Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that these six stories reveal the anxieties, fears, loves, and jealousies of toys. One fleeting reference to axe murderers as one of the scary things possibly lurking in the basement is the only thing that might be slightly objectionable.
Families can talk about the various fears and jealousies the toys face, and the solutions they find. Why did the buffalo want so badly to sleep on the bed? Why wasn't it as wonderful as he thought it would be? Also, they might wonder about the toy world itself: what do you think about toys having a secret life? What about simple objects like towels and washing machines? Do you have any special toys? Which ones do you put on the bed, take to the beach, or share at "show and tell"? Why?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Patricia Tauzer
"Being the adventures of a knowledgeable stingray, a toughy little buffalo, and someone called Plastic," the six short stories in TOYS GO OUT present the secret world that comes to life in one little girl's room. Of course, other characters join in: most notably, the one-eared sheep, the three mice, the rocking horse, and even Frank, the washing machine, and Tuk Tuk the yellow towel.
These stories are not about how the heroic toys save the little girl or cure any evil in the rest of the world. They are stories about the irrational fears, small jealousies, and petty competitions with which the toys struggle in their own private world as they learn to trust, understand, and depend on one another. Their struggles are the kind any kid will understand, especially as they are presented with all the confusions kids have, and told in language kids use.
While the language of the stories is both poetic and humorous, it is also that of the everyday kid-world. The conversations sound like those you would hear if you were listening in on a group of kids playing. Black and white sketches by Caldecott medalist Paul Zelinsky add to the fun of each chapter.
Younger kids may feel confused in the beginning stories about who is whom. And, it may have helped if author Emily Jenkins had added an introductory chapter or a character list before starting off on the adventures. On the other hand, perhaps she invited the mystery and confusion as integral to the world of toys.
The lessons of this early chapter-reader are gentle and ring true. Unfounded fears and misinterpretation of information are balanced with humor, love, and support that creates a world kids will understand and enjoy.
From The Book
The backpack is dark and smells like a wet bathing suit.
Waking up inside, Lumphy feels cramped and grumped. "I wish I had been asked," he moans. "If I had been asked, I would have said I wasn't going."
"Shhh," says StingRay, though she doesn't like the dark backpack any more than Lumphy. "It's not so bad if you don't complain."...
Plastic usually hums when she is feeling nervous. "Um tum tum--um tum tum--tum--tiddle--tee, she trills, to see if it will make the inside of the backpack seem any nicer...
"My stomach is uncomfortable," grumphs the buffalo. "I think I'm going to be sick."
Plot Summary:
Toys Go Out is a collection of six stories that reveal the small adventures of the same group of toys; the stories are not chronologically connected. In each story the toys learn about the world in which they live and their place in it. The adventures begin when three of them are trapped in a dark, damp backpack and, because they don't understand where they are going, imagine the worst. Then Plastic, the red bouncy ball, has an identity crisis until Tuk Tuk the towel sets her straight. Later, Lumphy conquers his fear of the washing machine, and both StingRay and Lumphy learn an important lesson about jealousy. In the end, they all celebrate their love for one another and the little girl at a very special birthday party.
Related Books:
Other Books about Toys with Lives of Their Own:
Rocking Horse Land by Naomi Lewis
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Davin by Dan & Zaki Gordon
Other Illustrations by Paul Zelinsky:
Rapunzel
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