The Marvelous Toy

by Tom Paxton, Steve Cox (Illustrator)

A unique offering of a book and CD, recorded by Tom Paxton , and a major publishing event! For nearly half a century, "The Marvelous Toy"--composed by the legendary singer/songwriter Tom Paxton--has enchanted children and adults alike. A simple tale about a mysterious, magical, and mystical toy that a father gives to his son--and that eventually gets passed down to the next generation--it celebrates a child's sense of wonder. The witty, evocative lyrics spark the imagination. No surprise, then, that the song has been recorded by countless major artists, from Peter, Paul, and Mary to the Chad Mitchell Trio to John Denver, and won legions of fans through the years.

Paxton's marvelous song has finally become a stunning picture book--oversized, wonderfully packaged, and complete with a CD offering three songs sung by Tom himself plus a music-only version of "The Marvelous Toy" to sing along with. Featuring incredible and wildly imaginative art by Steve Cox, illustrator of the award-winning PIGS MIGHT FLY, the story is now as amazing to look at as it always has been to listen to.

Parents, grandparents, friends, and family worldwide will remember this classic from their own youth--and joyfully share it with their own children. And just like the boy in the song whose "eyes nearly popped right out of his head," young readers will give "squeals of glee" at the magic of the music, the artwork, and this one-of-kind tale.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fantasy, Music

28 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[Laura]

What I like from this book is that the toy is never revealed so it gives students a great chance of developing their inference abilities. I think it is a good book to read aloud to students.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book might be better enjoyed by adults than kids. It tells the story of a boy who plays with a toy that his dad gave him, and then gives the toy to his own son. Includes music to sing it as a song.

[MrsK Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment I heard this story on the radio... I was caught up in the delightful melody...
the unforgettable zip! ...pop! ... and whir!
This song brings a delight that lasts for generations.
MrsK https://mrskbookstogo.blogspot.com/

[Tom Infanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is short and accompanies the song. It brings back the complete excitement of getting something that is truly extraordinary and explainable.

[Oleander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent illustrations to go with the classic song. CD was included.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A song put into book format, although I believe the book's author wrote the song, too. It's no amazing book. But it could be fun for a storytime. And I like the idea of it passing from parent to child. I've kept some of my toys just for that reason--hoping my children will get the joy from them as I did. One bad thing though--the copy I read smelled awful!

[MissInformation · Rating 3 out of 5]

The a book version of the children's song. Illustrations are bright and lively (though not as cute as some...). The pictures add the element of other toys playing along, and it creates a fun atmosphere.

There is also a CD included, with a pleasant but pedestrian version of the song, plus a couple of other songs.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

What makes this book so special is that the toy is never fully revealed. The children have great opportunities for inference. I have been using it with my whole class push-in lessons. The students then draw their vision of the marvelous toy (this lesson plan came from another educator)

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Marvelous Toy by Tom Paxton and Illustrated by Steve Cox is a picture book that illustrates the fantastic old folk song to a new young audience. My students loved this book and were able to sing a long with the chorus on the first read through.

I recommend this book for kids 4-8

[Dobby Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just read this book without any song. Next time I'd like to read it with audiobook. Most reviews highly recommend this book.
I thought it was not interesting, but guessing what the toy was would be fun and make children to imagine.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute! Beautiful illustrations!!

[Vandy]

http://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/...#

[Emily Goode Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful book based on the folk song by Tom Paxton. Think the kids are really going to enjoy this one and it is very easy to sing!

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book aloud to generate product ideas for AAP consideration. After reading and singing the text, the kids invent their own toy.

[Angelina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best thing are the colourful, vibrant illustrations.

[Whitney Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the rhythm and the illustrations. I would like to know what the toy is!

[Rebecca Jones]

This is a story about a small gift given to a boy by his father. This toy is something that is so magical and interesting to the little boy that he decides to make a song and then ends up passing this toy down to his son so it will continue in the family from generation to generation.