The War In Toyland

Toyland was once a place of wonder and beauty, at least until the teddy dictator Roxbury took over. After Matthew's brother and playmate, Alex, disappears, Matthew finds himself carried into Toyland by his own loyal toy soldiers. Matthew soon learns that Alex has been here, too, held captive by Roxbury. Leading an attack on the teddy bear's fortress, Matthew never considers that his brother might be beyond saving.

Toyland was once a place of wonder and beauty, at least until the teddy dictator Roxbury took over. After Matthew's brother and playmate, Alex, disappears, Matthew finds himself carried into Toyland by his own loyal toy soldiers. Matthew soon learns that Alex has been here, too, held captive by Roxbury. Leading an attack on the teddy bear's fortress, Matthew never considers that his brother might be beyond saving.

Was 1906 the year of birth of animation pictures? Or 1908? Was France the place of birth, or was it the United States? --

Every living American adult likely prized one childhood toy that featured the happy image of an animated cartoon or comic strip character. There is an ever-growing market for these collectibles, and stacks of books pose as pricing guides. Yet Tim Hollis is the first to examine the entire story of character licensing and merchandising from a historical view. Toons in Toyland focuses mainly on the post-World War II years, circa 1946-1980, when the last baby boomers were in high school. During those years, the mass merchandising of cartoon characters peaked. However, the concept of licensing cartoon characters for toys, trinkets, and other merchandise dates back to the very first newspaper comics character, the Yellow Kid, who debuted in 1896 and was soon appearing on a variety of items. Eventually, cartoon producers and comic strip artists counted on merchandising as a major part of their revenue stream. It still plays a tremendous role in the success of the Walt Disney Company and many others today. Chapters examine storybooks (such as Little Golden Books), comic books, records, board games, jigsaw puzzles, optical toys (including View-Master and Kenner's Give-a-Show Projector), and holiday paraphernalia. Extending even beyond toys, food companies licensed characters galore--remember the Peanuts characters plugging bread and Dolly Madison snacks? And roadside attractions, amusement parks, campgrounds, and restaurants--think Yogi Bear and Jellystone Park Campgrounds--all bought a bit of cartoon magic to lure the green waves of tourists' dollars.

This book is my 8th book. I wrote it in 2018 & 2019. I wrote it during my 2 terms at Vernon College, studying Creative Writing. I wrote Wheeler McCheeze's for my Nephew. That story kept me awake at night. New customers woke me up in the night. The 1st 4 stories I added in 2020. I wrote them when I was in the Cub Scouts, when I was 10. My Leader Akela returned them, after 30 years. The biographical stories were from pictures my tutor gave me to create characters. The 16th story is about My Life.

The orphans Alan and Jane escape from their cruel miserly Uncle Barnabas, when he tries to have them drowned. They are taken in by gypsies, and during the course of their adventures visit Mary Contrary's Garden, the Noah's Ark House, the Tin Railway, and Mean Town. Eventually they return home, where they are taken in by the village's kindly widow.

"Journey through Toyland with characters from Mother Goose as they battle to save the town from the evil clutches of Mr. Barnaby. Tom-Tom, the Piper's son, Simple Simon, and Little Bo Peep are just a few of the nursery rhyme favorites who appear in this colorful, fun-filled adventure"--Back cover