Ann, type is still being produced, M&H typefounders is probably still the
best, but their stuff isn't cheap and their catalog if $40. Ebay is a great
source for full sets or random mixed bits of both foundry type and wood
type. You can get mixed batches of both for reasonable prices, more $$ of
course for full fonts (the word font in its original meaning of a certain
amount of type, not the name of the typeface), but the fonts still in their
original packages is clean and not inky, so that's what I'd go for if I
wanted metal. Right now on ebay there is a whole lot being advertised as
"antique" but it probably isn't, it's just still in the packaging.
If you are concerned about the kids handling lead, give the type a good
spraying with an acrylic spray varnish for a barrier. Betty
