Get busy building! This jam-packed tub features an extensive assortment of LEGO bricks and other fun elements. It includes a building plate, mini figure, windows, doors and wheels. New container allows for easy clean-up and efficient storage. The transparent lid lets builders display their models. Includes building instructions for five models and photo inspiration for 25 more. 405 pieces. Tub measures 7.56"H x 15.12"W x 8.98"D.

When your toddler has graduated from the Duplo stage and is ready to take the next step in his, or her, Lego journey, the Lego Ultimate Building Set is the ideal graduation gift. With 405 pieces stored in a durable plastic box with a see-through top, this set is the perfect place to let children continue to explore their imagination and engineering skills. The Lego Ultimate Building Set contains many small pieces and is designed for kids ages four and older.

Large Brick Box Ages: 4+ Pieces: 405

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: The Good: Lego starter kit lets younger children build a house, car, dog, helicopter, and more. The Challenging: Younger children may need help with following the instruction. In a Nutshell: The ideal Lego starter kit for kids too old for Duplos.

The Ideal Lego Starter Kit
The Lego Ultimate Building Set includes everything a child needs to take the first steps to becoming an expert Lego builder. It includes one mini figurine, a building plate, and a wide mix of standard bricks in various colors as well as house and wheel elements.

Following the included instructions and using pieces in the starter kit, kids can build a house, helicopter, dog, and car. The only flaw is that the instructions may be challenging for younger children, and require adult assistance.

As is the case with virtually every Lego set, your child will be limited only by his, or her, imagination and perseverance. Although the kit is designed for younger children graduating from Lego Duplos, you can be confident that your child will never actually grow out of the Ultimate Building Set. All of the pieces can be incorporated into future Lego collections.

What's in the Box
405 standard Lego pieces with house and wheel element, mini figurine, durable plastic storage case, and instructions.

With 405 pieces, this Legos starter kit allows your child to build a variety of different things.

SCRABBLE SLAM is a fast-paced word game where anything could happen! Race against each other to change the existing four-letter word and get rid of your cards. “Game” could become “fame” and “fame” could become “fate”—you never know where it’ll go. Be the first player to get rid of all of your cards to win!

A lightweight headset containing sensors for the forehead and earlobes measures your brainwave activity. When you focus your concentration, a small foam ball will rise on a gentle stream of air. Relax your thoughts and the ball will descend. By using a combination of physical and mental coordination, you must then guide the ball through a customizable obstacle course–the various obstacles can be repositioned into many different configurations. Mindflex™ combines advanced technology with the power of thought to create an interactive experience unlike any other– a game where players compete in the ultimate mental marathon!

For ages 8 and up.
Requires 4 "C" and 2 "AAA' batteries.

Mindflex--featuring a headset that reads your brain waves and a levitating foam ball--is the kind of game that must be seen to be believed. Recommended for players aged eight and older, the game begins when you strap on the headset so you can use your powers of concentration to move the ball around the game console and through a mind-bending obstacle course. A dial-in console lets you to keep the ball lifted on a cushion of air, but raising and lowering the ball must be accomplished by alternating concentrating and relaxing your mind.

At a Glance Ages: 8+ Requires: 4 "C" and 3 "AAA" batteries (not included) Screwdriver for battery installation

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: Adults and kids guide a foam ball through obstacles using the power of their minds. The Challenging: Players unable to perceive a relationship between their minds and the ball's height may grow impatient. In a Nutshell: Foam ball really does rise and fall, and choice of games and obstacle courses provides hours of amusement.

Your telekinetic fantasies becomes a reality with the Mattel Mindflex. View larger.

The challenging obstacle course will hone your mental focus. View larger.

Headset Measures your Brain Waves
Tired of games that depend on the roll of a die or lucky draw? With the help of advanced technology, Mindflex introduces a whole new way to play--by using the power of your mind!

You'll feel like a character in a science fiction movie as you strap on the headset, connect the clips to your ear lobes, and align the metal forehead sensor just above your left eyebrow. But even this strange accessory won't prepare you for the sight of a foam ball quivering five inches above the game console!

Move the Ball with the Power of your Mind
Skeptics will be quick to point out that the console's moveable fan nozzle holds the ball aloft on a cushion of air. However, as players learn to alternately focus and relax their minds, the ball will respond by rising and falling. An instruction manual provides various concentration and relaxation techniques to try such as math problems or visualization and practice exercises.

Once you feel like you've mastered the art of telekinesis, you can test your mental acuity with five challenging games designed for groups of one to four players. Use the game console to select your game, set the difficulty level, and track your scores.

Design a Mind-Bending Obstacle Course
A variety of hoops, hurdles, funnels, and a teeter-totter can be positioned however you choose on the game console. Players use their minds to move the ball under, over, or through the obstacles. Several games test speed, while another challenges players to lift a ball up and through a funnel, shooting it across the game console to score points.

While Mindflex's advanced technology is sure to intrigue, mastering the games may prove difficult for some. Because concentration techniques will vary from person to person, the game rewards patience and a willingness to experiment. Fans of mazes and brain teasers will appreciate the mental challenge, and creative types will like designing the obstacle courses.

Mindflex's game console requires four "C" batteries (not included), and the headset requires three "AAA" batteries (not included). The four foam balls should be handled with care to keep their ability to levitate. Fortunately, the game console features an inner compartment for safe ball storage.

What's in the Box
Game console, headset, four foam balls, and various obstacles. (Batteries not included.)

Bananagrams is a fast and fun word game that requires no pencil, paper or board. All you need is a table. One hand can be played in as little as five minutes. It is a great for family fun as well as being educational. Bananagrams portability makes it perfect for travel. Just grab the pouch and go.

Bop it, baby! Can you react to the commands fast enough? With the bop it! game, you never know what's coming next!

Bop it, baby! With bop it!, you never know what's coming next. Can you react to the commands quickly enough to beat your high score? Three different orders come at you fast, and there's even a new 'Yell It!' command to keep you guessing. Play the game alone or with a group of friends in the new 'Party Bop' mode!

Fun for the whole family, Bop It is like a modern-day, handheld "Simon Says." After pulling the blue knob to activate the game, just follow the voiced directions and get ready to bop it, twist it, pull it, or shout it! But make sure you do it before the buzzer sounds! Designed for ages eight and up, the game will have you showing off your bopping talent by being the first to "stay alive."

Bop It! Ages: 8+ Requires: 3 "AAA" batteries (included) Phillips screwdriver to replace batteries No assembly required

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: The Good: Offers variety of games depending on expertise level or number of players. The Challenging: High scores are reset when batteries are changed. In a Nutshell: Travel-friendly, interactive hand-held game that's great for solo or group play.

Be the first to bop it and "stay alive!" View larger.

Colorful, Interactive, and Easy to Carry
Bop It is the same size of a small, hand-held car vacuum, and is very light--weighing under a pound--making it easy to travel with. The toy is made up of four main components--a large button in the middle to bop, a blue gadget to pull, a yellow gadget to twist, and a green lever to move sideways for shouting.

