart Toys is a virtual treasure chest of great ideas to stimulate children’s development and learning through play. A great resource for any parent, teacher, or caregiver.

Paula Jorde Bloom, Ph.D.
Michael W. Louis Endowed Chair, McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership
National-Louis University, Wheeling, Illinois

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For most parents, a trip to the toy store can be an overwhelming experience. But armed with a copy of Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys, parents will have the knowledge they need to quickly and easily zoom in on the best, safest, age appropriate and most fun toys.

Armin Brott, Author of The New Father:
A Dad's Guide to the First Year and Fathering Your Toddler: A Dad's Guide to The Second and Third Years
First Time Dads, www.mrdad.com

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Dr Toy’s long and thoughtful immersion in the world of play and toys has established her as the premier authority for this often difficult combination. She "gets it" that the best use of toys is for them to serve as an extension of a child's own imaginative play drive. She also understands children's developmental stages so her book, Smart Play/Smart Toys is of inestimable help to parents and grandparents as they struggle to make good choices from among the often dazzling and confusing array offered by the toy industry.

Stuart L. Brown, MD
Founder and President, The National Institute for Play and Author of Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul

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"Play Quotient" is the answer to making the difference when connecting to people and life experiences in a safe-world-of-play through Smart Play/Smart Toys. The lists make it easy to select in many categories for all members of the educational village from which we are all players. The joy Dr. Toy has for kids and the importance for play is contagious.

Donna-Lee Burke, Teacher 4th grade
Mariposa, CA

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As a Toy Industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in Sales, Marketing, and Product Development I enjoyed reading Smart Play/Smart Toys very much. I particularly appreciate the vast array of knowledge, information, and love for toys that Dr. Toy shares with her readers. This book is a great guide for parents to use when considering purchasing toys for their children, and best of all it reminds us that we're all kids at heart that never really outgrow the joy of playing with toys. It's a great read for anyone that remembers how much they enjoyed playing with their own toys while they were growing up, or anyone that is about to buy toys for the children they love in their life. Thank you, Dr. Toy!!!

Ron Cantor
President, Comfy, Inc.

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Play, especially active, creative, and educational play, helps children develop such basic social and academic skills as concentration, problem solving, communication, and cooperation. Factors such as safety, durability, flexibility, and age appropriateness complicate the challenge parents’ face in choosing the right toys for their children at the right time. Auerbach applies her scientific but not preachy expertise to that challenge. She relies as much on common sense and parenting insight as on scholarly research to suggest toys ranging from brooms and plastic cups to books and watercolors to amuse, stimulate, and activate children. Individual chapters describe developmental progress from infancy through age 12, advising age-appropriate toys and products as well as items for children with special needs. For backup to the book, Auerbach, familiar to many for her syndicated column, "Dr. Toy," Maintains a Web site for toy evaluation.

Kathryn Carpenter
Booklist
American Library Association

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Smart Play/Smart Toys is a valuable guide for parents and grandparents to better understand what types of toys provide developmentally appropriate play at each stage from baby to older children with plenty of specific examples of suggested interaction. Just what busy families need these days is to slow down and discover the value of more play time together to benefit the health of all ages.

Hyla Cass, MD
Author, 8 Weeks to Vibrant Health
www.drcass.com

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Smart Play/Smart Toys is the road map needed by parents, teachers and anyone who interacts with children and play time. Play development is critical to all children's overall growth. Dr. Auerbach has brilliantly captured how anyone can help children have more joy with smarter playtime.

Tom Ciesielka, President
TC Public Relations, www.tcpr.net

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Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys is a very comprehensive book, easy to read for parents and very useful for professionals. Beyond the use of toys and play I would celebrate the attention Dr. Toy gives to family relationships of children's quality of life turning parents into "Play Tutors"-the play guardians of their children.

Nilda G. Cosco, Director, Lekotek
Buenos Aires, Argentina

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When I was introduced to Dr. Toy's book Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys I was amazed at the breadth of her knowledge and the wonderful way in which she writes her good and useful advice.

Tony Cross, President
Mic-O-Mic Americas Inc., Savannah, GA, www.micomicamericas.com

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I have often used www.DrToy.com as a guide for buying gifts for children. When I learned that Dr. Toy launched Smart Play, Smart Toys I purchased copies for myself and to give as gifts to friends with small kids. I love the book, appreciate how it's organized to make it easy to find the right age group and toy guidance. You easily can find the most pertinent stuff you need to know. I like the milestones by age, suggestion of toys by age, and all the tips included. I recommend this book for anyone with small children. It stimulates new ideas for educating and entertaining children. You will use this guide for many years.

