How to Make Animated Toys

I have his later book, but he uses some metal in the hinges in that one. This is the best book on my shelf and the kids adore the dinosaurs. The pegs actually work MUCH better and it's more in keeping with "wooden toy". I have tried about 70% of the toys in the book and they have all worked well. The Pteronanodon is probably the most difficult to get the pitman arms just right so it flaps it's wings easily. Some of the toys are for beginners; some are only for the very skilled. Detail is sufficient to complete the toys if you start with some easier ones you learn the techniques that are perhaps not derailed as well in the harder toys.

Already started making the frog for my nephew. Lots of really cute projects. Simple mechanics.

I received the item in very good time, packaged very well, and just as advertised.

I've had this book for over a year and used it as the basis for a number of toys I've created. The instuctions are clear and concise. The plans are easy to follow and include scaled drawings for each toy. The author also includes a very useful discussion of materials and finishes appropriate for building children's toys and design ideas for building your own animated creations. These sections alone justify the purchase of the book. Be aware that most of the designs in the book are copyrighted and if you wish to build them for commercial purposes you will need to contact the author. My favorite plan is for a very simple to make wooden rattle based on a traditional folk art design (this is not copyrighted). I've built six rattles and presented them as gifts to new parents and have been delighted to see how much infants love to play with them. This is a great source for wooden toy makers.

Whenever I am looking to make a toy for someone, this book is invariably the first one I always reach for. The plans have heaps of detail and processes for making the toys are very well thought out. These toys are not only animated, but appear to be alive, David has put a lot of effort into making these toys realistic and the movement fun for children (and lots of us not so young). As an added bonus to heaps of great plans, David has gone to great pains to talk about the processes behind designing and building a good toy, this books is worth it for this alone.