Fisher Price Little People Big Animal Zoo
(Fisher-Price $39.99)
A new zoo setting with a big elephant that trumpets when you pull its tail, has a tiny mouse on its back and a trunk that moves and makes music. The setting itself has a swing and slide for the monkey and a teeter totter in the treetops. There are balls that can be used as a run and it comes with two Little People, and a zookeeper. This is a large plastic setting for pretend play. Our test family has three under the age of 5 and they reportedly go back to this toy daily. They especially like making the elephant do its tricks and they like the extra animals as much as the big setting. Unlike earlier Little People zoo, farm, and house settings, the structure here is minimalistic, though it has some mechanical novelty. The elephant is the star here. See the noise making Giraffe and the Hippo, each sold separately. Marked 1-5 years; we think 2-4 is more on the mark. SNAP: A fun setting for making things happen. Learning how to activate the various parts of the action will be rewarding while honing fine motor skills. Also a good choice for action words, knowing and naming animals and pretend play.
Ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2015