Sara Danzelaud, President & Founder
Tot Talk, Inc. www.tottalk.com

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This book could save your child’s childhood. Even though Smart Play/Smart Toys is written by someone who is called Dr. Toy, the book is much more about smart parenting than it is about toys. Yes, the book has a great deal to tell us about toys. But it's really not for parents who are looking for things to keep their kids occupied, busy, out of what remains of their parental hair. Toys, in Dr. Toy's remarkably informed view, are tools for good parenting. The right toy is the one that helps the parent connect to their children, and vice versa. In many ways, this is a great book for grandparents, because it takes the perspective of a grandparent to realize how incredibly valuable it can be to take the time play with your children - for the growth of the parent as well as the child.

Bernard DeKoven
Major Fun, www.majorfun.com

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Dr. Toy’s Smart Play/Smart Toys is a fabulous read. It will help both parents and marketers gain keen insights into the importance and selection of a child’s playthings.

Gena Del Vecchio, Sr Partner, Director of Planning & Research, Ogilvy & Mather New York NY
Author of Creating Ever Cool, A Marketer’s Guide to a Kid’s Heart

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The first book to explain exactly how and why children play as they do at various stages of their lives, Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys should be required reading for product designers, inventors and toy developers.  Presented in a friendly, easy-to-read fashion, we need this information to truly understand how the products we create are used by parents and children alike. This book would make a great text for those in toy biz.

Joel Delman, Product Developer
Twenty Twenty, Chicago, IL

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Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys is the best tool out there for parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone else with children in their lives.  It's a quick and entertaining read, packed full of valuable information and ideas dealing with childhood development.  I've quoted from it in Baby Magazine and Parenting, and I won't hesitate to use it again when I write another article about children and their toys.  My only regret is this book wasn't around when my kids were young.

JJ Despain, Journalist

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Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys is absolutely invaluable to parents, particularly first time parents. I have given it to all the young people in my life who are starting a family. Because the criteria for aging on toys is rather unscientific and dictated by various safety criteria, it is extremely important to be informed about what really are the correct age appropriate toys and how best to use them. Dr. Toy's book gives you all that, and more!

Pamela Drake
President, PDI, Berkeley, CA, www.woodkins.com

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With time being so precious in today's busy lifestyle, Dr. Toy’s comprehensive new book is an invaluable resource for parents, teachers, and toy buyers. Smart Play/Smart Toys explains the stages of childhood development and applies that knowledge to assist the reader in selecting quality, age appropriate toys that make learning fun. This book gives us the shortcuts we need to choose just the right item each time we shop. Because we have trained our customers to look for the Dr. Toy Award Seal, they know the Seal denotes the value and quality put forth in Smart Play. Keep Smart Play/Smart Toys on your bookshelf as an ongoing resource. I know I will!

Mackie Duch, President
The Teaching Room, Morristown, NJ www.theteachingroom.com

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Dr. Stevanne Auerbach (aka Dr. Toy) has over 35 years experience evaluating and recommending developmentally appropriate toys for children. Her book "Smart Play /Smart Toys" encapsulates her many years of accumulated wisdom. It includes a valuable chapter on the importance of play and other chapters focused on children of different ages and children with special needs. Dr. Toy's web site provides additional suggestions for parents and even includes a section on "green" toys to encourage increased awareness of greener companies and products. The book is filled with practical advice and is a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and others who are selecting toys for the children in their lives.

Sally Edwards, Sc. D.
Research Associate, Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts www.sustainableproduction.org
Author Beyond Child's Play (Baywood Publishing Company)

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Dr. Stevanne Auerbach, known as Dr. Toy, evaluates toys and gives annual awards based on qualities such as creativity, educational value and durability. Her book Smart Play/Smart Toys helps parents better navigate the thousands of toy and play options available, giving recommendations for each age from babies to older children. I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers.

Marie Faust Evitt
Teacher, Mountain View Parent Nursery School
Author, Thinking BIG, Learning BIG: Connecting Science, Math, Literacy and Language in Early Childhood
www.thinkingBIGlearningBIG.com

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Raising smart, happy, secure kids is what it’s all about and Dr. Toy has mastered the formula. We give Smart Play/Smart Toys 5 stars - our highest rating and want to share it with all our customers. Parents, teachers and most of all kids benefit from diversified play.