Once the game is activated, simply follow the voiced directions before the buzzer sounds. As the game goes on, you will take less time with each turn to complete the actions. So be prepared to "bop it" or "pull it" quickly!

Bop It features useful rubber grips around the "twisting" and "pulling" gadgets to prevent it from slipping out of your hands. The bright, primary colors of the gadgets also add to the fun and goofiness of the game itself.

Fun, Competitive Play or Solo Mode
Bop It can be played by one person in solo mode or in a group/party setting. The toy is interactive and mentally stimulating--which keeps the game interesting and challenging for players of all ages. Bop It promotes responsive reflexes and good listening skills, along with lots of twisting, bopping family fun.

What's in the Box
Bop It, three "AAA" batteries and instructions.

Our tactile wooden block game combines the logic and strategy of Set® with the creative multi-maneuver game play of Scrabble®. Easy-to-learn rules mean youll be creating columns and rows of matching colors and shapes in no time! Look for opportunities to score big by placing a tile that touches multiple pieces and matches both shapes and colors; the player with the most points wins. 108 blocks.

What's different about the moon tonight? It's inside your room! Authentically detailed, Moon In My Room hangs on your wall and shines moonlight just like the real moon. Twelve different phase settings let you match what the real moon looks like outside tonight!

Listen to the included audio CD to learn exciting facts about the moon and its unique relationship with planet Earth.

Take the challenge of the only 4-in-a-row game for 4 players. Doubling the grid and doubling the number of players creates more challenge and more fun. Take turns dropping a checker into the grid to create a line of 4 checkers horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, just like the original Connect 4. The double-sided grid allows you to make a line on either side, or by weaving through from one side to the other.For 4 players, ages 8 and up.

Connect 4 x 4 is similar to the classic original, but now you can play with up to four people, and the double-sided grid adds greater complexity and more chances to win. Designed for ages eight and up, Connect 4 x 4 may have doubled the challenge, the amount of players, and the grid--but the fun and scoring are still the same: four in a row and you win!

Connect 4 x 4 Ages: 8+ Required: 4 players

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: The Good: Up to four people can play Connect 4 x 4; features new colors and helpful blockers. The Challenging: Younger children may need pointers on the double-sided grid when first playing. In a Nutshell: Fun remake of a favorite game with added challenge and complexity.

Double-sided Grid, More Colors, New Pieces
Connect 4 x 4 is the only checkers four-in-a-row, four-player game--making it perfect for family game nights. With the new double-sided grid, you can score on both the front and back side of the game.

Game play is simple--pick a line, drop a checker in on each turn, and hope that your opponents don't foil your strategy before you get four checkers in a row! The game has also added "blockers," which can be used to block your opponents on both sides of the grid in one turn. However, make sure to save your blockers for when you really need them--you only get two and they are valuable!

When you're finished playing Connect 4 x 4, a convenient locking top slide keeps the pieces on the grid so you never have to worry about lost checkers.

Challenging Remake of a Timeless Favorite
If you grew up playing Connect 4, you'll quickly realize that Connect 4 x 4 is like having both an old favorite and a new game all in one. You can still play the game with two players, but now also have the option of playing with four. The double-sided grid adds a welcome challenge and complexity for long-time Connect 4 players. A word of warning for younger players: the added complexity may be a bit challenging to understand at first, but once they do, they'll definitely be hooked.

What's in the Box
Double-sided grid, 68 checkers (17 of each color), and eight blockers (two of each color).

View larger.	View larger.
The double-sided grid adds more opportunity to score, or be scored against!

Assess the situation and get ready to strike. N-Strike! against your opponents! The Nerf Raider CS-35 NVP Blaster features a pump-action handle to give you total control of firing speed. The drum magazine holds 35 Clip System darts, giving you massive ammo capacity. A clear window lets you see how much ammo you have left. Two blasting modes give you defensive flexibility. Use the slam-fire mode for multiple shots or the slide mode for single shots. This is the pinnacle of blaster performance.

With the largest ammo capacity of any Nerf gun, the Nerf N-Strike Raider CS-35 will make short work of your foam-shooting foes. The blaster can carry up to 35 darts in its drum magazine, and uses a pump-action system to fire them rapidly. Featuring a tactical rail that is compatible with most N-strike accessories, and an adjustable stock, the Raider CS-35 delivers the pinnacle of blaster performance.

N-Strike Raider CS-35 Blaster Ages: 6 and up

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: Enormous dart capacity, and 2 modes of rapid fire. The Challenging: Can be time-consuming to reload. In a Nutshell: A truly formidable blaster with a huge ammo capacity.

The N-Strike Raider CS-35 is sure to make short work of your Nerf-blaster foes. View larger.

Maximum Firepower and Versatility
The CS-35 features a durable plastic frame, intended for intense play. It is based a classic Tommy gun design, complete with a drum magazine. This magazine can be used as an accessory with any other compatible N-Strike blasters. The CS-35 comes with an adjustable stock, which you adjust to fit the length of your arm. It also has a tactical rail, which you can equip with a variety of N-Strike accessories.

With a 35-dart capacity, the CS-35 has a truly massive payload of foam. Because of this, you might expect it to be a bit cumbersome, but it is actually surprisingly mobile. The blaster is lightweight enough to sprint with, and you'll be able to blind-fire around a corner with ease. You also shouldn't have to worry about running out of darts. The CS-35 comes with 100 darts, including 65 clip-system darts. The darts are gentle and soft, so younger kids will be able to get in on the action.

There is one downside to the huge dart capacity: each dart has to be reloaded individually, so preparing the blaster for play can take several minutes. Still, the fun you will have is well worth these moments of tedium.

Blast Your Enemies Away
The CS-35 fires reliably in battle, and is free of the jamming that often plagues Nerf guns. It uses a pneumatic pump to propel the darts, allowing you to be in control of the rate of fire. The pump allows for two blasting modes -- multiple darts at a time, or single shots. The multiple-dart mode is particularly fearsome, since it will empty all 35 darts in a matter of seconds.

What's in the Box
Nerf N-Strike Raider CS-35 blaster, drum magazine, 35 normal darts, and 65 clip-system darts.

The blaster carries up to 35 darts in the drum magazine and uses a pump-action system for rapid fire. The tactical rail is compatible with most N-strike accessories and the adjustable stock delivers a comfortable fit for kids six and up. View larger.

Mind blowing experiments to delight and educate young scientists! Erupt a color changing volcano.  Mix up magic ooze with a mind of its own.  Play with sand that never gets wet.  Mix safe chemicals and watch colors change before your eyes. You'll amaze yourself and your friends as you explore the science behind these truly remarkable reactions.

This educational kit is loaded with more than 300 projects to build. For example, kids can learn how transistors and capacitors function, and how to make time-delay circuits. In addition, this version includes circuits showing how oscillators and photo sensors work. Projects involve an AM Radio, Burglar Alarm, Radio Announcer and more. Contains over 60 parts. Requires 4 "AA" batteries, not included.

Electronic Snap Circuits by Elenco is an award-winning toy for budding engineers eight years old and above. The SC-300 model includes over 60 parts for creating more than 300 exciting projects. With lights, sounds, motors, and more, you'll not only enjoy creating beeping games, but also learn about basic electronics as well!

