***BEST BET 1998***

A Brio accessory propelled by more than imagination! This battery operated train created an immediate sensation with all of our young testers and was the toy of choice throughout the testing period. This colourful locomotive goes forwards and backwards with the on/off switch located on the roof of the train for easy access. Although the locomotive can pull only two cars successfully up a bridge/hill our testers had fun manoeuvring the train around the track and planning their next "train" moves. All parents agreed that the addition of this locomotive in the house changed the way they played with their train set. The battery life span is approximately two hours. A must for any train buff!

***BEST BET 1998***

Our testers explored this fast-moving software game with infinite enthusiasm. They especially liked meeting and talking with other kids (anonymously) from all over the world, as the game requires Internet access. Parents liked the co-operative nature of the game and that it encouraged literacy skills. Since players communicate by typing messages, the upbeat, "with it" tone of the game maintains interest over a wide age range, and the game is tastefully presented. For example, no one dies the characters just get sent back to their room. The goal of this arcade-style game is to amass enough power points and earned objects to battle and remove the monsters that have penetrated the dinosaurs' sanctuary in Castle Infinity. NOTE: The game can only be played live on the Internet and it costs extra to register additional players for multi-sibling names.

***BEST BET 1998***

Our testers loved these bright and adorable animal finger puppets (butterfly, bumble bee, caterpillar, horse, zebra, ladybug). They were a great size for little fingers and stimulated lots of imaginative play. The puppets have plenty of detail, are very durable and machine washable.

***BEST BET 1998***

These wild and funky puppets (sold separately) were enjoyed by all of our testers. The bright colours, and groovy hats will help spark any child's imagination. These well-made and durable puppets are a great addition to any puppet show. Machine washable.

***BEST BET 1998***

"Your armies are waiting, My Lord." This strategy game takes you back to the battles of succession for the British throne. You will have to feed and direct your civilian population, to ensure that your armories are full, your crops and cattle are tended, and that a castle is built to house your troops. As your wealth grows, you can raise more armies, and visit neighbouring counties - to become their master! If you have ever dreamed of world domination, this is the game for you!

***BEST BET 1998***

This is a charming variation on paper dolls! This Victorian theme playset contains a magnetic mat, a doll, ten beautiful seasonal outfits and travel case. The "Magicloth" material, which the outfits are made from, is a lightweight and flexible fabric that is attracted to magnets. It is not a magnet! It sticks to magnets! It has the look, feel and durability of cloth and is resistant to rips, wrinkles and tears. Our testers enjoyed laying the pre-cut outfits on top of the doll and how they magically stayed in place. No more old fashion tabs to worry about! Our testers enjoyed hours of quiet, solitary play, talking to their doll and dressing her up for parties and play.

***BEST BET 1998***

It's art, it's creative and it's FUN! Our testers enjoyed hours of imaginative play AND arts and craft play with this all inclusive kit. The kit includes, three sets of puppet stage backgrounds (space, ocean, and fairy tales scenes), 50 puppet heads, one large folding puppet stage and show time clock, invitations, colour markers, 10 blank backgrounds, one stage curtain, scissors, glue stick and 12 sheets of coloured paper. Our testers had lots of fun creating and making a variety of puppets, backdrops and staging their own unique theatre productions! So, get out the popcorn, sit back and enjoy the show! NOTE: Refill kits are available (sold separately) and contain, 20 blank puppet play invitations, five sets of puppet stage blanks, three sets of puppet stage scenes and 25 puppet head blanks. Makes a great birthday party activity!

***BEST BET 1998***

Our young testers enjoyed both building and cuddle time with this set. The toy features 12 soft blocks and a cloth bear storage pouch which transforms into a puppet. Our testers enjoyed the unique soft blocks that stack, squeak and rattle. They also enjoyed the bear's crinkle (ears), rattle (right paw) and squeak (left paw) features.

***BEST BET 1998***

WOW! This software was enjoyed time and time again by all of our testing families. Fed up with his fear of the dark, Sam transforms himself into "Pajama Sam" the world's youngest superhero and resolves to confront "Darkness". With help from endearing characters and his mask, flashlight and lunchbox children direct Sam in this amazing interactive adventure through a giant treehouse, underground river and even a sunken mine. This adventure challenges children to think of creative ways to overcome the difficulties that Sam encounters on his journey to capture "Darkness". Hints and positive reinforcements are available every step of the way. Our testers enjoyed re-playing this game throughout the test period, as parts of Pajama Sam's world changes every time you play. As games can take several hours there is a game save feature so players can come back and re-start where they left off.

