How to Make Animated Toys

Rating:
Summary: Very Good Book about Wooden Toy Making
Review: I've had this book for over a year and used it as the basis for a number of toys I've created. The instuctions are clear and concise. The plans are easy to follow and include scaled drawings for each toy. The author also includes a very useful discussion of materials and finishes appropriate for building children's toys and design ideas for building your own animated creations. These sections alone justify the purchase of the book. Be aware that most of the designs in the book are copyrighted and if you wish to build them for commercial purposes you will need to contact the author. My favorite plan is for a very simple to make wooden rattle based on a traditional folk art design (this is not copyrighted). I've built six rattles and presented them as gifts to new parents and have been delighted to see how much infants love to play with them. This is a great source for wooden toy makers.

Rating:
Summary: Very Good Book about Wooden Toy Making
Review: Whenever I am looking to make a toy for someone, this book is invariably the first one I always reach for. The plans have heaps of detail and processes for making the toys are very well thought out. These toys are not only animated, but appear to be alive, David has put a lot of effort into making these toys realistic and the movement fun for children (and lots of us not so young). As an added bonus to heaps of great plans, David has gone to great pains to talk about the processes behind designing and building a good toy, this books is worth it for this alone.

Rating:
Summary: My favourite woodworking book
Review: Whenever I am looking to make a toy for someone, this book is invariably the first one I always reach for. The plans have heaps of detail and processes for making the toys are very well thought out. These toys are not only animated, but appear to be alive, David has put a lot of effort into making these toys realistic and the movement fun for children (and lots of us not so young). As an added bonus to heaps of great plans, David has gone to great pains to talk about the processes behind designing and building a good toy, this books is worth it for this alone.