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2012 PAL Awards
Play on Words speech and language expert Sherry Artemenko recognizes exceptional toys, games and books that encourage language, spark fun and invite creative play.
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PAL tips
Video reviews of our PAL Award winners with tips on how to advance language through play • see PAL tips... ►
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new reviews
Read our reviews of the latest in toys, games and books • read reviews... ►
sherry in the news
Get the Flash Player to see this player.In this interview, Sherry Artemenko tells News 12 Connecticut about the latest toys that can help children’s development and learning. See more Sherry’s news... ►
Category Archives: Toy Reviews
“The Pirate Ship” Super Sized Floor Puzzle by Ravensburger
24 large puzzle pieces link together to reveal a cut-away view of three floors and a deck of pirate activity. Preparing fish in the kitchen, writing in the captain’s log, bathing in a bubble bath, operating the engines, or playing … Continue reading
Posted in 3-6 year-olds, Preschool, Toy Reviews
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“Pirate Play Set” by Yookidoo
Ahoy mateys! The pirates have invaded the crib with Yookidoo’s newest addition to baby’s fun. Little one’s hands fit easily around the circular base of the teether rattle making it accessible for exploration. Multiple rings, a crinkle scarf, shiney tie, … Continue reading
Posted in Babies, Toddlers, Toy Reviews
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Playmobil’s Furnished School
Going to school has never been so much fun. As one mom said, “This is nicer than most real schools!” As we assembled Playmobil’s new Furnished School, kids marveled at the science lab, complete with test tubes, a spinning globe, … Continue reading
“Rory’s Story Cubes” by Gamewright
Kids love to roll dice–now they can toss nine picture cubes with clever images on each of the six sides and tell a story using the face up images. Set a theme ahead of time–”On our vacation we…” or just … Continue reading
“Order’s Up” for Fast Food Fun
Things are hopping at the Ring-A-Ding Diner as players compete to quickly fill their orders before their opponents do. A game of fast reactions, “Order’s Up” builds excitement as players race to ding the bell, winning the right to add … Continue reading
“Big Bubbles Friend Cow” by Little Kids
Kids and bubbles have always connected, so to speak. Summer fun includes chasing after the undulating spheres before they pop. Want a break from blowing and entertaining? Hand over this “Big Bubbles Friend Cow,” teach your child to tip his … Continue reading
Posted in 3-6 year-olds, Preschool, Toddlers, Toy Reviews
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Playmobil Coast Guard Boat
Every kid loves to play law enforcer so let’s set sail with the Coast Guard. This limited edition boat commands attention as it guards the seas. Kids loved to let down the anchor and hook from their cable winches to … Continue reading
Posted in 3-6 year-olds, 6-8 year-olds, 8 years and up, Preschool, Toy Reviews
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“Henrietta The Pull Along Hen” by I Play
It’s hard to find toys for one to one and a half year-olds that keep their interest and teach them something too! Your chicks will find this hen and her babies a fascinating delight as they pull mama, “Henrietta,” along … Continue reading
Posted in Babies, Birth-3 year-olds, Toy Reviews
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“My First Baby Doll” by I-Play
Toddlers can scoop up all the essentials, including the baby doll, put them in the soft, cloth bag and be ready for take-along play. A great introduction to pretend play that follows a child’s experience, this first baby doll comes … Continue reading
Calico Critters Country Tree House Invites Hours of Fun
Gather your furry friends for an afternoon in the tree house. Don’t worry, there is plenty of room for everyone, big and small. With multiple play vignettes–a deck, hot tub, lake, pagoda, water slide or rooms with a view–several kids … Continue reading






