Customer Reviews
Smart book 
2007-07-21
There is a wealth of information in this book about toys and games that children can enjoy and learn from, at each developmental stage. Play is so important to children, and this book helps the reader find ways to involve all family members in mutual and rewarding play. The toys recommended are generally simple and inexpensive. It's what you do with them that matters most.
My only regret is that the book reflects only "mainstream" parenting and conventional schooling, not attachment parenting, homeschooling or unschooling.
Smart Play, Smart Toys answers a lot of questions 2006-06-08
Smart Play, Smart Toys by Stevanna Auerbach, Ph.D. (alias, Dr. Toy) is the one book I keep nearby as a Parent Coach and Therapist because of the valuable information, stories and tips on children's development and how to support your child through play. Most parents believe that play is natural for children, yet play is a learned behavior and the first teachers are parents. And I receive more questions from parents about play, toys, and appropriateness than most other topics.
Dr. Toy not only walks you through why developing your child's play IQ is important, but explains at each age level how your child develops, what a parent can expect in behavior, and what toys, games or play activities enhance your child's skills.
I have not seen this well-researched information compiled elsewhere. Dr. Toy explains how to bond with your baby, increase intelligence, how to buy toys and enhance the use of games, puppets, cards, and so much more. In addition, she offers a free newsletter and has a web site, www.drtoy.com, with updated information on what is new and empowering for your child.
Is this really a book? 
2006-01-03
Another book of toy reviews.... AHHH!!!! Buy your own. These people need to go away.
This book could save your child's childhood 2002-04-14
Even though Smart Play is written by someone who calls herself Dr. Toy, the book is much more about smart parenting than it is about toys.
Yes, the book has a great deal to tell us about toys. But it's really not for parents who are looking for things to keep their kids occupied, busy, out of what remains of their parental hair.
Toys, in Dr. Toy's remarkably informed view, are tools for good parenting. The right toy is the one that helps the parent connect to their children, and vice versa.
In many ways, this is a great book for grandparents, because it takes the perspective of a grandparent to realize how incredibly valuable it can be to take the time play with your children - for the growth of the parent as well as the child.
A stimulating book for parents and teachers 2002-04-05
I didn't know there was so much left to learn about selecting good, quality toys. Dr. Toy's straightforward book is loaded with simple ways to maximize learning while playing! As a parent of a four year-old girl and two year-old son and as a toy inventor for over nine years, I found this book refreshing, useful and fun to read.
Dr. Toy Knows Her Stuff 2002-01-17
We've all heard of IQ but do you know your child's PQ or Play Quotient?A child's ability to play does more than provide for fund and diversion; it is critical for his or her emotion and intellectual growth, an teaches everything from social skills to analytical thinking. For the developing mind of a child, learning to play is paramount--but is your child getting the most out of playtime?Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., more affectionately known as Dr. Toy has dedicated a lifetime to the importance of play and gives you specific advice on which toys to buy and what kind of games to play to emplower your child's overall development. You'll learn:How to become your child's play TutorHow play can strengthen maturity levels and confidenceThe pros, cons, and facts of gender specific toysGuideance for the gifted and special-needs childPlus practical advice onEvaluatin a toy's safety, learn which toy manufacturers Dr. Toy recommendsCraft supplies you should always have on handDr Toy's 100 Best Children's ProductsAnd many more invaluable ways to make playtime a growing experience!
Insightful playtime tips 2000-04-26
As the grandmother of two-year-old twin girls, I found Dr. Toy's Smart Play an excellent guide to understanding how the right toys at the right time can help twins and higher multiples develop the skills they need at the moment, and throughout their lives -- sharing, cooperating, and building self-esteem. As a freelance writer, I'm happy to continue promoting Dr. Toy's advice in relevant articles I write for parenting magazines.
A Must For Parents 2000-02-19
DR.TOY'S SMART PLAY is a must read for parents and also a invaluable research tool. I'm the content developer for a major Christian Internet site DailyBread and I've gotten hundred's of e-mail's back from happy parents since Stevanne has been so kind to let us use her reviews. Not only does this book review toys but it educates parents to be a "Play Tutor". I highly recomnend this book it's not only informative but a fun read.
A Must For Parents 2000-02-19
DR.TOY'S SMART PLAY is a must read for parents and also a invaluable research tool. I'm the content developer for a major Christian Internet site and I've gotten hundred's of e-mail's back from happy parents since Stevanne has been so kind to let us use her reviews. Not only does this book review toys but it educates parents to be a "Play Tutor". I highly recomnend this book it's not only informative but a fun read.
Dr. Toy's SMART PLAY How to Raise a Child with a High PQ 2000-01-06
I would like to say that this is definitely one of the most informational books on children's play habits that I have ever heard of. Dr. Toy explains why it's important for kids to play, what they learn through play and makes very detailed suggestions for appropriate playthings for children from birth to pre-teens. Forget about asking some department store associate for suggestions! A must-have for any parent or grandparent.
