Kids give nod to high-touch as well as high-tech toys
MIRELLA CHRISTOU
Sun
TOM HANSON/CANADIAN PRESS Eva Krzaniak, 12, shows off the Fly Pentop Computer, a learning tool that reads back what you draw or write.
Giant Sequoia Play Set
Casey Cogan, 11, plays with the Fly Pentop computer. — CANWEST NEWS SERVICE/OTTAWA CITIZEN PHOTOS
OTTAWA — A skateboardscooter combination, a smart pen that can read back what it has written and stuffed animals requiring Web attention to stay alive are among the top toys for 2007, according to Canadian Toy Testing Council’s annual report.
Yet, while tech-savvy toys headlined this year’s report, released Thursday, its low-tech counterparts fared well among the children’s choice awards. Three interactive puppets employing a simple set of rings that allow children to manipulate their movements were among the 14 toys recognized.
The Fly Pentop computer was awarded the council’s Energizer Battery Operated Toy of the Year. The pen-shaped mini-computer, with an attached video, recognizes messages written on a special piece of paper by reading it back through optical sensor technology, character recognition and speech synthesis. It also functions as a calculator, music maker and task scheduler.
Sold as an education aid, the Fly Pentop ($100; spelling game program and journal making program sells separately for $35-40) is geared toward the eightto 12-year-old “tech-savvy tween market,” says LeapFrog vicepresident of sales Gord Terry.
Eleven-year-old Kristi Korycki gave it her stamp of approval, calling it amazing and helpful. But she said she probably would not bring it to her Grade 6 class because of its price.
Webkinz’s Adopt a Pet ($10-15) was among 14 children’s choice awards. Suited for children eight and up, the stuffed animals come with a special code used to create an online account on the Webkinz website (www.webkinz.com). Children can provide food, shelter and stimulation to help their pet grow, and play games to win points which can be used to buy goodies.
The Fuzion Asphalt Ultimate Carving Scooter ($90-100), also won a children’s choice award for its skateboard-type design, and collapsible handle for easy storage and carrying.
“Learning to carve may take a few tries but once you have the knack, you won’t look back! Everyone, even adults, have a blast with this smooth, freerolling, stylish scooter,” says the report, noting some of the child experts spent more than 30 minutes on the scooter and never got bored or tired.
Puppets, games among the runners-up
Other children’s choice awards:
Learn-Around Playground: (nine months to 3): Stand-up learning centre that teaches letters, colours and numbers, plays music and allows older toddlers to push three bright balls through a chute. Leap Frog. Magtastik Primary Deluxe: (3 and up): Magnetic building set includes large rods and balls and extra goofy bits to build structures. Mega Bloks Inc. Magtastik Magnimals: (3 and up): Three different animals built from magnetic parts. All body parts can be attached anywhere on the round body providing the opportunity to create traditional or unusual and bizarre animals. Mega Bloks Inc. Elephant Puppet (3 and up): Children can slip their hands into the soft underbelly, and using an innovative set of two pull rings, move the trunk up and down. Folkmanis Inc.
Peacock Puppet (3 and up): Includes a net comb on its head and a plumage of luxurious fabrics and trimmings. A pocket in his neck is for head movements and a glovelike set of pockets in his wings. Folkmanis Inc. Flamingo Puppet (3 and up): By manoeuvring two rings inside, children can manipulate the flamingo’s neck. Folkmanis Inc. Giant Sequoia Play Set (3 and up): Includes a giant sequoia tree hand puppet and six animal finger puppets that live in the tree, which has several holes and openings for the puppets to pop in and out. Folkmanis Inc.
V.Smile Jammin’ Gym Glass (4 to 7): By jumping on the numbers on the mat, children control and participate in 12 different educational games displayed on the television screen, such as finding healthy food choices, answering math questions and sequencing. Vtech Electronics Canada Ltd.
Paper Stained Glass (8 and up): Includes a book of transparent sheets outlined with designs to make “stainedglass” window art, and 12 numbered markers in a reusable storage pouch, each with a thick end and a thin end. Klutz Inc.
Lego Exo-Force, Sentai Fortress
(8 to 14): This 1,448-piece futuristic battle fortress set includes two large battle robots, three small robots, five warriors, and numerous colourful weapons and accessories. Lego Canada Inc. Zooreka (8 and up): Board game for two to four. Players compete to win food, animal, and habitat cards to build a zoo with four theme areas. Cranium
Luck of the Draw (9 and up): Four to eight players draw pictures as instructed on cards. Gamewright.
The CTTC’s full repor t can be read online at www.toy-testing.org/CTTCmm.htm