Denise Gary-Robinson
President www.DollsLikeMe.com

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Smart Play Smart Toys is heavily used by my design students, who find in its practice-oriented and clear contents a complement for more theoretical writings on toys, play and child development. Its division in age groups and attention to children with special needs, but above all its multitude of checklists and list of criteria, make is as useful for the creators of toys as it is for buyers and users of toys.

Mathieu Gielen
Assistant Professor of Design for Children's Play
Delft University of Technology/ Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, The Netherlands

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Smart Play/Smart Toys by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (Dr. Toy) is the one book I keep nearby as a Parent Coach and Therapist because of the valuable information, stories and tips on children’s development and how to support your child through play. Most parents believe that play is natural for children, yet play is a learned behavior and the first teachers are parents. And I receive more questions from parents about play, toys, and appropriateness than most other topics. Dr. Toy not only walks you through why developing your child’s play IQ is important, but explains at each age level how your child develops, what a parent can expect in behavior, and what toys, games or play activities enhance your child’s skills.  I have not seen this well-researched information compiled elsewhere. Dr. Toy explains how to bond with your baby, increase intelligence, how to buy toys and enhance the use of games, puppets, cards, and so much more. In addition, she offers a free newsletter and has a web site, www.drtoy.com, with updated information on what is new and empowering for your child.

Caron Goode, Ed.D.
Parent Coach and Therapist, www.academyforcoachingparents.com

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Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys is a remarkable book. Although it is addressed to the parent (a child's first teacher) it will also contribute greatly to the teaching skills of teachers and child care workers. Dr. Auerbach includes an excellent overview of development beginning with infants through age twelve. Her resources are carefully chosen and well documented. As a long time educator I strongly recommend this book. Play is a child's work and Dr. Toy details how a knowledge of and involvement in play can enhance a child's growth in all areas. I urge you to read this important, wonderful and insightful book.

David Gordon
Play Smart President

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Dr. Auerbach is probably the most knowledgeable person in the toy industry. whether you are a manufacturer, dealer/retailer or consumer, you will benefit from her encyclopedic knowledge and experience in the toy industry. Dr. Toy's down to earth and pleasant bedside manner makes her a friend to all she meets. Smart Play Smart Toys is a must read for anyone with an interest in the world of toys and play.

Betty Halpern, PhD, Professor Emeritus
Sonoma State University, CA

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As a budding researcher in the field of toys I found Smart Play/Smart Toys informative and smoothly written. As a fond friend of fantasy characters and designer toys, I especially enjoyed the parts where Dr.Toy encourages adults to buy toys for themselves. Play is for all ages and so are toys. Also, I can imagine my friends and sisters to gain a lot of valuable information about children's toy play by reading through this book. Thank you for this wonderful reading experience!

Kati Heljakka, PhD Candidate, Toy Researcher
University of Art and Design Helsinki
Creative manager, Tactic Games

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This book is very valuable and practical for parents and teachers. I have used it for professional presentations. It provides key quality features of toys and has a great deal of helpful guidance.

Waltraut Hartmann, Scientific Director
Charlotte Buehler Institute, Vienna, AUSTRIA, www.charlotte-buehler-institut.at

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Even before Frederich Froebel invented the kindergarten and popularized the slogan of "Come, let us live with our children" during the 1840's, philosophers and wise parents recognized the importance of play. Developmental psychologists have emphasized its importance throughout the twentieth century. Recent scientific discoveries about physical changes in the brain when babies and young children are intellectually stimulated now validate this old idea. We recognize that school readiness begins at birth and that family members are the best possible Play Tutors. There are incredible opportunities but a lot of confusing alternatives. I'm delighted to know that Dr. Toy’s Smart Play/Smart Toys will be available to guide parents. It is filled with informed wisdom, inexpensive suggestions and ideas for a lot of fun Enjoy!

Dorothy W. Hewes, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Department Child & Family Development
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA

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Smart Play/Smart Toys has been so valuable to me as a mother of four, I have enjoyed the book completely and agree with the tips, checklists, and toy suggestions! Being out of the “baby stage,” I would say a favorite list of mine (and one that I will copy and put on my fridge) was, “Selecting Toys And Other Children’s Products.” That one section is a must read for parents at any stage of parenthood. I believe it’s very important to ask, “Is this product appropriate.” There have been many times that I’ve bought a product that didn’t fit my child’s age. I should have asked myself and thought carefully…”Is this toy significant now?” Thank you Dr. Toy for writing a book that helped me get a better understanding of children’s products and how they can nurture my children's creativity and development.

