nonfiction (DIY/early education) - simple handmade toys for creative play; for parents/teachers of 3-6 year olds--and a few that would entertain older 8-9+ year olds, and may inspire the older kids to start designing their own.

This includes tips for making simple non-toxic toys (like adding a protective beeswax 'polish' to your wooden creations) and templates that can be copied (pdf versions were also available on the author's website madebyjoel.com and on shambhala.com). These are mainly toys for adults to make for kids -- lots of wood, fabric, wire and paper -- that would make for unique, and cheap, gifts--not to mention ideas for stay-at-home pandemic childhoods). Most of the toys are very quickly created, while one or two of them require more of a time investment (and some know-how with woodworking tools). I like the selection of rhythm instruments (not too loud!).

This is a cute how-to book for parents to make all kinds of homemade toys for kids. Kids will be able to help construct some of them, especially older kids. Quirky and fun.