Making a simple flying UFO took only a few minutes. View larger.

Create your own complex inventions using parts such as the fan motor, alarm speaker, and over 60 other pieces. View larger.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Makes learning about electronics fun. The Bad: Physics principles can be difficult to understand. In a Nutshell: Interactive, hands-on way of playing with electronics that is fun and educational. At a Glance Ages: 8 and older Requires: 4 AA batteries

Real Electronic Parts
Electronic Snap Circuits includes real circuit components just like the circuit boards inside radios, televisions, computers, and other electronic devices. This set makes it easy for anyone to create simple electronic circuits and devices. To operate, you simply snap the electronic elements onto a plastic grid, and then connect them together with wire pieces that snap easily into place.

The SC-300 lets you build electronic devices such as a whistle chip, speaker, alarm circuit, LED, lamp socket, fan motor, and a speaker. Additional pieces can be purchased separately, or in different models, and they can all be used together to create larger and more elaborate projects.

Making Electronics Fun and Easy
The included instruction manual offers 305 projects ranging from a simple light switch to a noise-activated burglar alarm. We found the color-coded instruction manual clear and easy to understand, and we had no problems creating any of the projects we tried. The projects are organized by levels of difficulty, and each project teaches an objective such as "To show how electricity can only pass in one direction through an LED."

We definitely experienced a sense of satisfaction as we completed each project, and we definitely learned about electronics concepts. The manufacturer recommends the set for ages 8-108; younger engineers should be able to easily follow the diagrams for each project, but will probably require their parents to help explain how everything works. So a word of warning to parents: Brush up on your high school physics! Although the instruction offers some good information, we found that we still needed to brush up on the physics we learned years ago so we could understand concepts such as the difference between a circuit in parallel and in series.

Unique Learning Experience
Creating a flying UFO from "scratch" with rudimentary electronic pieces was highly satisfying to us, and we think Electronic Snap Circuits may well help young students gain and foster an appreciation for, and interest in, how electronics work and are built.

For students who are already learning about electronics in school, this set creates a hands-on experience that makes for more fun than reading about how these things work in a textbook. So don't be surprised if report cards come back with higher grades after playing with this toy.

Parent-Child Bonding Experience
The Elenco Electronic Snap Circuits would make a great parent-child bonding experience that is both educational and fun. As you work through each project with your child, don't be surprised when you, too, are learning something new and interesting. And after you've completed all the projects, you can create your own! The combinations are limitless!

What's in the Box
Plastic "circuit board," over 60 pieces including wire, resistors, speaker, battery holder, motor fan, red led, and lamp module.

Celebrate the season with Holiday Barbie. Her shimmering pale pink and golden lamé gown is enhanced by an artfully wrapped bodice and sparkling tulle. Chandelier earrings complete the ensemble and add plenty of holiday glamour.

Product Features:

• Shimmering pale pink and golden lamé gown for a glamorous look
• Gown is accented with a wrapped bodice and sparkling tulle
• Chandelier earrings complete the look
• Special edition makes a great collector's item
• Ages: 6 and up

(Model R9516)

The 2009 Holiday Barbie is the ideal collector's item for the Barbie lover in your home. And this year, Barbie is not only celebrating the holidays, she is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Barbie doll -- making her a particularly special collectible. Designed for ages six and up, the 2009 Holiday Barbie is wearing a gorgeous bejeweled, multilayered pink gown. Your child will love showing her off to friends, or propping her up on her doll stand for everyone to admire.

2009 Holiday Barbie Ages: 6+

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: The 2009 Holiday Barbie is celebrating Barbie's 50th anniversary. The Challenging: Serious collectors should keep the box unopened. In a Nutshell: The 2009 Holiday Barbie is a collectible for every Barbie lover.

Celebrate Barbie's 50th anniversary with this particularly special collectible. View larger.

Elegant and Timeless
2009 Holiday Barbie is elegant and timeless in a shimmering pale pink and gold lame gown with bejeweled tulle. Her bodice is skillfully crafted with a beautiful wraparound bow, and her chandelier earrings with matching pink gems complete the look. The Holiday Barbie comes with her own doll stand that can be hidden beneath her flowing dress.

The stand allows her to stand up alone on a table -- or shelf -- in between uses or for decoration. The delicate textures and dazzling materials of her gown make it hard not to want to touch or play with Holiday Barbie.

Perfect Gift for Barbie Lovers and Collectors
The Holiday Barbie has always been a collector's item. But the 2009 Holiday Barbie is truly special since she's also a 50th anniversary Barbie and part of the Special Occasion Collection. Barbie's beautiful gown and stunning jewels make her an unforgettable and wonderful vision for the holidays. She will be one of the prettiest dolls in your child's collection.

What's in the Box
Barbie doll, gown, earrings, shoes, and doll stand.

2009 Holiday Barbie is wearing an elegant, shimmering gown with bejeweled tulle. This anniversary doll comes with her own stand that can be easily hidden beneath her flowing dress.

The Crayola Glow Station lets kids create cool, glowing masterpieces using a glow-in-the-dark, poster-sized canvas and one Light Wand with crystal-tip attachment for magical coloring effects. Supplies include 2 stencil sheets, 13 stencil "light-resist" shapes, 2 light texture sheets and one dry erase broadline marker.

The award-winning Crayola Glow Station empowers kids to create incredible illustrations in a whole new way -- with light! The Glow Station is the place for kids to become glow-in-the-dark artists -- using a light wand and stencils to make luminous illustrations on the glow canvas. Drawing with the wand encourages kids to use the artistic and fine-motor skills they've started learning in school. Recommended for children ages six and up, this activity center is a fun way to create, alone or with a friend.

Glow Station Ages: 6+ Requires: 3 "AAA" batteries (not included)

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: Glow-in-the-dark fun with loads of ways to play and create. The Challenging: Stencils not as stimulating as freehand drawing. In a Nutshell: Glowing canvas with light wand lets kids make amazing luminous creations.

The Glow Station comes with plenty of stencils and texture sheets for your child to experiment with. View larger.

Using the light wand, kids can create luminous, glow-in-the-dark drawings. View larger.

Award-winning Design: Kids and Parents Agree
A 2009 Winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Best Toy Award, the Crayola Glow Station is a hit with kids and adults. Kids will love watching as their ideas literally come to light on the canvas. And parents will love how it works the imagination without creating a giant mess. It even helps cleans up after itself: Over time the light drawings magically disappear from the glow canvas, making room for more glow-in-the-dark works of art!

The perfect poster size for creating and displaying drawings, the glow canvas hangs well from a wall or bedroom door. The darker the location, the better it is for glowing. Made from durable blue plastic, the top and bottom of the canvas provide spaces for everything, including stencil-sheet hooks and holders for the light wand, crystal tip, and stencil shapes. And when it's time to be put away, the canvas rolls up for easy storage.

Start from Scratch or Take Some Pointers
Packed with stencils and texture sheets, the Glow Station gives kids lots of places and ideas to start. Stencil sheets and shapes of animals and space objects let kids trace with the glowing light wand.

