Based on the latest child development research, What Kids Buy and Why is chock-full of provocative information about the cognitive, emotional, and social needs of each age group. This book tells you - among other things - why 3-through-7-year-olds love things that transform, why 8-through-12-year-olds love to collect stuff, how the play patterns of boys and girls differ and why kids of all ages love slapstick. Special features include an innovative matrix for speedy, accurate product analysis and program development; a clear, step-by-step process for making decisions that increase your product's appeal to kids; and tools and techniques for creating characters that kids love.