Tina Hill, Owner Kidzsack

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Smart Play/Smart Toys is really fantastic. We are delighted to add it to our collection of reference materials. We think it should be an integral part of an upcoming exhibit as a source for information on modern toys. We want parents and collectors to understand more about the importance of play and playthings.

Marlene Hochman, The Doll and Toy Museum of NYC

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Smart Play/Smart Toys is a great resource of valuable information for any teacher or parent looking for the best toy for more stimulating play-time and the child's imagination. I've shared my copy with other parents who share my excitement about how useful it is and how it makes them think about the importance of play and toys.

Mark Icanberry, President & CEO, LooLeDo.com

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Having lent my Smart Play/Smart Toys to a homeschooling friend, I recently borrowed our local library’s copy. This turned out to be a dog-eared, margin-jotted, much underscored one. I counted at least four different guilty hands at work here. As a person who cherishes books like I cherish children, I am fairly outraged when either is abused. So it came as a surprise to me that my initial scowl slowly inverted into a faint smile realizing that readers who also cared passionately about children, readers so moved by this book, (readers who perhaps hadn’t mastered self-control in their own development) were impelled to do better for their children.

Myrna Hoffman, Managing Director OOZ & OZ
www.OOZandOZ.com

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Dr. Toy is the nation's best toy expert, and she's written a great resource to help you in choosing the very best and safest toys for your baby and child.

Sandy Jones, Author, Great Expectations: Your All-in-One Resource for Pregnancy & Childbirth, written with her daughter, Marcie Jones
Wendkos, www.barnesandnoble.com

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Toys are children’s tools and without them they can’t grow and develop.  Finding the appropriate toy for your child can be perplexing and is even more difficult when you have a child with a physical disability.  Dr. Toy makes finding the appropriate toy an easy process and I highly recommend her book to parents and professionals alike.

Steven E. Kanor, Ph.D., President
Toys for Special Children www.toysforspecialchildren.com

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Stevanne Auerbach takes a hands-on, practical approach that demonstrates to parents how best to select good toys and foster the benefits of developmentally-consistent play with their children.  Moreover, this comprehensive guide provides valuable insights...especially for those of us who shape and influence toys of the future!

Moss Kardener
University Games, San Francisco, CA, www.universitygames.com

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I was fortunate to have met Dr. Stevanne Auerbach when both of us were serving as creativity advisors to LEGO Systems. I learned a great deal from her about the impact of toys on nurturing children's creativity as well as emotional and intellectual growth. This book is a real gem as it provides a practical guide to parents on how to make playtime with toys an enriching experience both for the child and the parents. Every home with young children should be equipped with this book as an essential guide to creative parenting.

Yew Kam Keong, Ph.D (Dr. YKK), International Speaker, Trainer, Consultant, Author on creativity
Mindbloom SDN BHD, Malaysia, www.mindbloom.net

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Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys is an invaluable tool for anyone interested in the subject of intelligent fun for kids. I've known Stevanne Auerbach for 13 years (from my days as Editor-in-Chief of Early Childhood News) and she is absolutely the best. And not only when it comes to evaluating products for children, but also for her ability to explain how smart playthings actually enhance the development of happy, healthy and "smart" children.

Tom Kerr, Executive Director
Kulture Kids, www.kulturekids.org

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Smart Play/Smart Toys is a wonderful and unquestionably most comprehensive work written in lay-person language for parents and caregivers that I have seen. Great developmental detail and hands-on usable ideas.

Ted C. Kiesewetter, President
International Playthings, NJ, www.intplay.com

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In Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys, Dr. Auerbach draws on her many years of experience as a teacher, child development specialist, parent educator, syndicated columnist, author of books and of course parent and grandparent to bring together this inclusive, wise, clear book which provides excellent information based on her thorough understanding of both children and adults.

Edgar Klugman, Professor, Early Childhood Development and Child Care, Wheelock College, Boston, MA, www.playingforkeeps.org

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Dr Toy’s Smart Play/Smart Toys: How to Raise a Child with a High P.Q. is an unparalleled resource for expectant parents, parents, grandparents and caregivers alike. Dr Toy’s informative look at toys, through the eyes of a child development specialist, can help simplify the chaos of the toy store. More importantly, Dr. Toy reminds us to play with our children, for therein lies the secret to realizing our true potential as parents, children and human beings.