With the light texture sheets, they can give these shapes -- and their own creations -- lifelike effects, like spider webs and exotic animal prints. Of course, it's also fun to use the light wand to make luminous freehand drawings. Or, with the crystal tip attachment, create sparkling stars.

Ready, Set, Glow!
The Crayola Glow Station stands out from ordinary glow-in-the-dark toys. Not only does it glow exceptionally well, but it encourages kids to play, use imagination, and create art in new ways. While the texture sheets give a cool dimension to stencil tracings, it's just as much fun -- and less cumbersome -- to draw freehand on the glow canvas. But with so many options, kids won't ever have to choose just one way to create with light.

What's in the Box
Glow station light canvas, light wand with crystal attachment, 2 stencil sheets, 13 stencil tracer shapes, and 2 light texture sheets.

The amazing Easy-Bake Oven comes with a yellow cake mix, a chocolate-flavored frosting mix, a sugar cookie mix, 2 baking pans, 2 cooking utensils, an instruction/recipe booklet (filled with more yummy ideas), 2 warming cups, and a pan pusher. You'll have oodles of baking fun with this!

Easy Bake is back with its newest version of the all-time favorite, kid-friendly oven and snack center. Designed for ages eight and up, the Easy Bake Oven includes a yellow cake mix, a sugar cookie mix, and a mix for chocolate frosting so your child can get busy in the kitchen making tasty treats with family and friends.

Easy Bake Oven Ages: 8+ Requires: Adult assembly Phillips screwdriver 100-watt light bulb (frosted or standard only)

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: The Good: Helps your child learn about baking and cooking. The Challenging: The covered front makes it difficult to check your treats visually. In a Nutshell: A real, working oven that allows children to bake their own treats.

The classic Easy Bake is back in its latest and safest form.

Kid-friendly Oven Bakes Tasty Treats
The new Easy Bake Oven works like the idea of a conveyor belt--you push the uncooked treat in one side until it's in the middle of the oven, and then push it out the opposite side to cool when it's finished baking. The three included recipes require minimal work, making it simple for young kids who are new to the Easy Bake experience. After you have preheated the oven and sprayed your pans with cooking spray, just add water, stir, and pour the mix into the baking pan--there's definitely a reason it's called an Easy Bake!

There are strict warnings for required parental supervision while the oven is being used, to avoid any burns or misuse. A very important tip to keep in mind is that he light bulb needed must be a 100-watt frosted or standard light bulb. The bulb is not included in the set.

Great Introduction to Cooking for Your Children
The Easy Bake is not only a fun toy that provides delicious snacks--it also teaches important skills surrounding cooking and baking. To make food in the Easy Bake Oven, you follow all of the same motions as if you were using an actual oven. Your child can learn about the importance of mixing, measuring, timing their food, and everything that goes into the process of cooking. The Easy Bake Oven may even make them curious to learn more about cooking in the future.

What's in the Box
Easy Bake oven, one yellow cake mix, one chocolate flavored frosting mix, one sugar cookie mix, two baking pans, two cooking utensils, instruction/recipe booklet, two warming cups, and a pan pusher.

The Easy Bake comes with three snack mixes so you can start cooking up some creativity right away! View larger.

The ultimate Decepticon weapon has arrived on Earth, and nothing will ever be the same. Constructicon Devastator is the biggest robot, ever - towering above Autobots and Decepticons alike. As his Vortex Grinder snaps open and glows with power, all before him quake in fear, knowing the destruction is inevitable!

One of the biggest Transformers toys ever made, the Constructicon Devastator brings the power of the Decepticons to your home. Having appeared in the summer blockbuster Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Devastator can disassemble into six, smaller, fully functional Transformer vehicles. With its motion-activated sounds and movie-accurate detail, this toy is a must-have for any Transformers collector, ages five years and older.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Devastator Ages: 5+ Requires: 2 "AA" batteries (included) Phillips screwdriver Adult unpacking/assembly

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: The Good: A large, detailed Transformer toy that's six toys in one. The Challenging: Tough vehicle-to-robot conversion may be too much of a challenge for younger children. In a Nutshell: A massive Transformers toy that does justice to its movie inspiration; great for young fans and older collectors alike.

Pulling a lever will cause Devastator's "Vortex Grinder" to open and light up. View larger.

At over a foot in height, Devastator is one of the largest Transformers toys ever made. View larger.

Your Own Transformers Experience
Staying true to the movie, Devastator is massive, standing well over a foot in height and dwarfing most other Transformers toys. He is a solid, heavy, and well-built toy. Pulling a lever on his chest causes his mouth (called the Vortex Grinder) to light up with bright, neon-green LED lights. The lever also triggers battle sounds and quotes taken straight from the movie.

Devastator isn't the most flexible toy around. Because of his size, he can be a bit cumbersome to play with. However, his elbows and knees are articulated, which makes him easier to position and balance. He also has realistic details, which gives him value as a collector's replica.

Devastator consists of six smaller construction vehicles: the Constructicons. These detailed vehicles are painted in earthy colors suited for their rough construction jobs. Together, the Constructicons form a complete construction team. There is a bulldozer, a dump truck, an excavator, a scoop loader, a mixer and a crawler crane. They prove to be very maneuverable on a hard surface, able to make hairpin turns easily. However, it should be noted that, unlike their film counterparts, these vehicles do not transform into robots individually.

An Enjoyable, Challenging Assembly
Devastator might be one of the biggest transformers around, but it's also one of the most difficult to put together. Parents should be aware that the Devastator requires some degree of finesse to assemble -- and in some cases, strength. Some of the snapping parts are especially tricky to connect together, and prove difficult to pry apart. The toy is labeled as a Level 4 conversion, so younger children will have difficulty converting the toy by themselves. It took our tester (an experienced Transformer player) nearly 15 minutes to figure everything out. Still, putting the toy together should provide a constructive challenge for older kids.

What's in the Box
Constructicon Devastator (batteries included).

Devastator disassembles into six smaller Transformers vehicles.

Publish your own book with the Illustory Make Your Own Book Kit! This award-winning activity kit allows future authors to write and illustrate their very own story on special book pages provided. Once the story is complete, it is sent to be published, and in a few short weeks the budding writer receives a color-copied, professionally type set hardbound book. Ideal for ages five and up, this innovative kit nurtures enthusiasm for reading, writing, and illustrating.

Let the Fun Begin
Illustory Make Your Own Book Kit is not only fun, it also helps your child build self-esteem. You'll never forget the look in your budding writer's eyes as you proudly display his or her first book on your coffee table or bookshelf. This kit even includes an "About the Author" biography page, title, and dedication, just like a real published book. Your child will also enjoy creating the cover and will be able to select from seven cover colors. Families can have fun too as they create their own story together. Extra books with alternate dedication pages can be ordered to make the child's story a gift or keepsake for family, friends, or teachers.

