Title: Toys Go Out: Being the Adventures of a Knowledgeable Stingray, a Toughy Little Buffalo, and Someone Called Plastic
Author: Emily Jenkins
First published January 1, 2006
116 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780375836046 (ISBN10: 0375836047)
Rating: 3.94
Overview
Toys Go Out is an enchanting tale of three extraordinary toys and their adventures. Lumphy, a stuffed buffalo, StingRay, a stuffed stingray, and Plastic, who isn’t quite sure what she is, are the beloved toys of a little girl.
Together, they explore the vastness of the sea, argue about the meaning of life, and even face the terrifying bigness of the washing machine. Join these three best friends as they navigate dogs, school, and television commercials.
Written by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner Paul O. Zelinsky, Toys Go Out is a Silver Honor Winner, an ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book, and an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Book Award Winner, making it the perfect addition to any child’s library.
About the Author
Emily Jenkins has written numerous children’s books that have captured the hearts of many. Her most recent picture books, Tiger and Badger, which was illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay, and Princessland, illustrated by Yoko Tanaka, have been a hit with young readers.
In addition to these, she has also written the Toys series, which was illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky.
Furthermore, she co-authored the Upside-down Magic series, which has been well received by children and parents alike. Emily Jenkins is a proud resident of New York City.
Editoral Review
Toys Go Out: Being the Adventures of a Knowledgeable Stingray, a Toughy Little Buffalo, and Someone Called Plastic is a whimsical children’s book that was authored by Emily Jenkins and published on January 1, 2006. This book is a delightful read for children of all ages and is sure to captivate their attention.
Jenkins is a prolific and accomplished author who has published over a dozen books for children, several of which have won prestigious awards. Toys Go Out is a unique and imaginative work that tells the story of three friends who are toys – Lumphy the buffalo, StingRay the plush toy and Plastic, a bouncy rubber ball.
The story follows these three toys as they navigate the complexities of their daily lives, such as trying to understand what a computer mouse is and dealing with the occasional tantrums of their child owner. The toys come to life in the presence of their child owner and move about in their adventures to fill their existence with new experiences.
The plot is simple and entertaining, featuring a mix of humor and heartwarming moments that are sure to delight readers. The book is set in a household environment and mainly takes place in the child’s playroom, making it relatable and relevant to young readers.
The characters in the book are both witty and charming, and the author excels at portraying their individual personalities. Jenkins’ writing style is vibrant and engaging, and she uses a mix of playful language and skilful storytelling to make the story come alive.
One of the strengths of this book is that it tackles complex issues such as friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery in a manner that is accessible to children. The book also teaches valuable lessons about the importance of acceptance, perseverance, and understanding.
It is a fun and imaginative way for children to learn valuable life lessons while they explore the world of toys.
The book is not without its shortcomings, however.
The plot is somewhat disjointed at times, and some of the characters’ actions may be hard to follow for younger readers. Nonetheless, these minor issues are outweighed by the overall high quality of the book.
In conclusion, Toys Go Out is an excellent book that is sure to captivate young and old readers alike. Its charming characters and imaginative plot will leave readers wanting more, and its valuable lessons will be remembered long after the book has been put away.
A perfect balance of humour and education, it guarantees readers will finish the book with a smile on their face. I would recommend this book to children aged 6-12 years who are looking for a lighthearted and entertaining read.
I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
