Book Review: The Magic Toybox

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Magic Toybox     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Denise Little
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   [Short Stories]
Daw, Aug 2006, $7.99

Taking the premise from the movie Batteries Not Included, THE MAGIC TOYBOX contains fourteen new tales based on toys coming to life. Each contribution is lighthearted fun as if the contributors had a good time deciding who the lead character is and what setting and or cause to bring that protagonist to life. Especially enjoyable to readers will be to decide whether they recognize the star like Mr. Magoo (though as Ms. Little implies in her introduction that might mean a few tree rings for some of us) or a take from a popular movie like a wooden Roman gladiator, or a Chucky clone taking possession of a doll, etc. The stories are well written and for the most part kept extremely light even with the touches of horror so that the worst catastrophe that could occur to a young adult is not the end of the world in a whimper or a bang, but returning to live with their parents. Fantasy readers will enjoy the fabulous adventures of these come alive playthings.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner