Natural Wooden Toys: 75 Easy-To-Make and Kid-Safe Designs to Inspire Imaginations & Creative Play

I am new to woodworking and wanted to make toys for my daughters who are 5 and 2. This book is a fantastic way to get started because the book discusses tools needed, wood selection, painting and finishing. Many books just show you how to make one toy at a time - a car, a puzzle, etc. What is great about this book is that the author groups together like ideas - so you can make a whole set at one time.The book is divided into sections - there is a fairytale group (complete with plans for a castle, knight, king/queen, etc), a section on the forest (trees, animals, etc), farm, ocean, and city (buildings, cars, trucks, helicopter, etc.) I just started with the fairytale group (pictures to be posted soon) and I am looking forward to working my way thru the book.I disagree with an earlier reviewer who stated these designs were babyish and only good for 0-1 year olds. Yes the patterns are basic but when you paint the toys you can add as much or as little detail as you want. The point is that to a child with a good imagination the play possibilities are endless. My oldest has a vivid imagination and I can't wait to give them to her. I recommend this book for anyone looking for some fresh ideas and/or is new to woodworking and would like to start to make toys for kids.One note: Most of the wood called for in this book is 3/4" thick stock and while you can cut out the patterns using a coping saw you really need a scroll saw to save time. They are simple to use and cheap if you can find a used one on craig's list.

This is a great book for someone who wants to get into making wooden toys for kids. It has a big emphasis on natural materials and finishes. I have made a number of toys from this book and am happy with it. I had trouble with the beeswax/oil finish mentioned. I have used food dyes for coloring and a very strong mix of instant coffee also, as well as child safe paints made for child use. I have also used cooking oil for a finish on top of food colors, stains and paints. This book is a very good starting point and the reader will be able to originate many other toy ideas after finishing this book.

I love this book. I borrowed it from my local library and decided I wanted my own copy. I am a big lover of wooded toys and can't wait to make some of them.

I've made several projects as described by this author. The directions were clear, the illustrations are very well done, and I've enjoyed designing my own variations of these toys. Maybe I'm in my own second childhood, but I'm really getting a kick out of making these toys. My grandkids love them, too. I especially like the section on using natural dyes to color the wood. The materials are readily available, the process is easy, and the results are good. I've used both paint (AP rated) and natural food dyes, and I like the results of each.

Instructions so clear that even a novice can make some really nice toys that children love. She was very generous with her knowledge and her templates/stencils. So, if you can't draw, you can simply trace her patterns. Very inspiring to me. I am an older woman who didn't have much confidence in my ability. But, she walked me through the whole process, and I'm making all kinds of wonderful things for my grandchildren! I would highly recommend this book.

The book contains very useful tips about wood and how to color wood with fruits and vegetables(eg. using spinach to paint green). I got great results from the beeswax- orange oil mixture idea.But this book is not intended for those who have kids above 1 year old, as designs are so babyish!

I was looking for a book that would be a guide for my nine year old to do some wood working. These patterns are easy to make and the projects are simple. The directions are clear. The toys you end up with are works of art and are perfect for younglings to play with. Fits our home perfectly.

These are some great fun and simple wood working projects to be enjoyed by your little ones. Very good for the beginner or a quick build for more experienced wood workers.

Lots of good projects, also goes into considerable detail on non toxic pains and wood colourings. Made the children wands out of the patterns in this book. They love them.

The book is OK for a novice who has never attempted making wooden toys before, it takes you through the basic steps to produce small children's toys.

A good book for those interested in this subject, however as a beginner,I do not have many of the prescribed tools necessary for construction

Great gift

Great book if your strting of scroll sawing and making wooden toys. The advise is very good and the designs are very easy giving you more confidance to move on to more difficult designs