This is a pretty adorable book recounting the adventures of several very special toys: a stuffed buffalo named Lumphy, a plush Stingray, and Plastic, who doesn't know what she is, only that she is very much unlike the other two. Each distinct, charming personality comes through as they discover the world beyond the Little Girl's bedroom, visiting quite exciting places such as the bathroom, the basement and school, and each learns something important about itself. Recommended for early elementary readers. ( )

We loved this as a readaloud. Short, funny vignettes. Stingray is hilarious. ( )

Toys Go Out is a middle grade novel that follows 3 toy friends that come to life when their little girl goes to sleep. Lumphy (stuffed buffalo), Sting Ray (dry clean only), and Plastic (a bouncy ball) are the main characters with distinct (albeit simple) personalities. The primary story revolves around the desire to be the toy that gets to sleep in the little girl’s bed at night (sound familiar?). Some of the adventures include a trip in the washing machine and being grabbed by a garbage shark (maybe the best descriptor of a dog ever) at the beach. I’m not sure why I thought reading another book about toys coming to life was going to be a vastly different reading experience from The Doll People. [Spoiler alert: It wasn’t.] However, if you're looking for a fairly straightforward reading experience for your 10-12 year old then this will fit the bill nicely. 5/10 because I love a good sarcastic toy.

Topics discussed: insecurities, search for identity, and finding your place. ( )

I love the picture book Toys Meet Snow, and this is in just the same vein, but a chapter book. The spirit is strongly reminiscent of Winnie-the-Pooh (including the chapter headings - see below) and Bunnicula, with the toys/animals having a world of their own apart from the story's humans.

In the Backpack, Where It Is Very Dark
The Serious Problem of Plastic-ness
The Terrifying Bigness of the Washing Machine
The Possible Shark
How Lumphy Got on the Big High Bed and Lost Something Rather Good-Looking
It Is Difficult to Find the Right Birthday Present

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Re-read February 2020 (aloud, with 4yo, plus audiobook) ( )

2 stuffed animals and one plastic thing belong to a little girl. The 3 best friends go on adventures together including facing dogs, exploring a dark basement and experiencing a washing machine. ( )