We're finally in the homestretch, with just hours left before a new year begins! And what a year it was. Venturing out much more than the year before. Reconnecting in-person with friends and colleagues. Experiencing the thrill (or trepidation) of a future AI world. Barbie's resurgence. The return of Toy Fair and other conferences missed, the release of many new products, and insights, and conversations shared! With all of that in mind, I'm revisiting last year's commentary, Scott Traylor: One's Journey for the Best Industry Reads of 2022, and celebrating the end of another jam-packed year by sharing my top reads from the children's industry.

Those who've worked with me know I'm an archivist at heart. I could be considered a digital hoarder, but I see it as a superpower that allows me to find the right piece of information, at the right time, for the right project. Everything I read I save in a PDF format, then tag, and stored away for future reference. (Yes, slightly OCD, but it serves me well!) So, when "great" articles surface – ones that spark fresh perspectives, offer invaluable lessons, or leave me deeply moved – they are elevated to a special place for further review. This year, from the thousands read, over 200 made the "great" cut. After careful reflection, I narrowed it down to 35. And now, I present you with the crème de la crème: my 10 best reads of 2023. You will find a brief introduction to each piece. Enjoy!

A successful children's television writer recently asked me "How important is it to think about merchandising even before I've sold the show?" Chris Byrne's article was ready with an answer.

Christopher Byrne: Entertainment 2023. Welcome to a New Reality.

— by Christopher Byrne  in People of Play 

Having a strong inventor idea is only half the solution.

Spin Master’s Ben Dermer on why the job of toy creatives is the opposite of being inventive

– by Deej Johnson in Mojo Nation 

Wonderful essay on what makes a great game.

Games are problems people pay to solve

— by Paras Chopra In Inverted Passion.

This next article came to me through Twitter (earlier this year when it was still called Twitter) providing a hypethetical look into how AI could be used to engage a child. The very next tweet I read promoted the product described in this article, going from science fiction fantasy to actual product in less than a blink of an eye.

Beyond ChatGPT: The very near future of machine learning and early childhood - 

— by Tama Leaver, Andrew Rohl, and Leon Straker in the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child 

Applying the engagement model of how adults consume linear content on platforms like Netflix and MAX should not be assumed to also be successful with children.

'Doc McStuffins' Creator: Do Streamers Even Understand Kids TV?

— by Lacie Rose in the Hollywood Reporter 

The LEGO Foundation's framework for making playful experiences with technology requires many different decisions to be made. Each decision often falls within a spectrum of choices.

What “good” children’s design entails: An interview with Bo Stjerne Thomsen, VP and Chair of LEGO Foundation

— by Polina Lulu in Bootcamp 

This year Pee-wee Herman passed into the great big playhouse in the sky. So many wonderful articles written about Paul Reubens' legacy, but this one captures the artistic decisions behind the making of the physical playhouse itself. 

‘It Was Like Pastel Bauhaus’: How Paul Reubens’s Collaborators Brought the Spirit of Downtown Art to ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’

– by William Van Meter in Artnet 

Dan Klitsner has amazing stories to tell, and how the Bop It! game came to be is one of them. However, this article offers a unique discovery to the Bop It! story that will forever change how you look at toys.

Bop It Inventor Dan Klitsner - Utilizing The Culturally Iconic Creation As a Force For Good

— by Jon Stojan in USA Today 

So many great articles written about the children's show Bluey this year, but this NPR piece looks at what parents like about the show. There's mention of the Sleeptime episode (Season 2, Episode 26 on U.S. Disney+), a must watch, a loveletter not only to childhood but to parenting as well.

Parents share what they learned from watching the animated kids show 'Bluey'

- by Scott Detrow on NPR's All Things Considered 

A great find this year was discovering Brad Montegue's delightful articles on Substack. So many brave ideas contained within. This closing post looks at being playful in a country that doesn't speak your language, and what's universal about connecting with others in playful ways.

Please Understand Me

- by Brad Montegue on Substack

When pretend play grows up and your stuffed animals are left behind.

No Love Is Ever Wastedʼ - Even when it leads to heartbreak

- by  Kerry Egan in the New York Times 

Wishing everyone a healthy and successful New Year! 

Scott Traylor is the president of the  Children's Media Association for the San Francisco Bay Area chapter. He's also a consultant, advisor, and board member to companies that focus on products and services specifcally for children. A former computer science educator at Harvard Extension for over a decade, Scott continues to be involved in research, writing, and speaking on all things related to kids, interactivity, and play.