Georgianna Krieger, Independent Toy Inventor/Designer
Fog Horn Designs, San Francisco, CA, www.Shesculpts.com

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A stimulating book for parents and teachers. I didn't know there was so much left to learn about selecting good, quality toys. Dr. Toy's straightforward book is loaded with simple ways to maximize learning while playing! As a parent of a four year-old girl and two year-old son and as a toy inventor for over nine years, I found this book refreshing, useful and fun to read.

Vince Kurr, Toy Inventor

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Play truly is the work of childhood. Stevanne Auerbach (Dr. Toy) offers both practical advice and subtle insights for parents on how they can help their children make the most of play without spending a lot of money. This is really useful stuff!

Lawrence Kutner, Ph.D., Child Behavior Columnist
Parent's Magazine, New York, NY, www.drkutner.com

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Everything you want to know, but more important—what you need to know.

Vicki Lansky, Author Feed Me I'm Yours, Games Babies Play and Practical Tips for Years 1-5
Practical Parenting, Minnetonka, MN, www:practicalparenting.com

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Dr. Toy knows her stuff! Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys is one smart book.

Susan M. Lapinski, Family Journalist, Former Editor Sesame Street Parents Magazine
New York, NY

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"There’s been a great deal written about 'play'. I’ve read a lot of what’s been published over the past decade and have found very little that provides real world, hands on, practitioner useful advise. To that end, Smart Play/Smart Toys is among the best. I keep the book by Dr. Toy on my office book shelf along with other handy reference materials. If you’re in the business of play, this is an information tool you must have.

John W. Lee, CEO
Callaway Arts & Entertainment

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I loved reading Dr. Toy’s one-of-a-kind, smart book, Smart Play/Smart Toys. With her clear, inviting writing, Dr. Toy teaches the reader so much about children’s growth and development and its fun, which is exactly what play is and how fun learning can be! Dr. Toy seems to be a master at recognizing the uniqueness of each child and grasping that uniqueness in their play, making her a fabulous playmate. Dr. Toy encourages each of us to become better and better playmates too, not only with our children, but in all our relationships. Shining a light on the importance of play, she shows us how smart play can make a tremendous difference in children’s lives. I had the feeling that there is room for every child and family in this gem of a book and there is an unexpected piece of cultural analysis at the end. Thoughtful, practical, timely, and fun…. A fine achievement! If you have children in your life, read this book!

Denni Liebowitz
Licensed Clinical Social Worker/psychoanalytic psychotherapist
Berkeley, California

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Smart Play/ Smart Toys is more than a treatise on educational toys. It includes her philosophy on the power of fun and play in the lives of children, both young and old. This is a "must read" for parents and child care providers who care about kids.

Amorah Light writer/producer, founder of Spryte Magazine

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Dr. Toy’s Smart Play/Smart Toys is a must read for parents and also an invaluable research tool. Not only does this book review toys, but it educates parents to be a “Play Tutor.” I highly recommend this book. It’s not only informative but a fun read.

Russell Levine, Content Developer
Daily Bread

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In my work as a designer of family board and card games, I have found Dr. Stevannne Auerbach's book, Smart Play/Smart Toys to be an indispensable resource. Reading Smart Play/Smart Toys has both stimulated my creative juices and helped keep my game play appropriate to the needs and abilities of specific age groups.

Dan Levy, Creator of Ruckus Card Game
Funstreet, Evanston, IL, www.funstreetgames.com

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Dr. Stevanne Auerbach’s new book, Dr. Toy’s Smart Play Smart Toys: How to Raise a Child with a High PQ* (Play Quotient) is an ideal gift for a new parent or one with older kids who’s interested in expanding their child’s interests and play opportunities. What Dr. Toy has created is a simple, easy-to-follow guide for selecting age-appropriate toys or play opportunities for your child or grandchild that addresses specific needs of children at different stages of their development. Dr. Toy is not some “ivory tower” sort of child psychologist whose experience is learned from books. She is practical, down-to-earth, and a seasoned mother and grandmother. She explains, in lay terms, the role of play in developing a well rounded, resilient child. She helps parents understand a child’s developmental stages and what’s needed at each one: how to direct a child’s play into new areas; how to use toys wisely; how to purchase smartly; and why playing together helps strengthen relationships between parent and child. I loved this book and recommend it for all parents, especially new ones.

