Stevanne Auerbach

In Memoriam: Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., widely known as “Dr. Toy,” passed away on October 19, 2022, from complications of a stroke.

Over her 50-year career, Dr. Auerbach authored 16 books on toys, parenting, and child development—including Dr. Toy’s Smart Play Smart Toys (translated in 13 countries), the pioneering guide Choosing Childcare, and a 4-volume reference set Child Care: A Comprehensive Guide. Her first novel, The Contest, was later adapted into a screenplay. She also wrote The Alphabet Tree, a collection of poetry, and My Butterfly Collection: On the Wings of the Butterfly.

Dr. Toy contributed articles to The Huffington Post and other publications, and served as a consultant, speaker, and advocate for quality play and education.

Her final legacy, Amy’s Butterfly Garden (2025), was brought to life by her daughter, Amy Beth Auerbach, through Heirloom Patchwork Press.