TV Cream Toys

by Steve Berry

Do you remember tearing down the stairs at five in the morning, in wide-eyed anticipation of the mountain of wrapped boxes under a Woolies' fireproof silver tinsel tree? Do you remember the sense of disappointment when what you'd asked for wasn't among them? Or -- worse -- when you found a cheap, knock-off version of a toy you really wanted? Lavishly illustrated and with over 300 colour photographs, TV Cream Toys celebrates the presents that we hoped, wished and prayed would turn up in the Christmas stockings of yesteryear. From Big Trak to Buckaroo!, Mastermind to Merlin, Sorry! to Strawberry Shortcake, each peerless plaything from the '60s through to the '90s is examined and catalogued (in the Argos, rather than the scientific, sense). Culled from award-winning retro website TV Cream, this book lists a wealth of fondly remembered toys, games, and novelties, and unearths quite a few of the oft-forgotten classics that, even to this day, remain treasured in the hearts of our inner children. LET THE BLIZZARD OF MR MEN WRAPPING PAPER COMMENCE!

Genres: Nonfiction, Humor

208 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book catalogues those toys that we all prayed for on Christmas day. I would recommend reading as a reference guide not in one sitting. As it was a struggle to get through as it became repetitive after a while. But it was written with humour and it is worth the read.

[Tim Worthington · Rating 5 out of 5]

With everything covered from the obvious (Spacehoppers) to the deliciously long-forgotten (Star Bird!), this book will bring those memories of staring at toys in catalogues that you wanted but never got flooding back in seconds. Each toy has their own wittily-written entry, highlighting how they were both great and a bit rubbish at the same time, and there's loads of photos to boot. If you love toys, love a bit of a laugh and love, erm, 'I Love The Seventies', you'll love this!

[Mikey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read if nostalgia is your thing.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A veritable treasure trove of toys and goodies from the late 60s through to the early 80s, the majority of which I was familiar with and a couple (especially Pocketeers and Ricochet Racers) that I loved at the time but had forgotten about over the years. Each toy’s entry is accompanied by a chummy write-up that is often laugh-out loud funny, but the writer spoils it occasionally with swearing that is clearly out-of-place. Other than that, this is an excellent book and I loved it.

[The Bookish Wombat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite an amusing list of toys that we all wanted for Christmas. mostly in the last third of the 20th century. Details of each one are accompanied by a brief discussion of them, including witty footnotes.

Something to dip into from time and time rather than to read in long sessions. Generally funny, occasionally very funny, but above all nostalgic.

[David Campton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A catalogue of all those presents we pestered our parents for when we were young, compiled from the TV Cream website. Diverting for a short time.

[ManicMyna · Rating 2 out of 5]

can't say it it great, some good gags in it along with an unfortunate Rolf Harris reference

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable book brings back memories of toys without plugs on.