***BEST BET 1998***

Get ready to rock and/or roll - the choice is yours! Our testers were immediately drawn to this flashy red, double-action motorcycle. Adults can easily convert this toy back and forth from a rocker to a ride-on toy by simply twisting one large screw embedded in the rocking base. Younger testers enjoyed the security of the very gentle rocking function, while our more experienced Evil Knevils preferred the scooting and balancing challenge of the ride-on (some testers experienced a few spills until they got the feel for the ride-on). While the rocker was equally enjoyed indoors or out, our testers preferred the outdoors for the ride-on motorcycle, as the toy has no steering mechanism, and children could go farther without calling for "Ma and Pa Towing Company" to help them turn around. NOTE: Testers who were used to the higher rocking ability or the more stable ride of other "single-action" rockers and ride-on's were somewhat less entertained by this toy.

***BEST BET 1998***

This unique friend serves as two toys, a rocking toy and a ride-on toy! The unit measures 56 cm x 65 cm and features a soft body cover, which can be easily removed for washing, a wide base with a low rounded seat that provides good stability. Adults or older siblings can easily convert this toy back and forth from rocker to a ride-on toy by simply twisting one large screw embedded in the rocking base. This first ride-on toy was enjoyed by all!

*** BEST BET 1998***

Play the part of the King for a day or be a Princess who is carried away by her Knight in shining armour. Anything is possible when you use your imagination. These delightful hand puppets appealed to all, especially those with smaller hands. The puppets (King, Princess, Knight, Horse) (sold separately) are beautifully made with wonderful details that make putting on puppet productions lots of fun. Machine washable.

***BEST BET 1998***

Sculpey will undoubtedly become a household name among crafty families. This fabulous modelling clay is soft, pliable and easy to form into all sorts of creative shapes. This kit includes 30 vibrant colour selections. The basic instructions on the back of the package give you shaping information and a guideline for baking your creations. Once baked they are hard and ready to be glazed for that perfect gift. Jewellry, ornaments, napkin rings and so on are all possible. Your imagination knows no boundary with this kit! NOTE: For the creatively handicapped purchase an idea booklet from your local craft store.

***BEST BET 1998***

Be warned that the use of this kit may result in numerous alien dudes coming out of your oven! Actually, our testers were excited and pleased to see the baked alien heads that they had creatively and easily shaped by following the step-by-step instructions. The kit includes, six blocks of clay and a handy sculpting knife. Four of the clay blocks have a sparkling hue to the muted alien-like colours, which when matched with black eyes gives a wonderfully eerie effect.

***BEST BET 1998***

Roll it or form it and bake it! Sounds like cookies but this complete craft kit includes eight bright colours of Sculpy III clay, sculpting tool and detailed pictured instructions to make desert reptiles. Our testers were very pleased with their finished projects and proudly displayed their creations for all to see.

***BEST BET 1998***

Creativity abounds when children get their hands on this craft kit, which comes with one ball-point pen, six bright colours of clay and instructions showing how to decorate a pen and make a matching pen stand. Adult help is required for the removal of the pen nib and ink tube assembly from its casing, and to bake the creations (in a regular or toaster oven -NOT a microwave). Our testers were very pleased with their unique creations and even found there was enough clay left over to decorate two additional pens (not included) and stands. HINT: Do read the manufacturers warnings and do not cook more than 20 minutes.

***BEST BET 1998***

Ground control to Major Tom! Aliens, spacemen and flying saucers are easy to make with this creature clay set. Our testers not only enjoyed making and designing figures from space, but were delighted with their results.

***BEST BET 1998***

Although this kit is short on mist and mystery, the rain forest frogs are here. The brightly coloured clay kneads easily, and forms cleanly to produce realistic models of some of the most colourful wildlife on the planet. Our testers found they were easily able to complete at least one of each of the three models of frogs for which instructions were provided, and could either share the kit with siblings or go on to other creations. NOTE: Heed manufacturer's warnings about baking the clay in a well-ventilated space.

***BEST BET 1998***

Make a wish on the Unicorn's horn, slay the Dragon or ask the Wizard to cast a magical spell! All these durable and wonderfully detailed characters are sure to please any puppet lover. Sold separately, these plush, five finger, glove-like puppets created a sparkle in all of our testers' eyes. Machine washable.