Stevanne AuerbachStevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., widely known as "Dr. Toy," was an internationally recognized author, educator, speaker, consultant, and advocate for children's play, learning, and development. Over a distinguished 50-year career, she dedicated her work to elping children and families discover the educational, developmental, and creative value of meaningful play.Dr. Auerbach authored 16 books on toys, parenting, childcare, child development, and learning, including Dr. Toy's Smart Play Smart Toys, translated into 13 countries; Choosing Childcare, an early guide for parents seeking quality childcare; and the four-volume reference work Child Care: A Comprehensive Guide. Her creative works included My Butterfly Collection: On the Wings of the Butterfly, The Alphabet Tree, and The Contest. She also contributed articles to The Huffington Post and numerous other publications and appeared extensively in radio and television media. The name "Dr. Toy" originated in 1968 during her first professional assignment with Creative Playthings, where she developed the company's original educational marketing program. She later became one of the nation's first recognized toy reviewers in mass media, evaluating toys through the lens of children's development and learning. Her Dr. Toy Award became a trusted resource for families, educators, and toy professionals seeking products that encouraged meaningful play.Dr. Auerbach passed away in October 2022. Her life and contributions were honored in a tribute published by Berkeleyside. Her unpublished 1992 manuscript, Amy's Butterfly Garden, became part of her literary legacy when her daughter, Amy Beth Auerbach, discovered it and brought it to publication through Heirloom Patchwork Press. The book reflects Dr. Auerbach's lifelong belief in curiosity, discovery, creativity, and learning through the natural world. Read More Read Less