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A TooT is a playable card, or group of cards. Yep, that’s it. But, the logic and definition of a TooT allow for SOME TooTs to combine into a single larger TooT. And this…allows for some
intriguing, challenging and FUN games!
TooT! includes: 57 Play Cards, 1 Die,
2 Basic Rules & Samples Sheets and Instructions for 4 Games!
Where to Purchase: MissingPiecePress.com – Amazon
Nanea Mitchell, American Girl’s newest BeForever character, is a brave and determined girl growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1941 just as Japan attacks Pearl Harbor and America enters World War Two.Her efforts to help and heal her friends and neighbors during wartime are all driven by her spirit of aloha: the understanding that everyone is connected and that joy and pain are shared. The 18” Nanea doll has big hazel eyes and wavy dark-brown hair. She arrives in a button-front pake blouse with an island graphic, sailor-style moku shorts, underwear, and shoes with crisscross straps. Also included are a faux-hibiscus flower hair clip and a paperback of Growing Up with Aloha by Kirby Larson.
Where to Purchase: The Nanea collection will be available this August through American Girl’s catalogue; at americangirl.com; at all American Girl retail locations nationwide; and at American Girl specialty boutiques at select Indigo™ and Chapters™ in Canada and El Palacio de Hierro locations in Mexico City. The Nanea books will also be available through retail and online booksellers.
My games differ because they are all based on co-operation rather than competition. In my games we play together, not against each other. In fact, my rule of thumb when designing games is that I don’t have people being against people. The object of a game is working toward a common
goal, not wiping out the other player.
Where to Purchase:
At your favorite retail store, online store, or directly from us at www.familypastimes.com
With the popularity of the movie Moana, much of the attention has been given to the newest Disney princess. However a big (no pun intended) part of her story is the demigod Maui. JAKKS Pacific has a talking version of this fun character for ages 3 and up.
Mega Maui is over 16 inches tall. He is also about 14 inches wide, making him a pretty formidable figure. His feet alone are 4 inches long. This guy is made of hard plastic so he’s not a cuddly plush, but he is fun to hold. As in the film Maui is covered with his tattoos, he wears his leaf skirt, his hair is squishable plastic, and he comes with his intricately carved fishhook that he can actually hold. The hook is removable so kids can play with it themselves.
What makes Mega Maui even more fun is he talks. Simply press his “bone” necklace and he says one of 12 movie phrases and sings the hit song, “You’re Welcome.”
This fellow sports his wide grin and intriguing eyes. He comes to life with the 2 AAA batteries that are included. With his movie phrases and song it’s fun for kids to recreate scenes from the hit film. And Maui is a character that appeals to both boys and girls, however this fellow will likely be enjoyed mostly by boys.
Not only can kids recreate scenes from the instant classic film, they can make up their own situations with Maui. Imaginations will run wild with this figure/doll, as with the character himself! With his poseable arms, Maui is ready for hugs – or adventure.
“Do you know who Maui is? Only the greatest demigod in all the South Pacific. With his magical fishhook he slowed down the sun, battled monsters. And I should know. Because I’m Maui.” That’s just one of the movie phrases spoken by Dwayne Johnson – and Mega Maui.
Because of his size, it’s easy to see the intricacies of his tattoos. Kids might also enjoy drawing their own tattoos on paper.
Mega Maui is definitely a toy that will provide hours of fun for kids. Because of his size – he is “mega” after all – he is a bit on the weighty side so it will be difficult for very small kids to carry him.
JAKKS Pacific has been producing toys and products since 1995. The company has strong ties with Disney and other companies. They have an impressive line of Moana toys.
Mega Maui lists for $49.99.
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood with Daniel Tiger and his family and friends. This celebrated PBS Kids series for preschoolers, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, has garnered a lot of praise and won the Television Critics Association 2016 award for best children’s program.
The Deluxe Electronic Trolley is a fun way for kids to “play” in the neighborhood with Daniel and his mom. The motorized trolley lights up and has two songs as well as 12 phrases from the characters in the show. It also emits real trolley sounds.
