The magical world of traditional play is under threat, with a leading children's author warning that classic toys could be banished to the attic forever as technology takes over. Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the current Children's Laureate, expressed his deep concern that he is increasingly hearing a troubling phrase: 'children don't play with toys any more'.
The Digital Shift in the Playroom
This cultural shift is being directly addressed in the upcoming Toy Story 5 film, due for release in UK cinemas in June next year. Reflecting on the new film's themes, Mr Cottrell-Boyce, the acclaimed author of books like Millions and Cosmic, noted that the original Toy Story was the first completely computer-generated animation, a 'magical curtain up on the digital age'. While the first film told the story of a child growing out of his toys, the latest instalment tackles a more profound issue. 'More and more I am hearing the phrase, 'children don't play with toys any more – they have ditched their toys for screens',' he stated.
Lilypad Arrives: A New Era for Toy Story
The trailer for the new film, released 30 years after the original, introduces a green, frog-shaped tablet named Lilypad. Its delivery to the playroom sends a wave of terror through the established toy characters, symbolising the existential crisis facing traditional play. The director, Andrew Stanton, confirmed to Empire magazine that the film is 'simply trying to reflect where we are'. He elaborated that the core conflict is not a simple battle, but 'the realisation of an existential problem – nobody's really playing with toys any more'.
Stanton emphasised that the creators are not taking an easy route by painting technology as a pure villain. 'Technology has changed everybody's lives, but we're asking what that means for us – and to our kids,' he said, adding, 'We can't just get away with making tech the villain.'
Beyond Buzz's Catchphrase: A Recession of Happiness?
Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Frank Cottrell-Boyce framed the issue with a poignant twist on a famous line from the franchise. Referencing Buzz Lightyear's iconic motto, he asked, 'Are we on our way to a digital toyless infinity and beyond?' This concern aligns with his previous warnings about a 'recession of happiness' stemming from a lack of reading, for which he has urged the government to provide children with greater access to books.
The Toy Story franchise, which has generated a staggering $3.3 billion (£2.5 billion) for Pixar and Disney, introduced generations to the adventures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear. Now, its fifth chapter appears set to hold a mirror to a society where the playroom is increasingly dominated by screens, leaving the future of traditional toys hanging in the balance.