Ranny Levy, Founder & President
Coalition for Quality Children's Media KIDS FIRST! Film and Video Festival, Santa Fe, NM, www.kidsfirst.org

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Smart Play + Smart Parents = Smart Kids. Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. writes with the rare power of original analysis. Dr. Toy’s Smart Play/Smart Toys is the most significant, thorough and thoughtful book yet for parents wishing to match the right toy to the right stage of their child's early development. Follow Dr. Toy's prescription for a happy and skill building childhood.

Richard C. Levy, Toy Inventor/Author Inside Santa's Workshop

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Smart Play/Smart Toys is a Smart choice for Smart Families wanting to raise their kids in a Smart and Stimulating way"

Martin Lindstrom, Best-selling author of BRANDchild and BRAND sense
BRANDchild, SWEDEN, www.MartinLindstrom.com

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Smart Play/ Smart Toys helps parents navigate the thousands of toy and play options available, offers tips on how to play from baby to older children, evaluate toy safety, and provides 160 activities that enhance PQ. In addition, it identifies gender-specific and age-appropriate toys, important supplies for playtime and hundreds of ways to make play a life-long and nurturing experience for the whole family. More than anything else, it's written by Dr. Toy, my mentor. She is selfless in her dedication in bringing the best possible educational strategies to kids and their parents through play with toys. She is totally amazing!

Jodie Lynn, author of Mom CEO (Chief Everything Officer) - Having, Doing, and Surviving It All!and Syndication Secrets - What No One Will Tell You!; CEO of Parent to Parent Adding Wisdom Award and internationally syndicated family/health columnist.
www.ParentToParent.com

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Smart Play/Smart Toys should be available for sale wherever toys are sold. The T.I.A. should give Dr. Toy a special Award under the title "Person who most advances public awareness for Good Toys and Play". This book is a must read for all parents, grandparents, school teachers and toy salespersons. Hopefully, before too long, it will be in every library in America and perhaps reprinted in other languages for worldwide distribution. It is also a must- read for the toy industry!

Frank Martin, Toy Representative, Los Angeles CA, www.frankmartintoys.com

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Smart Play/Smart Toys is an indispensable guide for parents. The "work" of young children is play. It is through their imaginative play that they process their understanding of the world and learn everything from constructing a narrative to taking turns. The book has very useful information about guiding children to the kind of play they will find most satisfying and inspiring, play that will enable them to develop a sense of independence, mastery, and confidence. It has wise counsel on the pros and cons of gender-specific toys and information about toys for children with special needs and special talents. It has lists of the top 100 toys and the craft supplies that every family should have on hand every day. It is a welcome reminder of the importance of play for both children and their parents.

Nell Minow Movie Mom, author: Movie Moms’ Guide to Family Movies
www.moviemom.com

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Dr. Auerbach's new book, Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys helps parents separate the wheat from the chaff in today's toy market. Research on brain growth and development in early childhood makes clear that stimulating learning experiences are critical in the first five years. This well-researched book shows parents and other care providers how to chose toys with lasting value and educational content and make the most of their children's playthings.

Gina Moreland, Board President
Habitot Children's Museum, Berkeley, CA, www.habitot.com

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I thoroughly enjoyed reading Smart Play Smart Toys as it serves as a wonderful source for parents that needed guidance regarding children’s play. I especially enjoyed the play points, tips and summaries which makes it an easy and effective read for parents.
I don’t know why intelligent and skilled adults are at a complete loss when it comes to entertaining children. Smart Play/Smart Toys provides so much more than answers on how to play, but rather how to build relationships with our children through play. The bonds we form through play have a lasting impact. If you want to raise a child capable of retaining their wonderful and natural creativity, you will not only find ideas, but places to find inexpensive materials. This book is a wonderful gift for new parents, grandparents and other adults who want to nurture relationships with children from infant to 'tweens and children with special needs.

Tina Nocera, Founder, Parental Wisdom®
www.parentalwisdom.com

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If you have kids or grandkids, Dr. Toy’s book, Smart Play/Smart Toys, is essential! As a busy mother of two active daughters (2 and 4 yrs. old) and running a full-time business, it is challenging to find educational, stimulating, and most importantly age appropriate toys. Smart Play/Smart Toys is a fantastic guide that describes the attributes of wonderful toys but most notably provides information about what the child is experiencing both intellectually and emotionally at their particular age. In addition, when time is limited, running into a toy store can be overwhelming. In the book, Dr. Toy has provided outstanding, easy-to-read lists to turn shopping for toys into a pleasure. Thank you, Dr. Toy!

