Reading Metrics
Description
This book examines the different toys with which children played in the nineteenth century. The coauthor is Bobbie Kalman.
Quick Summary
If you've ever wondered what kids did for fun before screens, "Old-Time Toys" gives a fun, picture-packed look at the toys that kept nineteenth-century children entertained. The book mixes colorful historic photos with short, easy-to-read captions that explain how things like hoops, marbles, tin soldiers, and handmade dolls were made, used, and why they were special to kids of that era. It's perfect for middle-grade readers who love hands-on projects, history buffs, or anyone who likes a quick, fact-filled read that doesn't feel like a textbook. Parents will appreciate that the tone is light-hearted, with occasional sidebars that show how to create a simple version of a classic toy, making it a great conversation starter for family craft time. If you enjoy historical snapshots like the "American Girl" series or the "Way Things Work" books, you'll find the same curiosity-sparking style here, but focused entirely on playthings from the past. It's short enough to finish in a couple of sittings, yet packed with enough detail to spark a school report or a weekend project.