Push the top left button and the headlights turn on and the trolley song plays. Press the tiger button and Daniel asks, “Do you want to take a ride on trolley with me?” Press it again and he says, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.” There are more sayings from Daniel and when the other buttons are pushed there are sayings from those characters as well. It’s a fun-filled trolley, especially when the top left button is pressed. It’s then when the trolley sounds come on with the headlights. How cool is that?
Also included in this set is a traffic stop so kids can obey the rules. It’s also a good way to help them understand when it’s safe to walk (when the green walking diagram is visible).
Push a button and the trolley rolls ahead. A handle on top makes it easy to carry and a fun set to take when visiting grandma or going out to the park to play.
This set comes with the two figures however many of the other characters from the show are available to purchase in separate sets to add to this trolley. The Deluxe Electronic Trolley requires 3 AA batteries, which are included in the box. This set brings all the fun and imagination of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood to your own house. This trolley set is designed for ages 3+ and lists for $29.99.
There’s even more fun with the Daniel Tiger Phone. It looks just like a smartphone only is much easier to use! You won’t have to buy a “Smartphone for Dummies” book to use this one!
There is an on/off sliding button on the side. The phone includes real phone sounds and when the little trolley is slid from one side to the other, it jingles. The front of the phone has a keyboard as well as six photo buttons with various characters. When a number button is pressed, the number is said allowed so kids can easily learn their numbers from zero to nine.
When a character button is pressed the characters talk. There are 11 phrases in all, including Daniel saying, “Hi neighbor, it’s me. Daniel Tiger.” And when the two little phone icon buttons are pressed the Daniel Tiger song plays.
The Daniel Tiger Phone is for ages 2+ and lists for $9.99.
Daniel Tiger is a beloved character and his father entertained generations of viewers on the original Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Daniel is a sweet little guy with a lot of heart. With these toys kids can let their imaginations soar along with Daniel and his friends in the neighborhood.
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
Joining forces with Black + Decker, Jakks Pacific brings young builders their own Power Tool Workshop. It’s just like the adult version of the Black + Decker workbench only made for kids 3 and up.
Included in this amazing product is a battery-operated drill press, a miter saw, and a bendable flashlight so kids can work alongside dad – or mom. There are 75 tools and accessories for all kinds of “play” projects. This is the best way to play/work alongside an adult without getting injured or in any danger from real tools. Lights and sounds make this as realistic as possible and great for anyone who has a hankering to use tools but is just a little too young. It’s a great starter set for anyone who loves to create and be imaginative, and is perfect for playing alone or with others.
Whirring, rotating, and zapping are fun tools of the trade, so to speak, and this little workbench is sturdy too. Just insert 4 AA and 2 AAA batteries (not included) and your little one is ready to get to work.
Adult supervision is needed to assemble the workbench, which sits 21 inches wide, 16.25 inches deep, and 38 inches high. It can go right alongside dad’s full size workbench in the garage or in a playroom. The colors match the real tools in the orange/black/silver mode of Black + Decker.
There are places to put all the accessories once the workbench is set up and put in place. Screws and bolts, saw, hammer, screwdriver and other tools are neatly stored in their correct place leaving the workbench ready for any project. And, with their own hammer, screwdriver, and wrench, any kid is ready to tackle little jobs around the house.
Kids love to emulate adults and with this sturdy and realistic set, they are ready to let their imaginations run wild and construct, fix, and play just like dad – or mom.
Other items from the Black + Decker Junior line of merchandise from Jakks Pacific include a Junior Toolbox, Power Tools, a Tool Belt, a storage case, a simulating snowblower, and a toy BBQ Grill. But we all know the importance and reliability of Black + Decker tools. This workbench is a way to start any child off with a brand that will be part of their lives forever.
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
If you’re still wondering what to get a child for the holidays, you cannot go wrong with a plush toy from the hit (and instant classic) Disney film Moana. Moana is the newest Disney princess.
In the film, Moana is introduced as a young child. This little toddler steals the hearts of viewers of all ages. And to commemorate the princess as a child, there is an Animator’s Collection plush young Moana. This 12-inch doll is ready to snuggle with any child. She comes dressed in her Polynesian clothes and wears her “shell” necklace along with the traditional flower in her hair. Moana’s face is embroidered so nothing can be pulled off by young hands. Her expression reveals the excitement and wonder of this little toddler. This little island girl lists for $14.95.
