Big Voyage :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

Lots of Fun

2007-12-11
My 2 and a half year old received this last year for Christmas and still loves playing with it. She doesn't pull off the wheels and even though the cars are hooked together with a ball and loop she doesn't pull them apart. Dragging it across different surfaces the cars stay together. The animals are really cute and washable.

Make way for this wagon train!

2007-12-05
If I could only choose 5 toys for my son, this would have to be one of them. It has entertained him through his infant months with the brightly colored animals that offer different sounds when shaken or squeezed, and it is continuing to offer great play options into toddlerhood. He can sort the animals with their wagons according to size or color. He can enjoy the wagon train in action (he is fascinated by watching the 3 wagons being pulled along). And the pretend play options with this toy are limitless. Despite the opinions of the previous reviewer, we feel that this toy is very sturdy, yet flexible (after all, the wagons are constructed of cloth covered thick foam, making it nice for younger babies). We have never had trouble with the wagons separating, no matter how quickly they are pulled or jerked along. And my son (now 12 months) has never been able to take apart the wheels. However, if he is able to in a few months, this will only provide one more way to use this toy--as a way to teach how to put together and take apart, as well as another way to sort by size. This simple toy offers so much for the creative child!

fabulously versatile toy

2007-11-12
Absolutely one of the best toys I've ever purchased. It is beautifully made and can be played with in many ways. Of course, one can give the critters a ride all around the house -- even play train with the animals waiting at different "stations" here and there at household landmarks. But one can also take all the pieces apart and use them like blocks. You can stack the seats, and even stack the wooden wheels and axels. We've spent many a happy morning stacking these as high as we could and then toppling them over. There is much to be talked about when playing with this toy as well -- colors and sizes and how things can go together in different ways.

It's cute but...

2007-02-18
This toy is very cute in the picture and also in person, but it is really not the best toy for an active toddler. First the wheels are attached with velcro which means it's another part my little 17 month old guy can rip off and throw down the stairs. Also, the three animals are connected by a small ball on one animal which is put inside of a loop on the next animal and they do not stay together when he really takes off and pulls it around the house. In the span of the first 10 minutes, I had to reattach them five times. Annoying! But it is a very pretty toy, brightly colored and the little animals are fun to squeeze. Still, I'm returning it because what I wanted was a sturdy pull toy, and this just isn't it.

Toys and Books

	Dr. Toy's Smart Play . How To Raise A Child With a High PQ Play Quotient Review: "...Play is the work of the young. Through play, children grow -- physically, emotionally and cognitively. "Dr. Toy," Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., helps readers to find the toys and playthings that will best advance this growth. This comprehensive book demonstrates a deep understanding of the different needs children have at every phase of their development and provides specific guidelines for choosing toys, computer software, musical instruments and a host of other items children can play with.. "
	Dora the Explorer Mr. Face Plush Backpack Review: My daughter is a big Dora fan and uses this backpack to carry around her favorite toys and books, which is why I gave it 5 stars for educational value. My friend's daughter has it as well, and love hers too. We've had it 6 months now and it's holding up just fine. The map opens up for an added bonus. My daughter likes to wear it and sing the backpack song from the show.
	Star Wars Episode III: Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmet Wow, do I ever wish they had this out when I was a kid! I bought it, and my wife, kids and I have all been playing with it. It has a chest box with several buttons that plays about 5 of Darth's quotes from the movies, or you can switch it to voice changer. The voice changer is fun! It has 3 different levels of depth for changing the voice. ... A must for Star Wars Geeks!!!!

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, 2005. The Best Toys, Books, Videos, Music & Software for Kids

As featured on NBC's TODAY Show! The experts from the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, the independent consumer organization rate the best (and worst) in children's toys, books, videos, music and software. Don't waste any more money on products that are a waste of your money and your child's time. Here's the guide that every parent (and grandparent) should have before they go shopping.

Guide includes important child development information, basic gear checklists, product comparisons, best shower and birthday presents for every budget, multicultural products, science toys, educational toys and a full chapter on adapting ordinary products for kids with special needs.

Excerpt: ..many of the best hoard games are both entertaining and educational. Many games can improve math, spelling, memory, and reading skills in a more enjoyable way than with the old flash card.