2008

As I prepare to attend my 18th consecutive Toy Fair in New York in a few short weeks, I start the year with a ton of cool projects in the works and a great thankfulness in my heart. To be able to "play for a living" is a privilege that I respect and appreciate more than I can express adequately with words. I am truly blessed to be able to work hard at play. Thank you, God.

Here's a quick rundown on what I have coming in 2008.

BLURT!, my game of "saying without thinking" will be launched by Sababa Toys at Toy Fair and I am so fired up to be able to show you all the plans they have for the game. Blurt has sold over a million copies and I have no doubt that Sababa will sell a million more! VERRRRY COOL stuff coming as soon as the artwork is finalized. Come back and see in a few weeks!

TRIBOND, the game that I co-created with Ed Muccini and Dave Yearick will be coming back this year. Having sold 3 million copies in 13 countries, you knew it wouldn't be off the market long. In fact, it never really left. Look for a big announcement here as soon as we can divulge the plans!

THE PLAYMAKERS is the newly named toy and game design division that we are launching with several neato ideas that we’re pitching to companies at TOY FAIR. In my 18 years in toydom, I can honestly say that I have never been this excited about new concepts. Of course, I can't tell you about them until they sprout wings...

CHRONICLE BOOKS is publishing my book (which does not have an official title as of yet), but I can tell you that it is a celebration of WHAM-O, that awesome company which brought the world Frisbee, Hula Hoop, Super Ball, Slip 'N Slide, SuperElasticBubblePlastic, Silly String and more! WHAM-O celebrates its 60th Anniversary in 2008 and the book should be out in May in time for the Book Expo show. Stay tuned!

TOYS + DOCUMENTARY FILM = :). I was a creative consultant on a documentary film on toy inventors which was filmed in 2007 and which will be edited this spring. We interviewed the likes of Betty James, the developer of Slinky, Burt Meyer the inventor of Mouse Trap, Lite Brite, Toss Across, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots and many more, Eddy Goldfarb, Milt Levine – a veritable WHO’s WHO of toy inventors. We also shot at Toy Fair, Toys R Us Times Square (NEW YORK), Radio Flyer and Big Monster Toys (CHICAGO), Mattel and Otis College (LOS ANGELES), Hasbro, Wiffle Ball, Inc, etc., etc., etc., CAN’T WAIT TO SHOW YOU THAT!

Yes, 2008 looks to be a very, very FULL year and for that I remain very, very hopeful and thankful.

Matchbox Company Co-founder Dies

Leslie Smith, the co-founder of Lesney Products in England, the makers of Matchbox vehicles, died May 30, 2005. He was 87.

The first vehicles in the Matchbox series were a Road Roller (No.1 -- pictured above), Dumper truck (No.2), Cement Mixer (No.3) and Tractor (No.4). These toys were die cast at an irresistibly small size never before seen, yet held an impressive amount of detail. Kids wanted all of those brightly colored boxes with the toy tucked inside, and at the equivalent price of 40 cents each, parents let them have their way. By 1966, just 12 years after they were introduced in America, over 100 million Matchbox vehicles were sold.

Sometimes big fun comes in small packages. Thank you Leslie Smith.

Toy Fair Approaches

I am planning my Toy Fair week by scheduling meetings and planning dinners and get-togethers. This year I will not be exhibiting with The Playmakers since Andrews McMeel is poised to take over, and I am grateful for the extra time this will afford me. With no booth to man, I am free to walk about in search of new toys and old friends. This will be my 15th Toy Fair and over the years I have grown to enjoy the fun of catching up with good people much more than the wheeling and dealing. This crazy week in New York City has been happening for 102 years now. From The Playmakers:

This important trade event is officially called the American International Toy Fair and first took place in 1903. Since 1934, the show has been held annually in New York (except for 1945 when World War II caused its cancellation). Managed by the Toy Industry Association, Inc. (TIA), formerly known as Toy Manufacturers of America, Toy Fair welcomes thousands of hopeful toy inventors every year. All of the toys covered in The Playmakers have logged their share of time at this show, which has grown from a handful of salesmen gathering in a Manhattan hotel, to the largest toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere.

A Serendipidous September 7th

While traveling in promotion of The Playmakers recently, I picked up a voice mail message from Tom Wannamaker, one of the board of directors for The Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum. Tom wanted some signed copies of The Playmakers in time for the 34th Annual Broomcorn Festival in their hometown of Arcola, Illinois. Since I was away from the office, (but a bonehead as you will soon read) I called him back and told him that I could not send him signed books until I returned, unfortunately after the festival.