Once your child is finished with the writing, sending the manuscript to publishing is easy, with the included paid postage envelope. Production time is about three to four weeks, plus delivery time. The finished hardcover book measures 7 by 9 inches with 12 pages, and features a permanent hardback binding, a laminated cover drawing, and book title. For techno-savy young authors, the book can be created entirely online by using the Creations By You bookmaking Web site. The entire Illustory kit includes 18 special book pages, 2 cover pages, 10 washable markers, story web planner, instructions, order form, and a prepaid envelope. The correct spelling option allows a choice between leaving spelling errors in or having the words printed correctly.

Award-Winning Features
This kit was a winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, as well as multiple awards from other organizations. It helps builds self-esteem and sparks an interest in reading and writing. Youngsters learn to see a project through to completion, and their final printed story rewards their effort. There are many optional upgrades available (for a charge) to enhance the book. Extra books can be printed and separately dedicated as gifts for family and friends. In addition, the author's photo can appear on the bio page, and rush delivery is also available. The Make Your Own Book kit beautifully captures a child's creativity and turns it into a keepsake that will be treasured for years to come.

What's in the Box
18 book pages, 2 cover pages, 10 washable markers, story web planner, instructions, order form, and prepaid envelope.

Using the popular IlluStory Make Your Own Story kit, kids who love to write and color can turn their work into a "published," hardcover book that's complete with personalized dedications for each copy. Aspiring writers ages seven and up will get a big thrill when their finished book comes in the mail featuring their own creative text as well as their own photo in the "About the Author" section!

Kids will love seeing their work published with the IlluStory kit. View larger.

Each kit comes with 10 colorful markers. View larger.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Personalized copies of books make great gifts for relatives The Bad: Complicated instructions and publishing options In a Nutshell: Creative kids will definitely be thrilled at becoming a "published" author At a Glance Ages: 7 and up

Write, Color, Publish!
Parents will have to read the instructions carefully to help kids create and mail in their book for publishing. There are several important rules to follow, such as strict word countes per page. Once you've helped your child understand the rules, all they have to do is color and write! There are "cover pages" and "story pages" provided, with extras of each in case of mistakes -- a thoughtful touch.

The kit includes 10 markers, but kids can also use their own. When it comes time to publish, the variety of options parents will be faced with can be confusing. They are all covered in the instructions, which are relatively clear, but you may have to read them a couple times through to fully digest them.

Great Gifts for Relatives
Though kids can only write one story per kit, they can write personalized dedications for each book they order, which makes their published books great gifts for grandparents and other relatives. The "About the Author" section is sure to be exciting for your child, especially when they see their own photo. And while younger kids will love the act of coloring and writing on the pages that are provided, older, computer-savvy kids might enjoy the option to create their book online -- an option that lets your child get published faster!

Watch Out, Stephen King!
We really appreciated the extra cover and story pages that were provided in case of mistakes. The "Story Web: Plan Your Story" page is a nice feature too: it gives kids a quick lesson in storytelling while encouraging them to plot their story out before writing. The ability to create your book online is very cool. But our online attempt to create the cover illustration got sadly foiled by a technical error. There was no explanation of what it was or how to fix it, either. On the other hand, the physical kit, with its quality, old-fashioned paper and pens is easy to use. Also, when you mail the story in for publishing, the postage is free!

What's in the Box
Instructions, story web planner, two cover pages, 18 book pages, order form, 10 broadline washable markers, and postage paid envelope.

IlluStory

Write and illustrate your own book!!

Imagine your child's face when she or he sees their own story and drawings made into a professionally typeset, hardbound book! With this multi - award winning kit, you simply have your child write and illustrate their story using the materials supplied in the kit, which are then mailed in (in the pre-paid envelope provided) for publication. You'll soon receive a beautiful, professionally typset, 12 page, 7" x 9" hardcover book, complete with an "about the author page", title and dedication pages and your little author's name, title and drawing laminated on the cover. Extras books are optional and make great gifts for grandparents. Winner of Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, Parents' Choice Classic Award, Family Life's Best Learning Toy Award and Dr. Toy Best Toy-Classic Award.

The challenge of Quiddler is to arrange your entire hand into words. Draw and discard in turn. Try to use those high point letters, but don't get caught with them uncombined! Quiddler is fast paced because you can play using everyday words. A bonus is given for the most words in each round (so little words can help you win), as well as for the longest word. Quiddler is a delightful challenge for both rookies and word game lovers. Quiddler is for up to eight players.

The rules are brutal, but the rewards are worth it in this card game that works a bit like Scrabble. Although there is a solitary version of the game for one player, you can play with up to eight. Cards containing letters of the alphabet and special combinations of letters are dealt in increasing number each time the dealer completes a round. Once you've collected your share, you can discard and pick up a new card with each turn. The object is to turn all the letters in your possession into dictionary-proof words while leaving one stray card as a final discard. You want to be the first to accomplish the goal, of course, but there is a scoring system that makes the play competitive for everyone. One nice element is the cards themselves: the letter design is based on beautiful artwork from Celtic manuscripts. This card game is a 1999 Parents' Choice Silver Award winner. --Tom Keogh

One of the most successful games of all time, Settlers of Catan is a trading and building game set in the mythical world of Catan. Players roll dice to determine which resources are generated each round and then must strategically trade those resources with other players to get what they need to build their settlements, cities, and roads. With multiple ways to gain victory points and a board that changes in every play, Settlers of Catan is a game that can be played hundreds of different ways. The base of a hugely successful franchise, with multiple engaging expansions, Settlers is the core game of many collections, and is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. For 3 to 4 players.

The Settlers of Catan from Mayfair Games is an award-winning strategy game where players collect resources and use them to build roads, settlements and cities on their way to victory. The board itself is variable, making each game a little different from the next. Each round of The Settlers of Catan is intended to keep three or four players ages 10 and above engaged for up to 90 minutes.

The game map changes every time for an endless variety of play. View larger.

Settlers of Catan engages both children and adults, garnering best-seller status in both Germany and the US. View larger.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Engaging strategy game that's different each time you play The Bad: Requires three or four players In a Nutshell: The Settlers of Catan is fun, easy to learn, and keeps advanced players on their toes At a Glance Ages: 10 and up Requires: Three or four players

On the Road to Settlement
The game rules and almanac booklet sets out four pages of guidelines for getting started. Don't worry, the rules are straightforward and the four pages include plenty of illustrations. There's a starting map that shows a well-balanced set-up for beginners to follow and directions that allow more advanced players to lay out the map of the island at random. You'll have to pop the die-cut components of the game out of their cardboard holders before you play your first game.

The almanac portion of the booklet is laid out alphabetically, so while playing you can find answers to specific questions quickly. Useful entries remind you exactly what role pieces like the robber play, how actions like maritime trade work, and how to set up the board or finish the game.

Exploring and Developing Catan
The board consists of 19 terrain hexes surrounded by the ocean. Each type of terrain produces a different type of resource: brick, wool, ore, grain or lumber. There's also a desert hex that produces no resources. As the game progresses, players use resources to build roads along the edges of these hexes and settlements or cities on the intersections where three hexes meet. Each player begins the game with two settlements and two roads.