Tamara Monosoff, Ed.D, Founder & CEO
Mom Inventors, Inc., http://www.mominventors.com

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Smart Play/Smart Toys celebrates children and gives their parents guidance on the joy and pleasure of facilitating their growth. It's reassuring to learn about normal milestones along the path of child development and synchronizing the choice of appropriate toys for their offspring. The book is so positive and up-beat! I used some of the ideas that were presented at a workshop of cooperative nursery schools and everyone gained greater appreciation of play.

Vera Obermeyer, Ph.D., Licensed Educational Psychologist, Marriage, Family and Child Counselor (MFT), Co-author of Finding a Preschool for Your Child in San Francisco and Marin, www.pince-nez.com

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A terrific help for parents & teachers in picking playthings. Play is the work of the young. Through play, children grow -- physically, emotionally and cognitively. "Dr. Toy," Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., helps readers to find the toys and playthings that will best advance this growth. This comprehensive book demonstrates a deep understanding of the different needs children have at every phase of their development and provides specific guidelines for choosing toys, computer software, musical instruments and a host of other items children can play with.

Sally Wendkos Olds, Co-author, A Child's World: Infancy through Adolescence and The Complete Book of Breastfeeding
New York, NY

Comment Index

The High “PQ” in Stevanne Auerbach's title refers to play quotient, as necessary in our lives as the more often acclaimed "high IQ." Although this book is about children's development through play and toys, Dr. Auerbach calls on us to remember some of our favorite toys of childhood and has provided a short list of questions to help recall our experiences and interactions with parents and friends. The toys and games we play with as youngsters can often lead to careers as adults. And as adults, play continues to help us relax, be creative and, yes, even think. While this book is about our children's development we benefit by remembering how we used our toys and imaginations.

Parent's Guide to Children's Media

Comment Index

Smart Play/Smart Toys is a very smart book. Dr. Toy, Stevanne Auerbach, has shared her keen understandings that play is more than "play"-- it is learning in the best sense and the book explains clearly what every parent and teacher can do to foster the best of play, the best of learning for now and for children's futures.

Dorothy Rich, Ed. D., Founder/President The Home and School Institute
Author, MegaSkills® for Babies, Toddlers and Beyond; Building Your Child’s Happiness and Success for Life

Comment Index

Dr. Stevanne Auerbach really understands children, play and toys. This book is a wonderful resource for parents, teachers and everyone who works and plays with children.

Michael B. Rothenberg, MD, Prof Emeritus, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciience & Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington
Co-author, Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care (1985, 1992)

Comment Index

As a School Psychologist who believes that play is the essence of how a child learns, I truly appreciated the book, SMART PLAY/SMART TOYS by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (Dr.Toy). This book is an excellent template for parents who need to have solid information about what toy matches their child's current age and developmental levels. I especially enjoyed her recommendations, as Dr. Auerbach lists games and toys that stand the test of time, teach important skills across the domains for development and are safe to use. Kudos for a book and a companion website - both very well done!

Louise Masin Sattler, NCSP
Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Host of Learning and Laughter with Louise! (toginet.com)
Education.com JustAsk Forum Expert

Comment Index

Smart Play Smart Toys is absolutely incredible and, moreover, invaluable. I cannot fathom how much information is inside; it truly boggles the mind and has practically emptied my pen of ink - with all the underlining I did! Unlike most books that don't nearly live up to its title, this book far surpasses that which the title suggests. That is, it doesn't just tell readers everything they need to know about how to pick and use toys & games at each stage of a child's development, it goes into admirable detail regarding what developmental norms are at each stage and what an engaged parent should be on the lookout for.

David R. Schoenberger
President, Better Indeed LLC

Comment Index

Play is important for growth in all areas, body, mind and social/emotional development. Stevanne Auerbach understands this well in her lively book Smart Play/Smart Toys written for parents and all who are interested in play.

Dorothy Singer, Ed.D, Research Scientist, Dept of Psychology Co-Director, Yale University Family Television Research and Consultation Center. Author, Piaget Primer: How a Child Thinks, The House of Make-Believe: Children’s Play and the Developing Imagination, Children's Play: The Roots of Reading by Zigler, Edward F., Professor (Editor), and Singer, Dorothy G. (Editor) and Handbook of Children and the Media by Singer, Dorothy G. (Editor), and Singer, Jerome L. (Editor), Yale University New Haven, CT

Comment Index

As an ASTRA specialty retailer for many years I would recommend Smart Play/Smart Toys to any parent or teacher of young children. I particularly liked how it was organized with practical tip boxes, as easy points of reference. The last chapter on special needs is terrific!.

