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.

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.

Another in the modular builds, designed to simplify the process. This cement mixer has a rotating drum, a movable chute and the cab section actually tips fir access to the engine! It includes two construction workers, with wheelbarrow, bricks, and a cup for coffee breaks. The 221-piece set is a challenging, but satisfying construction set. 5-12

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

When the Teddy Bears have their picnic, this four-piece set of painted wooden dishes, cutlery and drinking glasses are ready for action. The sturdy round red checked box also contains a checked cloth and is fitted out for storing the pieces and has a handles and clasp to keep things in order. The glasses have holes near the top for safety, so they cannot form a suction around the mouth and nose. 3 & up

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

All the ingredients for exciting dramatic play are ready for build and play fun. The set comes with a house-on-fire and firefighters to put out the blaze! There is a fire truck with extendable rotating ladder with a retractable hose. The flames on the burning house are retractable, too. There are three action figures with axe, streetlight, saw, and other firefighting gear. This is a 300-piece modular set, which means the pieces are sorted and packaged in smaller bags for making sub-models and makes for a more organized and simpler build. 5 & up.

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

Once this 222-piece construction set is put together it really can be played with on water. It floats! Kids can build smaller sub-sets for quick builds. It includes a pontoon as well as a power-boat and action figures for dramatic play. 5-12

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

Our testers spent several happy afternoons driving around in this new kiddie car that runs on foot power. It has a front castor wheel for added maneuver-ability. With a working horn and ignition key there are miles of pretend fun with the easy Turn Coup. As an added bonus, it can be used with younger riders that an adult can push along, however, there is no safety belt. There's a removable floorboard to protect little feet when they are being pushed. Also nice, this has a front trunk storage area and cup holders for both child and adult. 1 ½ & up.

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

For your youngest garden assistant, here's small wagon with plastic garden tools and a few mega bloks. This is more of a pretend toy for outdoor carting fun and comes in the traditional John Deere green and yellow colors. Or use it indoors for storing blocks that can be built up on the handle, which serves as a base. Also fun in this line, a Mega Bloks Dump Truck that will work in the sand box or at the beach. 2 & up.

Age: Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2013.