This booklet, which is designed to help parents make informed choices about the games and toys they purchase for their children, uses manufacturers' descriptions of their products to inform parents about the themes of toys intended for use in violent pretend play, and provides information about alternatives to excessively violent toys. Briefly discussed in the text are play and imagination, children's play in the 1980s, effects of televised violence, and the increase in the manufacture of violence-promoting toys. Also provided is a set of eight guidelines parents can use in selecting toys. Descriptions of violent toys, most of which were transcribed directly from toy boxes or marketing promotion material, are quotes or close paraphrases. They include such mottos as "Cries and screams are music to my ears," and "The sight of ruin only makes me crave more." To alert parents to potential dangers ascribed to some role-playing games, examples of types of characters described in various game instruction books are provided. The list of non-violent, alternative toys includes construction and action toys which encourage imaginative play. Concluding sections offer an annotated list of catalogs of alternative toys of positive play value, and lists of: (1) actions recommended for parents who wish to be involved in their children's play and television viewing; and (2) resources and organizations. (RH)