Jump ahead a few days to September 7th. I am driving south on Interstate 57 with a truckload of books when I see a sign for Arcola. Arcola? Arcola, Illinois! (Insert Homer Simpson "Doh!" here). I pulled off the exit and fiddled for my cell phone. It was 9:00 in the morning and the museum was not open for another hour so I decided to call Tom at home. He answered and graciously gave me directions to his and his wife's charming abode.

Tom is married to Joni Gruelle Wannamaker, the granddaughter of Raggedy Ann and Andy creator Johnny Gruelle. Tom and Joni could not have been more amiable as they greeted me with a cup of hot coffee and tales of their family legacy. Joni signed some of her books and two canvas tote bags (adorned with hand-drawn versions of Raggedy Ann and Andy) for my daughters. Soon it was time to head over to the museum.

The Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum is a must-see for any doll fan or fan of illustrative art. Johnny Gruelle was a gifted illustrator and many of this works are on display including early books featuring Mr. Twee Deedle and this gorgeous mural. I saw early versions of Raggedy Ann and Andy and even some of the original dolls hand-made by the Gruelle family in the 1920s.

Tom was delighted to give the tour. As he spoke, something dawned on him. His eyes darted to his watch and he announced a very special anniversary. Raggedy Ann was patented by Johnny Gruelle on September 7, 1915.

I recognize the name “Arcola” just in time to pull off the highway on Raggedy Ann’s 85th birthday. Now I ask you, what are the chances?!

John Spinello, Inventor of Operation comes to CHITAG

The Chicago International Toy & Game Fair was great. I came to the city a few days early to promote the event and tell Chicagoland that John Spinello, the inventor of Operation was coming over to play. John Williams of WGN and Kevin Matthews of KCKG were as spectacular as ever and allowed me the chance to introduce their listeners to a Chicagoan with a great story to tell.

In 1962, John Spinello was an industrial design student at the University of Illinois when he was given the assignment to design a toy. He scored the highest grade in the class with his electric game where players took a metal probe and carefully inserted it into different holes within an electrified box without touching the sides of the metal-framed openings....Two plates, one a positive charge and the other negative, were positioned parallel to each other and only a ¼ inch apart. When the metal scribe touched the bottom and the top plate, the scribe completed the circuit and the 12-volt lantern battery set off a 6-volt bell. “It was over-engineered,” John confessed. “It was loud!” But therein lies the fun of the game. Sparks flew, the bell rang and people jumped. -- The Playmakers

John was awesome! He ended up staying the entire day, playing the prototype of Operation with fairgoers and personalizing the Operation chapter of the book. His prototype was a hit with kids, who jumped and laughed when the buzzer went off. He signed a copy of an original 1965 Operation game which we gave away at the end of the day. His advice? Play Happy!

So many people came up to him, shook his hand and thanked him for inspiring the creation of a game that they loved so much. It was wonderful to see another disserving inventor get some long, overdue recognition!

Next year is the 40th Anniversary of Operation.

ADDITION TO THIS POST 4/12/05

Someone requested a peek at the patent for Operation so HERE IT IS! At first, John’s game was called Death Valley. The object was to insert an electric probe into a series of spaces, holes and channels as you progressed along a board designed to look like a desert. As you searched for water (presumably in the many holes) you tried to avoid touching the metal sides of the openings. It was within the walls of Milton Bradley Co., that the premise of the game went from the desert to the operating table.

A Warm Welcome at CHITAG

There are "remarks," there are "speeches," and then there are "Keynote Addresses!" The Chicago International Toy and Game Fair was a blast. A full report is forthcoming, but in the meantime here's how I welcomed the crowd. I was not pelted by rocks or garbage and several kind souls complimented me, but I think it was a nod to the brevity...

Welcome to the Chicago International Toy and Game Fair or as we call it CHITAG. It’s the second CHITAG show in the “Second City.” Now New York may have more people, but this town has more fun. The largest toy trade show in the Western Hemisphere is in New York. Toy Fair. 50,000 people -- but it’s not open to the public. Thousands of toy and games and not a kid in site. Well not here. CHITAG is your chance to preview some of the hottest toys and the coolest games before you see them in stores this holiday season. CHITAG and Chicago are second to none.

