Childrens Choice Award 2002 - The Canadian Toy Testing Council


Children's Choice Awards 2002


Active Play
Radio Flyer Racer Model #88, Radio Flyer Inc., Ages 3-6

*CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARD 2002* Pedal car appeal! Kids could not wait to get behind the wheel of this sturdy, metal, chain-driven pedal car. The vehicle featured a cool design (red with white stripes) and large rubber tires, a gear shift, steering wheel and hand brake. The vehicle proved very stable as children engaged in hours of imaginary race car play. This pedal car was a child's ongoing favourite choice for outdoors adventure. NOTE: Straightforward assembly; maintenance for chain same as for a bicycle.
Imaginative Play
Jolly Dolly Model #773215, Zapf Creation (U.S.) Inc., Ages 3+

*CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARD 2002* Jolly good! This delightful baby doll with plastic head, arms and feet, and a soft body, also contained battery-operated electronics that made the doll giggle when its tummy was pressed. Children loved this baby, which came dressed in a Velcro shirt, shorts and bonnet in cheerful, bright primary colours. The lightweight doll was easy for little ones to carry, and easy to dress. This toy's infectious laughter put a smile on children's faces; a sweet and charming playmate. NOTE: Two "AAA" batteries required; auto on/off included.
Educational Toys
Blink ISBN 0-9708554-1-9, Out of the Box Publishing, Ages 6+ (Northern Games)

*CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARD 2002* Speed… skills! Kids absolutely loved this simple card game for two players that could be played in a minute. Each box contained 56 symbol cards and rules. The object of the game was to be the first player to rid himself or herself of all the cards, and children really needed to use their wits as they matched the shape, count or colour on the cards played. The game was indeed fast, and a huge hit. Its compact box made it perfect for travel, too.

Music Blocks Model #663488-12210-9, Neurosmith, Ages 2+ (Pierre Belvédère)

*CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARD 2002* Music for your mind! This electronic toy looked simple in its design--five blocks and a cartridge plugged into a durable plastic base with handle--but it yielded big results. Kids were encouraged to create their own classical music by placing the blocks in certain sequences based on colour and shape, and then pressing a button to play back their musical creations. While Mozart (cartridge provided) provided the original inspiration, children had a blast making their own musical versions as they matched up the blocks. Other cartridges sold separately. NOTE: Four "C" batteries required; battery consumption good.
Developmental Toys
Discoversounds Workshop Model #1580, Little Tikes Company, Ages 9 mos-1.5 yrs

*CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARD 2002* Building skills! This durable electronic workshop in colourful plastic was a big hit with little builders. Babies and toddlers found many opportunities for play and skill development. Three colourful shapes on the bench made fun noises when struck with the pretend hammer or pushed by hand. Two different ball drops let children drill press or pound balls through holes and into bins. There was also a shape sorter, play phone, a clicker ruler for number counting and put-and-take door. An excellent, compact toy. NOTE: Two "AA" batteries required (not included).
Arts & Crafts
Noris Club Back Pack Model #31901 92765 3, Staedtler-Mars Limited, Ages 3+

*CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARD 2002* Artful traveller! This clear plastic mini backpack, with attractive blue and red accents, was filled with art supplies that kept kids happily occupied in a car, restaurant or at the cottage. Each zippered backpack included a small drawing pad, six coloured pencils, six fibre tipped markers, pencil sharpener, three-sided learner's pencil, eraser, scissors, and a cute but somewhat heavy pencil topper. Kids had loads of fun using the kit to draw, write or make simple crafts. The clear plastic front of the backpack made it easy to make sure all the items were safely put away. An excellent, fun, creative activity toy.

The Body Book ISBN 1-57054-590-1, Klutz Inc., Ages 12+ (Stewart House)

*CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARD 2002* Body beautiful! This comprehensive spiral-bound book was a hit with older kids and teens interested in natural care for their skin and bodies. The book contained appealing colour photos as well as a "home spa kit" with facial brush, headband, nail brush, nail file, buffer, pumice stone, shower cap, infusion bag, plus lavender, peppermint and tangerine oils. Teens enjoyed trying recipes using natural, easy-to-find ingredients from the kitchen and made facial masks, foot soaks and hair conditioners. This proved to be an excellent activity for "hard-to-buy-for" teens. NOTE: Advice to "patch test" recipes on sensitive skin provided.
Construction Toys
Lego Technic Bionicle (series) Model #8531/8532/8533/8534/8535/8536, Lego Canada Inc., Ages 7+

*CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARD 2002* Robotic rapture! These futuristic building sets (six models in all) featured around 30 plastic pieces each, and kids had a blast constructing each flashy action figure. Children could make the figure's arms move by rotating a small knob on the back of the toy. The figures (Onua, Tahu, Pohatu, Gali, Lewa and Kopaka) came with accessories like swords and claws. Kids enjoyed building and re-building the robot-like models, and engaged in lots of imaginary play. The cool can-shaped container made this toy great for travel too. NOTE: Some figures came with bonus CD-ROM.

Puzzle World Big City Adventure Model #006071, Lights, Camera, Interaction!, Ages 4+ (Pierre Belvédère)

*CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARD 2002* City of dreams! This 110-piece wooden, puzzle-like building toy let kids create a colourful cityscape to use toy vehicles (three included) and enjoy hours of imaginary play. Older children enjoyed building the many buildings, bridge, roadway and train track, but younger ones loved to play with the assembled toy. Children were impressed by toy's stability and secure fit of the pieces once assembled. The toy needed a large area for construction, and avid builders could add on to their city with other kits as well as all wooden train systems. This durable toy was a real hit.
Computer Software And Games
Geosafari Knowledge Pad CD-ROM Learning Game Model #EI-9301, Educational Insights, Ages 10+

*CHILDREN'S CHOICE AWARD 2002* Quiz master! This CD-ROM for both Windows and Macintosh system scored big with kids. The software incorporated an action-packed quiz format on a variety of fascinating topics (12 games in eight categories). Players were challenged to learn about Our Planet, Animals, People and Nature, Once Upon a Time, Art and Culture, Technology, Shapes and Sounds, and Sport and Leisure. Every game was filled with colourful photography, illustrations, music and sound effects to guide and reward. Bonus "beat the clock" questions were a hit with all players. NOTE: CD-ROM came in environment-friendly sleeve packaging.