Author: Linda Soules
Genre: Children’s Non-Fiction / Middle Grade
Year Published: 2026
Nerdection Rating:
“Nerdection Must Read”
So You Want To Be A Toy Designer by Linda Soules is a bright, inviting career guide for curious kids who have ever taken apart a toy, redesigned it in their head, or wondered who creates the things children love. It does not treat toy design as “just play.” Instead, it makes a convincing case that play is serious, creative, emotional work. The book has the warmth of a picture book and the structure of a beginner-friendly career introduction, making it especially appealing for young readers, parents, teachers, and creative kids who need permission to see imagination as a real skill.
Spoiler-Free Plot
This is not a traditional story with a main character and conflict. It is an illustrated nonfiction guide that walks readers through the world of toy design: how ideas begin, how prototypes are made, why playtesting matters, where designers work, who they collaborate with, and what kind of personality the job requires. The book shows that a toy designer’s work is part art, part engineering, part child psychology, and part patience. It also highlights the emotional side of the job: the joy of seeing a child love something you made, and the humility of watching a child ignore a toy you thought was brilliant.
My Take on So You Want To Be A Toy Designer
What I liked most is the way the book respects children’s intelligence. It never talks down to them. Instead of simply saying “make something fun,” it explains why toys matter: they help children imagine, learn, solve problems, tell stories, and feel seen. That message gives the book a surprising amount of heart.
The strongest parts are the sections on playtesting and open-ended play. Soules understands that the best toys often leave room for the child to complete the experience. I also loved how the book shows the less glamorous side of creative work: failed prototypes, safety rules, manufacturing limits, and long development cycles. That honesty makes the career feel real without draining the wonder from it.
The illustrations are colorful and full of movement, which fits the subject beautifully. They give the book a cozy, creative-studio feeling and make the information easier to absorb. The glossary, fun facts, famous designer examples, and “what you can do right now” section are also practical additions, especially for kids who may actually want to try designing something after reading.
The only thing I wanted more of was a slightly deeper look at modern career paths, portfolios, education, or how someone might enter the toy industry as they grow older. Still, for its intended audience, the book succeeds very well. It is inspiring, accessible, and thoughtful, with a lovely reminder that toys are not small things to the children who love them.
About The Author Of So You Want To Be A Toy Designer
Linda Soules is the author of the “So You Want To Be A…” series for ages 8–14, an illustrated nonfiction collection spanning more than 180 titles exploring careers from astronaut to zookeeper. A former investment management attorney with twenty-five years of practice in law and finance, she brings analytical precision and a researcher’s eye to writing that meets curious children eye-to-eye — taking young readers seriously as thinkers and treating each profession with the depth it deserves. Her books have been recognized by Readers’ Favorite, BookLife Reviews, and other editorial sources for their craft, voice, and unflinching honesty about both the wonder and the hard parts of every calling. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children.
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