The Best Toys of 2006 – Pre-school
T.J. BearyTales
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Ages: 3 and up
Suggested Retail Price: $50
What it is
T.J. BearyTales is an animated plush bear designed to entertain and help preschoolers learn through storytelling, music and play-along activities. The T.J. BearyTales character uses story time and a collection of 12 original tales to teach young children social and emotional skills that get them ready for school such as helping others, following directions and overcoming fears.
Animatronic technology brings T.J. BearyTales to life through movement of his mouth, eyes, ears, head and arms to expressively tell his stories, ask questions, play guessing games with children, and sing songs.
T.J. BearyTales comes with a 24-page, photo-illustrated storybook, which details the adventures of T.J. and allows kids to follow along as he recites his stories. Parents may remember Teddy Ruxpin from 1985, the original animatronic, story-telling bear. That was a hug hit, for many of the same reasons that T.J. BearyTales will appeal.
Why it's fun
For preschoolers the character seems "real," and the stories and animation are endlessly fascinating. Since this is right in front of them, it takes on an added dimension of magic.
Who's going to love it
T.J. BearyTales will likely entertain kids between the ages of 2 and 6.
Parents will appreciate the preschool-readiness attributes of T.J. BearyTales as his stories entertain and educate.
What to be aware of
T.J. BearyTales comes with a 24-page storybook. There are seven additional storybooks and cartridges and four deluxe books with accessories also available for approximately $10 and $15 each, respectively.
This is not a cuddling toy because of its hard structure, but it can also take a lot of play, including dropping or falling out of bed.
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