(Blue Orange $19.99) It takes a little time to set up the carrot patch, but once all the carrots are planted in the playing board, this is a pretty easy-to-earn cooperative game for beginning game players. Some of the carrots in the patch have been "nibbled on" by Bunny and the others are still whole with no teeth marks. Players take turns throwing the color die and lead the wooden bunny playing piece to a matching color space on the board. The numeral on the space allows the

(Playmonster $11.99 each) Choose single Automoblox vehicles that are fun to take apart and rebuild like a puzzle and then use for dramatic play. Newest in the collection are three different 12-piece vehicles. There is a pickup truck, the T15L Grizzly with wood chassis and black translucent roof and red rimmed tires. Or look for the C11 Nebulous, a sportscar with turquoise roof and tires. Or look for the C12 Ciper ($13.99) that looks something like a Porche when assembled with

(PlayMonster $23.99) Two new sets with two vehicles in each set will give players multiple ways to assemble cars that look like the ones pictured, as well as their own creations with the interchangeable parts. We have written about Automoblox vehicles for years; they are like elegant puzzles to assemble in multiple ways and then use for dramatic play. These 2-packs include the HR5 Scorch, a wooden toned chassis with red roof and matching tires. It looks something like a clas

(VTech $24.99) Take the batteries out if you just want a fabric ball to roll around with baby. This soft ball is printed with numerals and graphics and has two fabric hands with crinkle sounds. Turn on the batteries and the ball will make random sounds and music and lights up on the big yellow button with a face. Older babies will like the power of making something happen by pushing the button for lights ad sounds. However, some babies may find the sounds startling. For them

(Steiff $17.99) This little piglet, sitting on my desktop, is adorable! Done in pink plush with tan hooves and snout, it’s body is floppy and under-stuffed. Sissie will be enjoyed by young preschoolers as a fistful to carry along from home. Since it’s filled with pellets, it will also make a wonderful beanbag for games or just throwing up in the air and catching. A cute little doll that will bring on smiles. SNAP: Soft and light enough for children to grasp easily. Good for t

(Playmonster $9.99 & $14.99) Bring home an oogi ( or maybe two). Oogie is the centerpiece of a group of stretchable toys with suction cups that can be positioned in endless ways. An Oogi alone would make a good desk toy for adults in need of a few moments of relaxation in the office. But kids will use them to spin their own stories and actions with the whimsical, faceless, long armed figures. They'll use them like action figures in little dramas of the child's own imaginings.

(Blue Orange $14.99) Players choose the color they want from four sets of cubes, each with facial features on them. To play a face card is turned up and players race to match their rectangle and two cubes to the image on the card. First player to do so gets to keep that card. Winner is the first to collect 10 cards. It’s a quick playing game with many rounds so you win some and lose some—an important lesson in gamesmanship. It’s also a matching game that calls for looking at

(Blue Orange $19.99) Once the game is set up, players work together to get the animals rounded up and put into the barns before Mr. Wolf catches them. The animal disks playing pieces are turned and placed in one of four barns with matching images on the roof. There are wolf disks among the animals, so beware! If Mr. Wolf gets to move up the stone path before the animals are safe in their barns, the wolf wins the game! It’s a clever way to support cooperative play where winnin

(Crayola $19.99 set of four/$4.99 for singles) Our testers couldn’t wait to get outside and try these sidewalk markers and they were not disappointed. They come in many neon colors and leave bold colors on the sidewalk. Use for a sidewalk art show, hopscotch, mega tic tac toe board or whatever creative ideas appeal. Note: Directions indicate that you may need pressure hose to remove the paint from concrete or asphalt sidewalks/drives. They suggest testing before you use it. O

(Leap Frog $35) Magnetic letters will get a lot of play on the refrigerator door. A classic game for preschoolers. This set of letters come with a big red apple that names the letters and the sounds they say and also sings songs to reinforce the letter names and sounds. There are three levels of play here, some more appropriate for older preschoolers and young early grade students. Playing around with the letters and learning their names is a good place to start. This set als