Each player's roll of the dice causes certain hexes to produce resources, which you collect if you have a settlement on one of them. On your turn, you'll use various combinations of the resources you've acquired to build new roads and settlements, upgrade settlements to cities, or purchase development cards. The ability to trade resources with other players adds a new level of strategy and ensures that the game includes lots of interaction between players. You can also trade without worrying about other players using an unfavorable maritime trade rate. Elements including a robber piece that lets you steal from other players and a variety of development cards add intrigue to the game.

The objective of The Settlers of Catan is to be the first one who collects 10 victory points. Each settlement is worth one victory point and each city is worth two victory points. You can also earn victory points by holding the "Longest Road" card, the "Largest Army" card, or special victory point development cards.

Best-Selling Game of the Year
It's easy to see why The Settlers of Catan has been recognized as a best-selling Game of the Year in both Germany and the U. S. We found this game to be fun and engaging for both children and adults, and the variable nature of the playing field really made us want to play again and again. When we started pausing to contemplate our opponents' strategy and factoring the probability of different dice rolls into our moves, the game sometimes took longer than expected, but we were so engrossed we didn't even notice until it was all over.

Due to the widespread popularity of the original game, several expansion sets (sold separately) are available that allow you to explore new aspects of the game or add more players. The only downside to this game is that you need to have either three or four players to play, so it's great that expansion sets are available that will allow you to add players.

What's in the Box
Six sea frame pieces, 19 terrain hexes, nine harbor pieces, 18 circular number tokens, 126 game cards, 16 cities, 20 settlements, 60 roads, two dice, a robber and a rules and almanac booklet.

March into battle with the Clone Army! As the Clone Wars rage across the galaxy, the Republic army advances across the battlefields of hundreds of planets. Build up your army with the Clone Walker, a tough 2-man vehicle with poseable legs and flick-firing missiles!Clone Walker Battle Pack includes 2 Clone Troopers, Clone Gunner, Clone Commander and ARC trooper gear. Build your army and add #8015 Assassin Droids Battle Pack for even more fun. This Lego Star Wars set has 72 pieces and measures over 3.5 inches (8cm) tall. Recommended for ages 6-12.The Lego brand is more than simply a familiar logo. It is the expectations that people have of the company - towards its products and services, and the accountability that the Lego Group feels towards the world around it. The brand acts as a guarantee of quality and originality. They achieve their mission by constantly focusing on their strong brand. Lego strives constantly to develop innovative products which promote creativity and fun-packed play.

Save the stores of Spectacle City and develop real-world math skills as you complete orders at a candy store, build a skyscraper, and more! Solve hundreds of math problems that build addition, multiplication, problem solving skills and more in real-world environments such as a candy store and a seafood market. Earn money by solving math problems, and then spend your hard-earned cash on three exciting arcade games!\n\n\nWhat it Teaches\n\nAddition \nSubtraction \nMultiplication \nGeometry

The Night Vision V2 is powered by real infra-red technology. With invisible infra-red illumination you can see them but they cannot see you. Modes include Military or Spy diplay modes, Long range mode for recon missions or stealth mode for close proximity. The V2 has a form fitting performance visor, action detailing, focal adjustment and new dual eye display. See up to 50' in complete and total darkness Use both eyes with the handheld binocular design.

Find out what goes on after the lights go out with the Eyeclops Night Vision 2.0 Infrared Stealth Binoculars. Featuring real infrared night vision technology, these binoculars allow you to see up to 50 feet in total darkness. Kids eight years and older will love switching the binoculars to spy mode for covert operations, or using the long-range mode for peripheral surveillance. With a high contrast dual-eye LCD display and an adjustable focus, the Eyeclops binoculars provide a clear window to a never-before-seen world.

Night Vision 2.0 Infrared Stealth Binoculars Ages: 8+ Requires: 5 "AA" batteries (not included) Adult assistance with battery installation

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: Binoculars with night vision let you view objects in the dark up to 50 feet away. The Challenging: Small field of vision makes it dangerous to walk or run while using binoculars. In a Nutshell: Lightweight design and easy-to-use features make advanced infrared technology accessible to kids.

With a 50-foot range, these night-vision goggles allow you to see what happens in the dark. View larger.

Two modes of vision allow you to choose stealth or distance, depending on the situation. View larger.

Binoculars with Real Infrared Technology
Step into the backyard after dark with these infrared binoculars and you'll see a nighttime world, brilliantly illuminated. The real working infrared technology will surprise kids with its ability to bring a perfectly dark environment into clear, bright focus. With a range of up to 50 feet, the high contrast dual-eye LCD display provides an amazingly clear picture of what goes on in the dark.

Designed for covert operations, the binoculars feature action detailing and black coloration that lets kids operate under the radar. The dual display provides clear images that can be seen with both eyes, and the form-fitting eyepiece with eye-width adjustment ensures a comfortable fit. A black neck strap makes sure that the binoculars won't fall or get lost in the middle of the night.

Long Range Mode vs. Stealth Mode
The Eyeclops features four different modes for different types of operations. Stealth Mode makes you utterly invisible by removing the light that is emitted by the binoculars. Long-range mode helps you focus on people or objects that are as far as 50 feet away. Both Spy mode and Military mode alter your field of vision to simulate the effect of using real infrared binoculars.

Lovers of the outdoors will be delighted to find that the infrared light illuminates tiny insects and the reflective surfaces of animals' eyes. While the binoculars make it a cinch to see in the dark, the relatively small field of vision makes it dangerous to run while looking through them. Adult supervision is recommended for safe play, and for the installation of the Eyeclops' five "AA" batteries (not included).

What's in the Box
Eyeclops night vision binoculars with neck strap, and instruction manual.

The comfortable neckband allows you to see in the dark with your hands free -- perfect for spying!

With this smart handheld system, children learn valuable school skills through a variety of animated games and activities. Kids use the interactive touch screen and stylus throughout 30 educational games featuring characters they love. The Leapster2 System also offers several options for creative play. Little learners can easily connect online for extra activities and rewards. And best of all, parents can use the Leapster2 to connect to the LeapFrog Learning Path, an online, interactive tool in which parents can get updates and see firsthand what their children are learning.

Leapster2 System comes with built-in starter games; additional software sold separately. Requires 4 "AA" batteries, not included. Measures 13"W x 10.5"H.

Put innovative creativity and fun at your kids' fingertips -- and watch them learn in the process -- with the The LeapFrog Leapster 2 Learning Game System. This battery-operated handheld game system goes where your children go, and brings plenty of learning fun along. It comes with two pre-installed educational games, and many more are available: purchase an optional SD card separately for access to additional online games and to take advantage of other online features; or you can purchase game cartridges to add to your Leapster 2 repository. The included games have skill levels suitable for children ages 4 to 8.

Children will love playing the educational games. View larger.

Insert different game cartridges (sold separately) for endless fun. View larger.

What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Battery-powered console goes where your child goes, offers versatile, educational fun. The Bad: An SD card, which must be purchased separately, is required to take advantage of some Leapster 2 features. In a Nutshell: Handheld game console offers fun, educational games that accommodate your child's learning curve. At a Glance Ages: 4 to 8 Requires: Four AA batteries

The console has a comfortable, curved shape, although it may be a tad large and heavy for smaller hands. It features a full-color touch screen and sound that's a far cry better than the beeps of old-school handheld consoles. (Parents will appreciate the volume control and a jack for headphones!) Control and manipulate the console with the included stylus and with the videogame-style D pad and other buttons.

