I’ve added a page about the forthcoming TV Cream Toys book (now with added subtitle, after various distributors asked for one - it’s true that you do need something more than just a title for window displays, etc., to help passing punters understand very quickly what’s inside, so the finished cover now has the legend “Presents You Pestered Your Parents For” emblazoned on the front). 

It’s just some blurb and various links to online retailers who are already stocking the book on pre-order, but I’m already obsessing over the Amazon sales ranking (anywhere between 32,000 and 180,000 depending on which way the wind is blowing) so, if you’re flush, do cough up for one. 

If it does well, I already have loads of ideas for what can go into volume two.  There are also some other TV Cream titles in the pipeline (from the same publishing company, The Friday Project), so expect plenty more exciting news in the future. 

Well, the toys book (volume one, I hope) is finished and waiting only to be published.  It will be in shops in time for Christmas 2007, so if any of your relatives get you socks or something this year, make sure you advise them in plenty of time so they can make up for their error next year.  Place your orders in advance at Amazon!

As well as the entries on this site, plus a bundle of other toys, the book also has some fabbo pics (courtesy of yours truly and his travelling camera), plus brilliant illustrations from
a guy in the States of all places.  There is talk of a limited edition calendar version of the book too (which will be much more photo heavy and less fact-conscious). 

In the mean time, toy enthusiasts should get themselves along to The Science Museum in London, where there is currently an exhibition called “Playing With Science” which explains how scientific principles can be taught through common playthings.  Oh, and you can take your own toys along too. 

Thanks for all the offers of help so far.  I’m currently engaged in lengthy trips around the UK taking pics of people’s toys.  But I still need more to volunteer theirs to appear in the book.  Basically, if there isn’t a photo accompanying the entry on this site, then I need to find someone with that particular toy.  Please do get in touch via the link in the menu bar.  Don’t worry about the cost, I’ll call you straight back. 

Lots has been going on with regard to creating a print version of the TV Cream Toy Catalogue, including lots of phone calls to toy manufacturers, agreeing deadline dates with the publishers and trying to find a few celebrities to put some quotes on the cover.  But help is required to get the book into final shape, not least of which means loads of writing by yours truly.  So here’s the begging list. 

Would you like to help?  I’m after loads of stuff but mainly I need photos.  Don’t worry, I’m not expecting people to turn up the Hasbro archive of toy images (although if someone could, that’d be fab!).  I’m actually going to take the photos myself.  But in order to do so I need to get in touch with collectors of toys, people who have a great stack of nostalgic toys and games in their attics in pretty good condition.  I have a portable photography studio which packs into a rucksack and a high-quality digital camera to take photos with - well, good enough to replicate the standard of photography used in the old Argos catalogues.  I’m willing to travel so anyone who’s prepared to let their collection star in the book, please do get in touch.  Credit and thanks will be provided, cash - unfortunately - cannot. 

Speaking of Argos catalogues, loads of people have been kind enough to donate their old ones to the cause.  You’d be surprised how many memories have been jogged by looking through these so, if anyone’s sitting on an old catalogue and is prepared to either scan it, loan it or give it to me to help provide some source material, I’d be much obliged. 

Finally, if anyone feels up to writing a eulogy to their favourite toy or game - one that is not listed already, of course, and you feel able to colour it with house style anecdotage, reminiscence and, well, crap jokes, I’m in the market for contributions.  Once again, cash or royalties cannot be provided, but credit and acknowledgement will.  It’s just for the glory this time. 

As always, please contact by the link in the left hand column.  It’s back to the writing for me. 

I forgot to add a note to say the site’s having a brief rest whilst I take a holiday.  I shall be away (in Malta, since you ask) until next week.  Please continue to chat in the forums and add comments to the toys that are already in the catalogue in the mean time.