It’s ironic that we’re here playing on Labor Day weekend. Work is valued in our country, as it should be. But play is not valued enough. We hear it in the way we speak. We say things like “Good work!” and “Way to work.” Work is positive, worthwhile. Play on the other hand is often thought of as frivolous, a waste of time. “Quit playing around,” “Don’t play with that.” Well as any parent or teacher will tell you, PLAY is not a four-letter word! Play is how we learn and often toys and games are the vehicle through which that happens.

From the moment we grasp our first rattle, playthings help us to discover our world. We learn fine motor skills with Lego blocks and Lincoln Logs, counting and colors in Candy Land. Later, toys allow us to envision our futures, behind the wheel of a toy truck or through the eyes of a favorite doll. Then as young adults, we connect with friends and family over games like Apples to Apples and This Vs. That – two games incidentally that you can play here this weekend.

Toys and games have value and that’s what Mary Couzin had in mind when she conceived of this show. Inspired by Essen Spiel in Europe, a game and toy fair that attracts nearly 150,000 people, CHITAG is a rare opportunity to not only play with great toys and games, but meet the inventors responsible for bringing these marvelous playthings to life!

In this country, if you create a piece of music that sells a million copies, you’re on the cover of Rolling Stone. If you write a novel that sells that amount – you’re the New York Times best-seller list. But if you create the game of Operation – a game that hasn’t sold a million copies, or 10 million, not 20 million, or 40, but over 50 million copies – you’re relatively unknown? Unknown perhaps, but no longer uncelebrated. John Spinello the inventor of Operation is here this morning! (Stands up and takes a bow) I love that game! John is not alone. There are many other inventors here and maybe, just maybe they’ve invented the next 50 million seller. Maybe you’ll be the first to play it here at CHITAG.

Besides the inventors, other “characters” will be walking the show, including the Cabbage Patch Kids. Exhibitors have come from all over the world to bring you this fun. We’ll have entertainment on this stage throughout the fair, including hip hop feel good music from Dr. Cool and Pride and hits from Boots & Lace. There will be a live game show later and check the middle of your program for the Fiendishly Fun Toy & Game Quiz, which will also come to you from this stage. There are trips to Hawaii being given away as well as toys, CDs, games and books.

Today you can even participate in a game of Twister – but not just any game of Twister. We’re looking for 2,500 players to take part in the largest game of Twister ever assembled in the Windy City. This is all in preparation for next year when Mary Couzin and the people at CHITAG try to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest Twister game ever! So if you know your left from your right and your primary colors, you can join in on the fun too!

Toys and games are magical. When we are at play, we discover something about ourselves; we bond with our family and friends. We compete and win and lose and think and plan and learn and laugh…. We are most alive when we are at play.

So welcome to the Chicago International Toy and Game Fair! Let’s Play!

Pictures from The Playmakers Launch Party!

Co-inventor of the Twister game and the Nerf ball, Reyn Guyer (left) signs copies of The Playmakers: Amazing Origins of Timeless Toys with me at the launch party for the book last night. Curious toy lovers packed the retaurant Bamboo in Sarasota for the event. We hung posters, decorated and then we played!

The door prizes that were raffled off throughout the evening included autographed books, Twister beach towels, and Nerf hoop sets. But the biggest roar from the crowd came when we awarded one lucky toy lover with an original 1966 Twister game and an original 1969 Nerf ball, both autographed by Guyer himself. The raffle and part of the proceeds from every book sold combined to raise nearly $500 for YoungLife, a non-profit organization that provides mentoring to teenagers in Bradenton and Sarasota. Morgan Gerhart of Florida Family Magazine got Sherry Lowe and I (committee members for Bradenton YoungLife) along with YoungLife student Charise Bloemsma to pose for a picture that will hopefully make the July/August issue of Florida Family.

Other dignitaries included:

* Sam Speers, co-developer of G.I. Joe, who worked for Hasbro from 1960 to 1980.
* Michelle Jordan from ABC Channel 7 who interviewed Reyn for the evening news.
* Mike Eng from the East County Observer, who photographed Reyn and I as we signed a book for an excited Nerf lover.
* Herb Booth (left) and Giles Hoover (right), the photographer and designer on The Playmakers. Giles even signed a few copies himself!
* David Jones from Sarasota's Oldies 108 radio station acted as master of ceremonies.
* My lovely wife and I broke out the Twister gear, her the T-shirt and I the tie.

Thanks to Reyn Guyer and his lovely wife Mary, for being so generous with their time.

Special thanks to Alex, Michelle, Mike, Lesley, Kyle, Rebecca and the rest of the "Bamboo Crew" for making the night a fun (and delicious) success.