We found the initial set-up to be relatively easy: install the four required AA batteries, and navigate through the self-explanatory screens to create user profiles for up to 3 children (which come in handy for accessing online features). After this quick set-up, a menu screen will appear, where you can choose to play the pre-loaded games, go online, or insert a game cartridge.

Fun and Learning
Leapster 2 games are designed to grow with your child ages 4 through 8. The console is pre-loaded with two games: The "Dragons to the Rescue! Learning Game," is a "video game" type activity with four different levels, the first helping kids identify letters and numbers, the most advanced giving them spelling and multiplication practice, all while navigating a dragon past monstrous storm clouds and scrambling to collect magic crystals. The "Creativity Castle Art Studio" is a rather low-tech art program. Players can select a background scene to "color" using the stylus and "decorate" with fun animated stamps. While it does foster creativity, this program is somewhat clumsy -- your Paint program on your PC does a much better job. But "Dragons" was fun enough to keep even an adult tester enjoyably diverted.

Unfortunately, an SD card is required for taking advantage of some of what the Leapster 2 has to offer -- which is a drawback, because it must be purchased separately. For example, without the SD card (which offers more memory) you cannot save artwork.

In the meantime, without the SD card, you can still purchase game cartridges, as well as download new games, or take advantage of the online "Learning Path". (This online program allows you to register and upload your children's Leapster 2 profiles to show you their learning activities and their progress.) And you still can plug your console -- with the included USB cable -- into your PC for your children to view and print "rewards" for completing different game levels (for Dragons to the Rescue, they're certificates of achievement) or to print pictures to color with actual crayons (to encourage some "old-fashioned" creativity!) You must first install the Leapster 2 software on your computer, which comes on the included CD-ROM.

What's in the Box
Leapster 2 Game System, USB cable, CD-ROM

PC Requirements

All Leapster games work with all Leapster systems.
PC Requirements

Windows XP or Windows Vista operating system
Pentium III 500 MHz processor
Monitor resolution of at least 1024 X 768
Available USB port
256 MB of RAM (512 MB recommended)
300 MB free disk space
Internet connection
Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 or higher
CD reader

Mac Requirements

Mac OS X 10.4+
PPC G4 or any Intel-based Apple computer
Monitor resolution of at least 1024 X 768
Available USB port
256 MB of RAM (512 MB recommended)
300 MB free disk space
Internet connection
Safari application
CD reader

Mix and match the 8-9 playfully detailed stamps to create hundreds of beautiful scenes, and then color in the pictures with the 5 colored pencils! Each themed set includes 2 colored inkpads. Ages 4+. Each set 8.75" x 8" x 2".

Stamp and sketch to your heart's content with this cheerfully themed collection. When inspiration hits, this simple stamp and pencil set lets budding artists make countless colorful creations. Friendship-themed images include a butterfly, rainbow, teddy bear, various hearts and flowers, and a bouquet of balloons. The set includes five colored pencils for sketching, scribbling, or coloring in the details, and two large pads of washable ink--a blessing for parents of the overzealous stamper. All of the included pieces stow neatly in the sturdy wooden storage bin with transparent lid, so artists always know what's available, and can tidy up after themselves when they're done. --Heather Lyndon

Stamp and sketch to your heart's content with this cheerfully themed collection. When inspiration hits, this simple stamp and pencil set lets budding artists make countless colorful creations. Friendship-themed images include a butterfly, rainbow, teddy bear, various hearts and flowers, and a bouquet of balloons. The set includes five colored pencils for sketching, scribbling, or coloring in the details, and two large pads of washable ink--a blessing for parents of the overzealous stamper. All of the included pieces stow neatly in the sturdy wooden storage bin with transparent lid, so artists always know what's available, and can tidy up after themselves when they're done. --Heather Lyndon

Tag Reading System Appropriate for Ages 4 Years to 8 Years...Introducing Tag - the amazing touch reading system that brings to life reading like never before. Perfectly sized for little hands the Tag Reader is a touch-and-talk reading device that brings stories to life like never before and offers insights into what your child is learning. As children touch the Tag Reader to the pages of specially printed storybooks a small camera in the tip "reads" the pages enabling children to hear words and stories read aloud. Characters pictures and learning activities spring to life with every touch immersing children in the thrill of reading. Designed for children four to eight the Tag Reading System works with a broad library of more than 20 books and games. Children can explore clasic books such as Olivia and The Little Engine That Could or join popular characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Ariel the Little Mermaid in new reading adventures. Leveled learning activities in every book adjust automatically to your child's pace helping build confidence and a love of reading that lasts a lifetime. Amazingly easy to use the Tag Reader holds audio for up to five books at a time. Simply connect the Tag Reader to your computer with the included USB cable download the audio for your Tag books and drag-and-drop up to five of your children's favorite stories onto your Tag Reader. While online you can also see your children's progress in recent books get detailed updats on the skills they are exploring and share in their accomplishments by creating a free LeapFrog Learning Path. The Tag Reading System is one of three new LeapFrog Connected learning systems that connect to the LeapFrog Learning Path empowering you to get regular insights into your child's learning.

The LeapFrog Tag Reading System will change the way your kids experience reading. Combining fun, interactive activities with help for sounding out challenging words, this unique reading system will engage children in the reading process. Recommended for children ages four to eight, the Reading System uses the innovative Tag Reader to bring books to life. A simple touch to the Tag Activity Storybook will prompt the Tag Reader to speak words, ask questions, sing, and engage your child in over 17 learning activities. The Reading System has received over 28 awards in six countries!

Tag Reading System Ages: 4 to 6 years Requires: 2 "AAA" batteries (included)

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: The interactive LeapFrog Tag Reading System engages children for hours of reading fun. The Challenging: We wish there was a protective covering for the optical reader tip to store when not in use. In a Nutshell: A creative, award-winning learning tool that can store audio for up to 10 interactive books.

With just a touch, the Tag Reader will read, sing, and ask questions to your child.

Kids can select from a growing library of interactive books and store them on the reader.

Easy for Children to Use
The durable Tag Reader is cleverly shaped like a pen, with the optical reader at the tip. It's easy for children to operate independently and the pen fits well into small fingers. The lightweight Reader has a built-in speaker in the front for clear sound with volume control buttons located below the speaker. The adjustable volume ranges from very soft to loud.

Your child can also use the Reader with headphones (not included). An adult can help pry open the flaps that hide the headphone plug and USB port. There's also a handy audio book feature -- perfect for traveling -- that plays aloud an entire story. The battery is securely placed behind a screw-locked compartment for safety.

Advice to parents: the optical reader is exposed at the tip of the Reader so be sure to keep liquids away from it.

