In what I do, I’ve talked to thousands of people about their toys. Few things make a face light up like the memory of a favorite plaything, and I’ve had the privilege to hear so many stories—both heartwarming and hilarious—and am grateful to everyone who has shared those with me.
This book would not have come together without the enthusiasm and expertise of a lot of people. Maryann Karinch is a sweet and savvy agent who saw the possibility of a book in an errant pun. How rare a talent is that? Talia Krohn of Crown Publishers is a dream editor whose willingness to play, and warm, personal support contributed so much to this effort. Production editor Tricia Wygal and copy editor Michelle Daniel kept me on track, and no detail was too small for their keen attention. And, of course, thanks to designer Lauren Dong as well as to everyone at Crown who got into the lighthearted spirit of this book.
I am also incredibly grateful to Marisa Train for the amazing new photography. Her spirit and creativity was a complete joy.
And then there’s the support, help and interest of all my colleagues in the toy industry. I couldn’t possibly name them all here, and I’m grateful for them every day. They are the ones creating lasting play for today’s kids. Among them, though, I owe heartfelt thanks to Michele Litzky, a colleague and dear friend for 30 years; Jim Silver, Bob Glaser and Andy Krinner, my partners at TimetoPlayMag.com, and our whole incredible team; Jeff McKinney, who works with me every day and keeps me laughing—and who kept his Star Wars and Transformers figures; Ira Gallen, whose memories are almost as whacked as mine—and who had an original Mystery Date; Neil and Amanda Friedman; and Barry Schwartz for his memories—and for teaching me the toy business when I was just starting out.
I’m grateful to people who helped me track down toys and images; Sara Rosales, Rachel Cooper, Jale Lowery and everyone at Mattel who supported this effort; Julie Duffy and the team at Hasbro; Josslynne Welch, Kaylie Nelson and the Litzky PR team; Bob Pagano and Ron Cohen at Kids Only; Dennis Clausen at Wham-O; Ross Albert of the Albert Design Company; Tim Kimber and Virginia Merritt at PlaSmart; Amanda Santoro at LEGO; Hillary Fine at Uncle Milton; Martin Killgallon at Ohio Art and Paul Reinoehl for the pictures of Big Loo and King Zor.
I also have to thank my brothers, Richard, Bob and Larry, with whom I shared many toys and even if they could turn a game of Risk into a contact sport or try to swipe my Matchbox cars. Thanks, too, to the friends who have given me such unflagging support over many years: Linda Kraus D’Isa, Ashley Rogers, Frank Coker, Linda Verdon, Jennifer Deare, Beth Greenberg, Rick & Addie McCabe, Steve & Christine Sullivan, Ginny Gotides, Ellen Baker, David Kozinski and Patti Mengers Kozinski.
And finally, thanks to all my teachers at the Tower Hill School—despite the fact that they took away my toys, put me in detention and warned me that too much play would lead to no good.