Stephanie wants to be a superstar. She works out in her rehearsal studio with a revolving platform. She has a guitar, keyboard, and microphone. For dancing she has a ballet bar and mirror and before she goes on stage she puts on her make-up at a dressing table. A 198-piece set with one mini-figure. 5-12

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

One of the clever 3-in-1 building sets. Our tester liked making the action figure, a robot and then converted it to a helicopter and then to a pick-up truck. Makes a good birthday party gift for school age kids. A versatile construction set with 223-pieces and clear directions for 7-12.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

One of the clever 3-in-1 building sets. Our tester liked making the action figure, a robot and then converted it to a helicopter and then to a pick-up truck. A versatile construction set with 223-pieces and clear directions for 7-12.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

A small 80-piece kit with props and Stephanie mini-figure and her pup with props for soccer and snacks. Packed full of items such as a goal, ball, soccer ball launcher, obstacle course and more. Also new in the Friends line, Emma's Karate Class, a 93-piece set. 5-12

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Cleverly designed, this compact set for young builders comes with storage places for bricks and a building platform for creating a yard and outdoor scene for dramatic play. It has 151 pieces with two play figures and lots of props for mini-pretend play. A good choice for travel fun that stores in carry-along case. 4-8.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

A 191-piece tanker truck that is somewhat simpler than some of the others. Designed for less experienced builders, it is a modular build. The set includes a stand alone gas pump with retractable hose, valve and fire extinguisher. The green and white tanker comes with an action figure driver who fits in the cab, can climb on the truck ladder and work the gas pump. A good build with plenty of dramatic play once the pieces are fit together. 5-12

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

New to the clever Creator line of builds, this 121-piece set can be put together in three different versions: a quad bike, go-kart or racing car. These make terrific birthday gifts for all the parties your child attends. 6-12.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Divided into sub-models for an easy start, this orange flatbed truck tips to allow the red convertible roll off. The set comes with two mini-figures and accessories. A 212-piece set for kids 5-12.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Designed for younger builders, this 197-piece set comes with cards with step by step bold plans. Kids make three rough and tumble vehicles, and a judge’s stand. Once they build the vehicles there's plenty of dramatic play action. We think many 4's will have dexterity challenges and may need some help in getting started. These are marked for 4-7.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Top of the Lego City Fire line, this three-story fire station is a perfect setting for all the action and drama of a firehouse. There’s a firetruck with reeling hose, extending ladder, and real rubber tires; a helicopter with spinning rotors; five minifigures, a fire van with emergency lights and fire extinguisher. The building itself has bay doors that open to let the truck drive in and out. It has a helipad on top and a 3-story fire pole that figures can go down. There are al sort of firefighting accessories such as walkie-talkies, phone, toolbox, computer, and furniture. The modular build means that related pieces are packaged together and can be assembled in sub-sections. No more dumping all the pieces and then trying to find little pieces in a sea of many. The process is partially sorted to make it less confusing. This elaborate set has 752 pieces in all and will provide a wonderful dramatic play setting after the challenge of building is completed. 6-12.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.