The Toy Report 1986

Fran Ashdown was the Head of the Children's Department, Capilano Branch, North Vancouver District Public Library.

All concerned parents of young children should be aware of the existence of this book, produced by the Canadian Toy Testing Council. Detailed evaluations in 18 categories are given for over fourteen hundred toys. Information provided on each toy includes a rating, a suggested age range, price, and comments (both negative and positive) about the quality of construction and play value. The assessments are based on the reactions of numerous children who play with the toys in home and group settings. The degree of excellence is indicated by means of a one to three star system of rating which is described in the introduction. The compilers stress that their suggested age range may differ from that stated on the toy’s packaging. They also indicate that the Toy Testing Council is not equipped to scientifically conduct toy safety tests and that it can not, therefore, guarantee the safety of toys listed. The Council is at present revising and expanding into a separate publication, chapters from the 1984 and 1985 editions which made suggestions and recommendations about toys for children with special needs.

This is a very useful publication for everyone concerned with providing children with the best possible play materials. As a parent, this reviewer found most comments valid and to the point. The various categories group toys by type of play for comparative purposes and an index of toys by brand name is provided through the index. A list of manufacturers is appended.