So You Want To Be A Toy Designer - Book Review

For parents hoping to spark their child’s imagination—and for middle schoolers curious about how toys really come to life—Linda Soules’s So You Want To Be A Toy Designer is a fun, eye‑opening look into a career most kids never even realize exists. While many children grow up hearing about familiar jobs like doctors or firefighters, they rarely learn that creative fields such as toy design are real, thriving professions where imagination is the main tool of the trade. Soules’s book, part of her ambitious series exploring nearly two hundred careers, opens the door to a world where art, psychology, engineering, and play all come together.

Kids ages 10 to 14 get a behind‑the‑scenes tour of what toy designers actually do every day. Instead of starting with factories, Soules shows how every toy begins with a simple “play question”—a spark of curiosity that leads to sketching ideas and experimenting with shapes and materials. Readers follow the entire journey: building hands‑on prototypes from clay, cardboard, foam, and 3D prints; testing toys with special lab equipment to make sure they’re safe; and watching real kids try out new creations with no instructions at all. The book even includes a “Day in the Life” schedule, a glossary of cool industry terms like ergonomics and affordance, and fun history tidbits about classics like LEGO bricks and the Slinky.

Soules writes with warmth and clarity, making the book perfect for independent middle‑grade readers or for younger kids to enjoy alongside a parent. What truly brings the career to life is the book’s vibrant illustrations—busy workbenches, colorful studios, toolkits, and playtesting rooms that help kids picture themselves in the role. Books like this matter because they show children that their natural curiosity, tinkering, and love of play aren’t just hobbies—they can grow into real, meaningful careers.

Whether your child loves building things, inventing gadgets, or simply exploring new ideas, this engaging book will change the way they think about toys, creativity, and their own future. It’s an inspiring reminder that imagination isn’t just fun—it can be a career path waiting to be discovered.