There is also an older plush Moana that is 20-inches in length (height) and is ready for adventure. Moana is not only a princess, but she is also a hero to everyone. This feisty girl really comes through for her people. Like her younger counterpart, Moana plush is made of soft plush with embroidered features. This Moana doll lists for $19.95
Maui is the demigod with some fun tattoos covering his entire body. This plush 15-inch doll carries his trademark fishhook and is ready to battle foes. He is also ready for some big hugs. How can anyone resist his wide grin? Plush Maui lists for $19.95.
Heihei is a whacky little rooster who is also ready for hugs from boys and girls. This brightly colored 12-inch plush has embroidered features and fluffy feathers. Heihei lists for $14.95.
The most adorable plush of the collection is little Pua, Moana’s pet pig. Pua is 9 ½ inches of cuteness. He’s soft and cuddly with embroidered features and an expression that will put a smile on anyone’s face. This little guy will not only be cherished by kids, but also endeared by adults. He’s super cute. After cuddling this little fellow, you might never want to eat bacon again. Pua is great for boys and girls. He lists for $14.95. There is also a larger 17-inch high Pua for $39.95.
With the plush collection from the Moana movie, there is a cuddly character for everyone.
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
Painting Lulu is a Paper-to-Digital Coloring Pack that includes a paper coloring book, a digital crayon, and an app. Kids draw on paper with regular crayons, scan the pages using the free app on any mobile device, and continue to decorate, correct, and share their drawing digitally! Kids enjoy the real feel of using crayons, markers, paintbrushes, and erasers whether at home or on the go — and they will never run out of colors and coloring pages again.
Disney/Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur is all about the relationship between Arlo, a young dinosaur, and a fun-loving cave boy named Spot. While Arlo is the headliner in the film, fans have gravitated to the little boy. Spot is adorable and with the new “Spot Interactive Plush,” kids can talk to the little guy and he will talk – or grunt – back.
After pushing a small button on his hand, Spot grunts to let you know he is active. Then ask him “Did you hear that?” and he’ll get excited and respond. When you howl “aaooo” he will howl back.
When you ask, “What’s so funny?” the little fellow laughs a hearty laugh. Tell him, “Spot, I sure am tired” and he lets out a sleepy yawn.
But this little fellow isn’t all talk. He actually moves. Say, “Spot, help me get home” and he starts grunting and walking on all fours just like he does in the movie.
While kids will undoubtedly enjoy the antics of this little guy, parents might get a tiny bit annoyed with all the grunting and howling, but hey, he’s so darn cute to look at that who can get upset with all the fun he has in store for your little ones. And let’s face it, Spot is so much fun. It’s hard not to smile and even chuckle when he laughs.
His green eyes and wide smile, not to mention all his freckles, are embroidered on the soft plush head, making him a cute little stuffed character to enjoy even without all the grunting and walking. When his hand is not pressed he is a simple little plush toy, and when his hand is pressed, he becomes interactive. To stop his responses, simply press the button again to turn him off. He also turns off automatically after a short time.
One of the aspects of this toy that will also appeal to youngsters is his soft yet wild hair, which is rooted so it’s not too easy to pull out. He wears a felt loincloth and an adorable expression.
Spot Interactive Plush is not squishy like a normal plush toy would be. Since he is interactive he has a mechanical body (his head is all plush), however he is still easy to hug and hold, especially for little hands.
Spot Interactive Plush is a fun addition to any home, especially those who have taken the little boy to their heart. The Good Dinosaur is beloved by all ages.
Check out a clip from this fun movie.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
Fractiles Travel Edition consists of 96 brilliantly colored, flexible MAGNETIC tiles, a sturdy 8″ x 8″ black textured steel activity board, and a color Illustrated double record album style package for storing the board and tiles.
Everyone can be an artist with Fractiles! This unique art and design toy allows you to create endless beautiful designs – both simple or complex. It’s a wonderful activity to help kids build their STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Last but not least, Fractiles is made entirely in the USA. For ages 6 to adult.
Retail prices are:
Large Fractiles $49.95
Travel Fractiles $29.95
Fridge Fractiles $11.95