Can You Come Out to Play?

2008 will be packed with a ton of promotions planned for the release of the Blurt! game I invented for Sababa Toys and a ton of book signings with the release of my WHAM-O Super Book by Chronicle. We’ve also added select media appearances and lectures to the schedule, so check back often to see where I will be talking toys and playing games. Come by or tune in via TV, radio or the ‘Net!

Reyn Guyer comes to Ruhama's!

The co-developer of the Twister game and Nerf Ball came to my book signing at Ruhama’s Books in the Sand on Wednesday. I signed copies of the book, while Reyn personalized the Twister and Nerf chapters for many Boca Grande shoppers. We even gave away a few autographed Twister boards to some lucky kids. Thanks to owner Hollis dePaula, Allison and Spike for hosting a great event! A good time was had by all.

Sounds Like Fun

Who doesn’t love public radio? They always tell such compelling stories with sound. WUSF, the public radio station for west central Florida sent Bobbie O’Brien over to play. Unlike other play pals, she brought a really cool tape recorder. Listen to the sound pictures here.

Thanks Bobbie!

Fun Found, Down in the Attic

Yesterday I drove south past Venice and eventually into Naples. No, it wasn’t Italy, but it was lovely. This Naples is on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida. My destination within this piece of paradise was a wonderful toy store called…

My gracious host for the day was proprietor George Smith who has created, along with his partner Linda, a wonderful destination filled with fun and nostalgia. George and Linda routinely ship their wooden, lacquered pull toys, music boxes, puppets and marionettes all over the world for their customers. At Attic Toys you’ll find treasures up high, like this set of Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls and down low, like this beautiful, old-fashioned pedal car. Ferociously fun animals guard the shelves, like this 1905 replica Steiff teddy bear (with friends) and the Toy Story-inspired Slinky Dog.

I signed copies of The Playmakers and gave away candies from the back of my 1960 baby-blue pickup truck. Yes, it’s a Tonka. I had a great time in one the nicest stores I’ve ever seen. Stop by if you’re ever in Naples, Florida and if you’re in Naples, Italy that’s okay. They ship toys there too! Go to Attic Toys for more details!

At the Toy Fair

The Keys Publishing first family: author/publisher Tim Walsh and his wife Sarah, along with their two children providing cuteness on the banners.

As a book designer (along to help in the booth — I certainly know the book), this is my first Toy Fair — and it’s an adventure! I’ve never seen so many “oh, that’s cool” items in one place before. The variety of toys, games, educational materials, and just plain fun is nothing short of astonishing.

Look for a Toy Fair wrap up from Tim soon.