From the 2022 Fall Toy Preview Issue of The Toy Book.
There’s a scene in the movie Major League (1989) in which Lou Brown — played to perfection by the late James Gammon — gets a call asking if he’d like to come manage in the big leagues. “Oh, I don’t know,” Brown says, a hint of reluctant satisfaction in his voice as he tells the caller that he’ll think it over before quickly hanging up and going about his day. It’s a scene that I’ve referenced many times over the years while considering — and ultimately passing on — potential opportunities for the future.
When a call came this summer with an offer to take the helm as editor-in-chief (EIC) of The Toy Book, I did something that I’d never done before: I immediately accepted without hesitation.
I first joined the Adventure Media & Events (AM&E) family in 2016 as a member of The Toy Insider’s parent advisory board. Following two years of contract work contributing features spanning toys and pop culture across the full range of AM&E publications, a call came in with the opportunity to join the company full-time. Yes, I did have to do “the Lou Brown thing” and think it over back then, but in January 2019, after a month or so of working in the shadows, I officially assumed the role of senior editor across The Toy Book, The Toy Insider, and The Pop Insider. Last year, I stepped into the newly created role of deputy editor of The Toy Book, a gig that I have loved from the start.
It’s a bit poetic that this issue represents a transitional period — a time of change as summer turns to fall and new opportunities loom on the horizon alongside a reset of the calendar followed by much of the U.S. toy industry.
While we’re sad to see her go, outgoing EIC Maddie Michalik is off to new adventures at The Toy Association following an eight-year run with AM&E. During that time, Maddie became the youngest EIC in Toy Book history and was named a Wonder Woman in the Rising Star category by Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment. She and I have worked closely together over the years, guiding content for a host of issues, including this one.
As we release our Fall Toy Preview issue of The Toy Book, The Toy Association’s 2023 Preview & 2022 Holiday Market is underway at the Dallas Market Center, welcoming the industry back to the Lone Star State for a “last rodeo” of sorts before Toy Fair saddles up and trots toward its new dates in Sept. 2023 at the Javits Center in New York City. With that in mind, our 2023 Preview issue of The Toy Book is jam-packed with an early first look at some new toys and games set to hit stores next year. Turn to page 36 to start browsing our 2023 showcase, and then flip to page 64 to unwrap a look at some late holiday drivers that retailers may want to consider stocking in the fourth quarter.
Milestone anniversaries have been plentiful this year and Senior Editor Madeleine Buckley phones home with a look at new toys inspired by the 40th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. We also explore 90 years of LEGO in this month’s Backstory. Additionally, the 50th anniversary of hip-hop is inspiring Dr. Lisa Williams and World of EPI to “Rock the Bells” (and store shelves) with a new range of dolls that you can learn about in our latest Spotlight On.
Of course, we couldn’t do a proper preview issue without breaking out the crystal ball, and our friends at The NPD Group, Jefferies, and GPI have done just that with fresh predictions for 2023.
As this issue arrives, The Toy Book team is on the ground in Dallas where we look forward to catching up with many of you for some overdue facetime, a look at a ton of new toys, and probably a plate or two of Texas BBQ enjoyed with some country music in the air.
For nearly 40 years, The Toy Book has been the leading publication dedicated to keeping the toy industry on the #pulseofplay. Over the next few months, you can expect to see the beginning of an evolution as part of our ongoing commitment to providing the absolute best in coverage to the industry at large. From breaking news to exclusive features, insights, commentary, and beyond, The Toy Book has you covered. Let’s rock!