Amazing Response with Every Touch
Your child will instantly gravitate to the entertaining, interactive way the Tag Reading System opens up the world of books. She can touch virtually anywhere on the special Tag Activity Storybook and the Reader will respond with music, sound effects, amusing phrases, and other fun activities related to the book. There are special symbols placed throughout the pages that cause the Reader to read the entire page, play a game, prompt children to answer "yes" or "no" questions, repeat a phrase, or simply stop the Reader from speaking.

When children want to read on their own but need just a little help, simply pointing to a word on the page will let them hear just that word. This feature is perfect for children that are just developing their reading skills but get frustrated when faced with a challenging word. The Reading System will help them gain confidence and enjoy reading. Each TAG Storybook features games and activities that will help develop age-appropriate skills such as building vocabulary, reading comprehension, and other core reading skills.

Store up to 10 Books
The sample full-size book comes conveniently pre-loaded onto the Tag Reader. Additionally, 10 books can be loaded onto the Reader giving children the opportunity to switch back and forth between different books with ease. The Tag Reading system comes with a LeapFrog Connect CD and the Reader can easily connect to a computer with the USB cable (included).

There are currently over 30 books in the Tag Reading System library and it will continue to grow as LeapFrog constantly adds new books. Books range from classic children's books to contemporary, cartoon-based adventures, so there's something for every child. They also range in varying reading and skill levels allowing parents to tailor the books to their child's individual needs.

What's in the Box
One Tag Reader, one full-size Tag Activity Storybook, USB Cable, LeapFrog Connect CD, 2 "AAA" batteries.

Find it fast, find it first! Pictureka is the exciting game of visual hide and seek. Players compete to collect the most mission cards to win the game. Great for the whole family, and kids as young as six can play with older kids and parents. No batteries required.

4 years & up. Zingo is a simple Bingo-style game, with a fancy plastic tile dispenser that kids just LOVE! Everyone who knows Zingo loves it, kids and parents alike. To play, players try to fill their Zingo! cards with matching tiles from the Zingo Zinger. The first player to fill his/her card wins! Rules can be adjusted to favor more or less competition among players, and to vary length of time that each game takes to play.

It's the electronic game that's as fast as you are. Test your speed and agility in a race against time using five targets and an electronic handheld unit. To start, set up your targets on the table, around the room, around the house or throughout the yard. Then, follow the announcer's commands as you zip around your racecourse to tag your targets with the handheld unit. The fastest time wins. Features four game modes that challenge your speed, skill, memory, coordination and teamwork. Includes ergonomically designed Hyper Dash unit and five labelled targets. Requires 3 "AAA" batteries, not included. Measures 4.5"L x 12"W x 10"H.

New updates make this classic game even more exciting in this aim, slide and score target game. In SORRY! Sliders, you'll have a blast sliding and bumping someone back to start. But watch out -- it won't be so enjoyable when it happens to you! Modular game board provides four ways to play. For 1 to 4 players.

Sorry! Sliders has put a fun, new twist on the all-time favorite game by turning it into a shuffle board game of sorts--where players slide their pawns to home, or slide their opponents pawns into the Sorry! spaces and off the board to win. Designed for children ages six and up, Sorry! Sliders can be played with up to four players, making it the perfect game for family nights.

Sorry! Sliders Ages: 6+ Requires: Adult assembly 1 to 4 players

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: The Good: Everyone plays at the same level--even smaller children can win. The Challenging: Older kids may eventually lose interest in repeated play. In a Nutshell: Fun new take on the classic game of Sorry!

Pawns have balls on the bottom for super sliding power. View larger.

Four Different Games for Slider Fun
The Sorry! Sliders game features the primary Sorry! colors of blue, red, yellow, and green. There are 16 rolling pawns, and 16 scoring pawns which are smaller in size and do not contain the rolling balls in the bottom. The game also includes four different versions of gameplay--a fun, new variation from the original Sorry! that only offers one way to play. Sorry! Sliders is also very easy to clean up, since the cards have been eliminated.

Great for Family Game Night and Counting Practice
Sorry! Sliders doesn't require a lot of strategy or skill level, so it can be played with all different age groups while remaining fun and interesting for everyone. Plus, it is a game that you can play for either a short or long period of time.

Sorry! Sliders can also have educational values for younger children working on their counting skills, since players have to count up points and add up final scores. And with easy setup and cleanup to boot, it's hard not to welcome the newest Sorry! game into your home.

What's in the Box
Two two-sided target boards, four tracks, four score boards, eight side rails, three blocker rails, 16 roller pawns, and 16 scoring pawns.

Same favorite colors and same idea--yet twice the fun!

Blokus develops logic and spatial perception while kids learn to be tactical. Players take turns placing pieces on their board, each starting from their corner. Each new piece must touch at least one other piece of the same color, but only at the corners. The goal is to get rid of all your pieces. The game ends when all players are blocked from laying down any more of their pieces. Includes one game board with 400 squares, 84 game pieces in four bright translucent colors, and an instruction guide.

Fun for both kids and adults, Blokus is a strategy board game that challenges spatial thinking. Bright colors and simple rules make it ideal for ages five and up, but adults will certainly be engrossed by this unique and challenging game.

Not Your Average Board Game
Blokus encourages creative thinking and has received a Mensa award for promoting healthy brain activity. The goal of this game is for players to fit all of their pieces onto the board. When placing a piece it may not lie adjacent to the player's other pieces, but must be placed touching at least one corner of their pieces already on the board. The player who gets rid of all of their tiles first is the winner and strategic thinking helps as you block moves from your opponent. Blokus sometimes comes to an end because there are no more possible moves.

Four players make this abstract game especially fast and exciting; however, it can be just as fun for two or three players. Blokus has come up with a number of different ways to play the game to make it more thrilling when playing with less than four players. Draft Blokus allows a player to use more than one color and Reverse Blokus reverses the entire game so that the person who places the least amount of tiles on the board is the winner. It can even be played in a solitaire version when one player attempts to place all of their pieces in a single sitting. A game of Blokus typically lasts a 30 minutes. As a practical feature, raised edges on the board help keep the tiles in place and allow convenient clean-up. This game includes 84 pieces in four vibrant colors, an instruction guide, and one gameboard with 400 squares.

Blokus is simple to understand, but the game's complexity is revealed shortly after everyone begins to play. It can be addictive, even for those not normally into abstract games. Blokus is a catalyst for spatial thinking, as players form images in their mind before placing the pieces on the board. Children and adults can play together for hours of competitive family fun. As Europe's 2003 Game of the Year, Blokus is adored by many and even played in professional tournaments.

What's in the Box
84 pieces in four colors, gameboard with 400 squares, and an instruction guide.

Once a piece has been placed on the board it can't be moved, so plan your moves carefully.

Adding to the game's challenges, each new piece must touch at least one other piece of the same color, but only at the corners.

UCreate Music is an easy-to-use digital music-making system that allows kids to become a professional music producer! Kids and tweens can express themselves though creating their own songs, performances and re-mixes with the fun and innovative interface.They can record samples, mix and match loops, share creations with friends and update and explore new content on the music website at myucreate.com. Build from a collection of tracks, special effects and filters from the huge online library.Includes 4 AA batteries.For ages 8 and up.