A good time was had by all!

Thank You Captain Kangaroo

The passing of Bob “Captain Kangaroo” Keeshan reminds us of all that he did for children thoughout his career. His show ran for 36 years and won six Emmy Awards. Yet who knew that before he became the "Captain," he was Clarabell the Clown on the Howdy Doody Show? Read what Fox News had to say about the man here.

Few realize that Captain Kangaroo also helped give us Play-Doh. As chronicled in The Playmakers, Rainbow Crafts (the company run by Play-Doh co-developers Joe McVicker and Bill Rhodenbaugh) didn’t have a lot of money in 1957. Play-Doh had been on the market for two years and enjoyed only limited success in stores and schools around Cincinnati.

…the real breakthrough came in 1957 when Play-Doh was featured on TV sets across America. How Rainbow Crafts, a start-up company with few financial resources ended up with a national TV campaign is a testament to Joe McVicker’s gift of persuasion and the intuition of a man named Bob Keeshan, better known as Captain Kangaroo.

By everyone’s account Joe McVicker was a charismatic salesman, and when he talked his way in to see Keeshan, he ended up closing the deal that made Play-Doh famous. "Keeshan liked Play-Doh and wanted it on his show,” recounted Bill Rhodenbaugh. “But Joe told him that we didn’t have any money for advertising. So Joe offered him 2% of our sales if he would feature it on the show once a week. Well, the Captain liked it so much that he started putting it on three times a week! I don’t think there was ever a contract, but I remember signing checks and sending them to his production company. After that we got on Ding Dong School (with Miss Francis) and Romper Room. We had the country saturated with television. Once Play-Doh hit, it took Rainbow Crafts over 16 months just to fill all the back orders.”

The rest, as they say, is modeling compound history. Both Play-Doh and Captain Kangroo debuted in 1955.

The "Toy King" Remembered...

30 years ago this month, toy inventor Marvin Glass passed away. By all accounts he was a colorful character and a troubled soul, but it was the creative output of his Chicago design studio that earned him his very own section in The Playmakers.

Below are some “plastic classics” from Marvin Glass & Associates -- the most prolific toy design firm the toy industry has ever seen.

Mr. Machine (1960)
Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots (1965)
Mystery Date (1965)
Rare Lite-Brite Prototype (1967)
Toss Across (1969)

Other Marvin Glass hits covered in The Playmakers include Mouse Trap (1963), Hands Down (1964), Operation (1965 -- including a rare picture of inventor John Spinello's prototype), Ants in the Pants (1967), and Simon (1978).

The Secret Fun Spot features some more great games designed by MGA, while this site features not only MGA creations, but recollections from former MGA employee Erick Erickson, one of the many designers I had the privilege of interviewing for The Playmakers.

The Passing of the Man that Gave Us Sea-Monkeys

I was only hoping for a photograph and ended up getting a great interview. I asked George Atamian, the president of ExploraToy (the distributors of Sea-Monkeys), if he could arrange an interview with Harold von Braunhut for the Ant Farm & Sea-Monkeys chapter of The Playmakers. George informed me that Harold had been sick of late and that he rarely granted interviews anymore. Content to have anything I could get, I asked for a picture of him. George said that he would work on it and get back to me.

A few weeks later I got a call from a pleasant woman asking for my address. I asked her who she was and she said, “I’m Yolanda von Braunhut, Harold’s wife.” I thanked her for her generosity and gushed over how I planned to cover Sea-Monkeys and Harold’s other famous invention, X-Ray Spex in The Playmakers. She then said, “Well he’s right here, would you like to speak with him?” I scrambled for a pad and pencil as she added, “Hold on. I’ll crank up his hearing aid.”

Harold was fun to listen to and a great interview. He told me about all those comic book ads he bought and being a big comic fan as a kid, I felt as if I was talking to royalty. Like many kids of the ’60s and ’70s, I grew up reading those Sea-Monkeys ads. "Own a BOWLFUL of HAPPINESS!" "Only $1.00!" I also had the entertaining (and yes, odd) chance to “grow my own pet” thanks to him.

At the end of our conversation I thanked him for inventing The Amazing Live Sea-Monkeys and of course, for the interview. It was July 18, 2003. A little more than two months later, he passed away. George Atamian posted this obituary as a tribute to the man behind everyone’s favorite petite pet.

Thanks again Harold, wherever you are.

Harold von Braunhut (1926-2003)