Nancy Stanek
Toys Etcetera, Chicago, IL, www.toysetcetera.com

Comment Index

Dr. Toy is a popular guest on my radio show. Dr. Toy has one of the best jobs around. She tests toys and games throughout the year. Her book Smart Play/Smart Toys is a fabulous resource for new moms to grandparents. It's nice to have an outside, independent look at the play value and safety of toys while staying within the gift giver's budget.

Mimi Stoneburner, Host of Body Talk
K-TIP Radio, Porterville, CA, www.ktip.com

Comment Index

Smart Play/Smart Toys is a great book. Children are such precious gifts. I wish everyone had this smart book.

Linda Talley, CSP
The Speaker Who Gives People Something to Talk About, www.lindaTalley.com

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As a busy working parent this book is useful, practical and a much needed resource. It is well planned, valuable and must have resource to use year after year.

Kim Thompson, President
Twin Sisters Productions, Akron, OH,  www.twinsisters.com

Comment Index

There is only one definitive source on quality children's products and that is Dr. Toy. She is informed, knowledgeable and experienced. Her new book, Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toysprovides answers to often asked questions. Every parent and teacher should have a copy. It's an invaluable resource.

Shannon Tobin, President & CEO
Children's Interactive Expo, San Francisco, CA

Comment Index

Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys  is a must-have reference for any parent. It applies a wealth of vital knowledge on how toys can enhance the intellectual development and growth of children. "Smart Play" is hands-on, and fun!

Alexandra Tornek, Parent/Infant Researcher
So Smart Productions, West Chester, PA

Comment Index

Insightful playtime tips. As the grandmother of two-year-old twin girls, I found Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toys an excellent guide to understanding how the right toys at the right time can help twins and higher multiples develop the skills they need at the moment, and throughout their lives -- sharing, cooperating, and building self-esteem. As a freelance writer, I'm happy to continue promoting Dr. Toy's advice in relevant articles I write for parenting magazines.

Linda Tucker, Freelance Journalist, Author Parent Grandparent
New York, NY

Comment Index

I have always wondered what made people do the things they do and why? What was their favorite toy growing up? What "instinctively" told them what to do in a given situation. Smart Play, Smart Toys guides you through the "Playopment" process from the Baby to the older child in playing, learning, growing and development, and how toys are an essential part of life. You discover why and how toys influence children's lives through their stages of life. Why do we seem to outgrow toys after adolescence, only to revert back to them as time goes on? Children find that skills are learned and creativity is experienced. Toys are the power of the world, so play whenever and however you can; in our world of limitations, there is a universe of possibilities and a galaxy of opportunities. Maybe toys are just a way of discovering who we really are or, want to be.

Peter A. Wachtel, Creative Chief- Kid Toyology
Creative Entertainment Design Direction, Invention & Education

Comment Index

Smart Play/Smart Toys opens by asking the reader to think back about childhood. This is a powerful process and brings back a lot of nostalgia of childhood toys. Toys have always been an integral part of my life. As a counselor, I found when I supply my waiting room and office with manipulatives children of all ages tend to explore them and feel more comfortable about opening up. Its helpful to have developmental milestones in the summary sections of each chapter. This information is alongside thoughtful and appropriate suggestions for how to encourage expansion of play repertoires, gross motor, fine motor, and social communication. I never underestimate the value of play.

Michele Walker, MS
Parent/School Counselor
www.beevisual.com

Comment Index

Nobody knows more about the POWER OF PLAY than Dr. Toy. Smart Play/Smart Toys is a smart buy for any parent!

Tim Walsh, Author, Timeless Toys: Classic Toys and the Playmaker Who Created Them
Keys Publishing, Sarasota, FL, www.keys publishing.com

Comment Index

A great resource for this grandma who is always looking for special toys and activities. All children are special and this book addresses this specialness by helping adults appreciate the wonders of play.

Helen Webber, Designer
Philadelphia, PA

Comment Index

Glad to know that Smart Play/Smart Toys is now available in India. It is a great book. I feel every person should read this book before buying toys for their children.

Louise Anita Williams
Mumbai, Maharashtra, INDIA, www.lovehumanity.org

Comment Index

Smart Play/Smart Toys is wonderful. The book has very helpful and practical suggestions and a great deal of wisdom about children and their development.

Edward Zigler, Ph.D., Author/Sterling Professor Emeritus Director, Emeritus, Yale's Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy
Yale University New Haven, CT

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