Zine: An Incomplete History of Zany Brainy

“An Incomplete History of Zany Brainy” is a 20-page zine about a U.S. retail chain from the 1990s. These stores focused on affordable, educational toys for children.

The cover of "An Incomplete History of Zany Brainy" zine on a purple background.

Purchase on Etsy

The zine includes background on Zany Brainy, my favorite toys from the store, and what happened to Zany Brainy after the company declared bankruptcy in 2001.

Pages 2 and 3 of the Zany Brainy zine. Page 2 shows the outside of a Zany Brainy store, with bright colors and fun shapes on the building's exterior. Page 3 shows a timeline of Zany Brainy, from 1991 (when the first store opened) until 2001 (when the company filed for bankruptcy).

An inside page of "An Incomplete History of Zany Brainy." This page lists favorite toys from the store, including Klutz books.

I also made a digital version that is available on itch.io. You can download the zine as a PDF to read on your favorite screen. It’s a pay-what-you-want model, which also means you can download it for free. (I totally don’t mind if you do!)

The cover of the zine "An Incomplete History of Zany Brainy" on a purple, red, and blue background. White text at the top of the image says "Also available as a digital zine!" White text at the bottom of the image says "Pay what you want on itchi.io"

Note that this is meant to be read as a digital zine. This is not formatted for printing and folding a paper copy.

I had a lot of fun collecting info and reminiscing about Zany Brainy while I made this zine. I hope you enjoy reading it!