Read, Watch, Listen

Published in 2010, Totally Tubular ’80s Toys highlights a decade of the toy industry that was characterized by synergistic tie-ins to companion movie franchises, television shows, and books.

First published in 1974, A Toy is Born is still an enjoyable read for anyone interested in a look back at the origins of some classic toys and games and the national issues of advertising and toy safety that faced the industry at the time.

Cereal: Snap, Crackle, Pop Culture from author Ed Daly is a humorous look at an industry that, despite recent downturns in sales and on-going health questions, remains a multi-billion dollar business in North America.

The WHAM-O Super Book – Celebrating 60 Years Inside the Fun by Tim Walsh deftly chronicles the first 60-years of the California toy company’s existence.

The Road to Happy Days by Stephanie Sadagursky is one of my favorite types of books to read: historical non-fiction that is colorfully written and filled with fascinating and insightful anecdotes. Throughout the book’s 188 pages, Sadagursky vividly recounts her and her husband Paul’s 30-year journey into the world of buying and selling antique and collectible toys.

Author Susan Marks provides an in-depth and enjoyable look at this food icon in her book Finding Betty Crocker: The Secret Life of America’s First Lady of Food