Toys Go Out: Being the Adventures of a Knowledgeable Stingray, a Toughy Little Buffalo, and Someone Called Plastic

I read this story out loud to my almost 5 year old and 9 year old daughters.When my 9 year old daughter saw this book come in the mail she was elated! Her teacher read it at school and she was so excited to hear it again. I was surprised by her enthusiasm considering that she had already heard the story and knew what was going to happen. She kept saying that she can't wait for us to find out what "Plastic" is.This was the first chapter book that I read aloud to my 4 (almost 5) year old.She was very invested in the story and didn't want me to stop reading. I read it at bedtime for 20 minutes over 3-4 nights. It held both my children's interest, it never dragged and there were enough illustrations to transition my youngest over to chapter books.The toys experience emotions like jealousy, worry, anxiety, self identity, joy and friendship.Each story is relatable and there were many questions that I could ask my daughter.Examples of questions I asked:- Why do you think the little girl likes to sleep with sting ray? Which stuffed animal do you like to sleep with?-What do you think would happen if you put your stuffed animal in water. Would it sink? float?There were a few words that I preferred not to say out loud in the story like "stupid" and "shut up". Reading this aloud made it easier to skip them.This would also be a great book for a child to read independently. I'd say suitable for probably 2nd-3rd grade up. As a read aloud, I think it's suitable for children ages 4 1/2 +.

An emotionally resonant and charming story that children will identify with easily. My five-year-old daughter adored it, requesting that bedtime reading resume again first thing at breakfast the following morning, and at bedtime again, until we finished the book. I love that it doesn't talk down to children or present a world of false simplicity (like some fairy-based chapter books we've read that are spun of saccharine and cliches). Little children have complex emotions – are they safe, loved, loved as much as the others, where do they belong, what does it mean to be "who they are." This book touches on all of these issues, yet so lightly, so gently, as the toys in its story experience these feelings in their relationship with their little girl, and as they bravely solve problems and get into humorous scrapes and close calls. Grown-ups will appreciate what the story is about on a deeper level, while children will alternate between being on the edge of their seat and giggles.(PS I did slightly edit my reading of the first few pages, which involve one of the toys falling into a garbage can, because my own daughter is grossed out by stuff like that, but that was just an idiosyncratic thing in relation to her, and just in one place. She can handle pirates and dinosaurs but not the word "stinky.")

We love this book and I see us coming back to it again soon even though we just finished reading it. Each chapter stands alone as its own story which makes it great for bedtime reading. There are 3 main characters - but the supporting cast is also awesome - it includes the washer and dryer, a towel named Tuk Tuk... We loved it so much we have the other 2 books in the series. It is like Toy Story but more mellow - and with no bad guy.

Got this as a read aloud for my 5yo. We read a ton, and this book really stood out. Totally original and cute. The toy’s voices were so clear and their personalities so fleshed out. Adored this book. Finished it this morning snuggling in bed and immediately ordered the next two.

My daughter loves the story line and the characters and their struggles. This is fantastic book for young readers

It is a charming story. It’s humorous, poignant moments and refreshing. The characters have personalities that all adults and children can identify with. I liked that the toys engaged with each other but their ‘owner’ was just called Girl. So the human interaction was not active part.

We Loved this book for little girls age 5 and up! She listened very well to whole time we read!

I’ve been teaching for 16 years and this was a new book to me this year. I loved it for my second graders. I ended up buying a copy for all them as an end of year gift.

Adorable children’s book.

I wasn't sure at first, as I am reading this to my Year 1 class, and I thought it might be quite American and need a bit of tweaking for them to understand, but they are entranced by it. The tale of Plastic's search for her identity had one or two bottom lips quivering but it all came right in the end. I would absolutely recommend this book either as a read aloud book or as an independent read for higher level readers.

Great book

This is a great series and a good price for this edition.

Very satisfied with this product