Profiles of Ingenuity

The Danish toymaker rose from poverty to create LEGO, one of the world’s most recognizable and profitable toy brands.

George S. Parker was one of the most prolific individual inventors in toy- and game-industry history and the force behind Parker Brothers, a pioneering toy and game manufacturer.

Charles S. Raizen invented a new way to transfer patterns through friction, creating a new niche and earning his place in toy-industry history.

Rod Serling’s radio and television productions are steeped in intrigue. As screenwriter, producer, host, and narrator of The Twilight Zone, Rod Serling challenged television audiences to open their minds to new realities and break free of social conventions.

Great toys have an indelible impact on the memories of children. While many manufacturers are lucky to produce just one such toy. Wham-O is one of the few to have consistently turned out hit after hit.

Beatrice Alexander elevated the craft of doll making in the United States and around the world. Crowned the “First Lady of Dolls” by FAO Schwarz, her dolls are highly valued by collectors and museums alike.

This engineer and artist had a talent for breaking convention. His zany cartoons showcased elaborately engineered devices designed to perform simple tasks.

For centuries clowns have entertained and amused us while reaching into our deepest insecurities. As Halloween approaches, Toy Tales celebrates some of pop culture’s most recognizable clowns.

Worldwide Day of Play is an annual event created by Nickelodeon to encourage people to turn off the television, step away from their connected devices, and get outside to play.

In recognition of National Teddy Bear Day on September 9, we’re paying homage to four beloved bears that ignite curiosity, teach children valuable life-lessons, and provide comfort in times of insecurity.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts announced in July the creation of Star Wars-themed lands in their Anaheim, CA and Orlando, Florida parks. As leaders in the theme park industry, Disney sets the standard. Let’s take a look at past milestones of their historic parks in the USA.

In honour of Father’s Day 2017 on June 18, let’s reflect on how dads are portrayed in pop culture and how they keep pace with society.

April 29 marks the 2017 edition of International Tabletop Day. In recognition of the day, let’s take a look back at some of the games that changed the way we think about the pastime and set the tone for modern-day play.

As Curious George celebrates 75 years of mischievousness, let’s take a slightly cheeky look back at the seven “Original Adventures” written by creators Hans Augusto Rey and Margret Rey that made this little monkey a household name.

October 28th is Stan Lee Day. To celebrate, here are 9 fast facts about Stan Lee, former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.

Winnie the Pooh celebrates 90 years of being everyone’s favourite “…tubby, little chubby all stuffed with fluff…” bear.

Sesame Street turned 46 this week. Here are 9 fast facts brought to you by the number 46!

Bob Keeshan, a.k.a. Captain Kangaroo, would have turned 88 this week. Here are 7 things you may not know about the television legend.