Review for "LEGO Toys" by Kris Hirchmann

Age 9-12 years old
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 48

Call number: J 688.7 HIR

We didn’t have many LEGOs at my house when I was growing up. About the time my older sister started to enjoy building with them I was enjoying putting everything in my mouth. Instead we played with DUPLOs-- LEGO’s larger cousin. As a matter of fact I didn’t give much thought to LEGO’s until I read Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder, which asked “Why is Lego the most ingenious toy in the world?” And indeed, they are ingenious!


LEGOs are pretty neat. And they are the subject of Kris Hirschmann’s “LEGO Toys.” This 48 page book contains information on the creation of LEGO in Denmark by master carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen in the first chapter, and their transformation from wood to plastic. Chapter 2: “A simple idea comes to life” give further details about on the development of LEGOs from their early days in cellulost acetate--an early form of plastic, to the higher quality plastic, box sets, and Minifigs (those little LEGO people) that we know today. “A world of Change” introduces the uses of LEGOs today in education, engineering, entertainment, art (like the brick art of Nathan Sawaya), and of course, play. And the final chapter “The Cutting Edge” features the winners of the 2007 international contest for LEGO robots, from Portland (that’s right—OUR Portland), and explains the newest technology being applied to LEGOs. These technological advances and uses of imagination truly show that anything is possible.
LEGO Toys is complete with full color pictures, intriguing “did you know” boxes (with compact florescent light bulbs marking good ideas), glossary, a page for more information, and index.

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Still can’t get enough LEGOs? Join our Brick Buddies Club for children aged 7 to 11 years old for time to build, create, and play every second Saturday morning of the month. Attendance is limited, so you must register at the Children’s Desk by calling 503-350-3600.

-J-