VeggieTales - Larry-Boy and the Rumor Weed
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (28 March, 2000)
list price: $12.99
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Editorial Review

Weeds are taking over Bumblyburg--flowery, talkative, sunglasses-wearing weeds that bear a striking resemblance to the clichéd blathering oldladies who enjoy nothing more than yakking about the neighbors over a game of mahjong.No, these aren't ordinary weeds; these weeds are interconnected, and they are multiplying at an alarming rate.What could cause these wild plants to bloom at such a rapid pace? Why, they're just keeping pace with the rumors that are flying around town.Only Larry-Boy can save the city. Or can he?

Larry-Boy doesn't have the powers of most superheroes; in fact, his main sources of might are his suction-cup ears and an overeducated butler. Yet in this installment of VeggieTales, Larry-Boy's real skill is in teaching us that "God doesn't want us to tell stories that can hurt."In the lively series that has "Sunday morning values, and Saturday morning fun," a group of vegetables provides moral lessons for everyday life.Strong on Christian themes and light on seriousness, VeggieTales has enough humor for adults to appreciate and enough fun for the kids.While this episode may have us longing for the not-present Bob the Tomato and Silly Songs, there's still enough of the impressive computer animation and appealing story lines to make this a valuable resource for teaching kids right from wrong. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Animated
• Closed-captioned
• NTSC

Reviews (20)

Beware the Weeds of Rumor!!!
This is a terrific little Veggie tale about the power of "Rumor" and how it can ruin not only lives, but an entire town.And this story begins when a "harmless" story is repeated until the whole town is infected.And then to the rescue comes Larry Boy, the guise of a Batman-type character, and by the time he chases after the Rumor Weed, it's bigger and greater than life, and it overshadows and towers of the town.

There is no "silly song" for this tale, because it's not an appropriate story for one, to the sadness of those who like silly songs.Rumors hurt folks and sometimes they kill reputations.A silly song would've been so out of place, and I'm glad it didn't happen. If you want silly songs, there are other Veggie Tales for that.

In the end, Larry Boy doesn't really save the day, but the truth is found out, by a little rumor which was blown out of proportion while children were in their school room.And Larry Boy arrives when the day is already saved.

This is a great story, and worth watching repeatedly.Adults need to apply this truth as well.

Great entertainment!
This is such a cute, cute video!They need to make more of these Larryboy videos because, quite frankly, they're hysterical.I love the spoof on Batman and when Larryboy needs to help the town of Bumblyburg, they shine the light in the sky just like Batman.My son loved this so much that we had to go out to the local Christian bookstore and get a Larrymobile.Yes, amazon definitely needs to get more toys online!Don't be afraid to get this one, the morals are fabulous and teach kids not to start lies about others that are not true.The rumor weed mother grows huge, complete with the 50s style sunglasses, long earrings and that "dahling, did you hear the one about..." is just hysterical.You'll be laughing through this one - the imagination is just awesome!WE want more!

Great Moral Story
My now 8 year old still loves this one.She's had is for about 3 years, and still watches it on occassion.Well worth the money, both for entertainment and the lessons it teaches. ... Read more

Asin: 1571323872
Subjects:  1. Children's Video   

VeggieTales - Rack, Shack & Benny
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (25 August, 1998)
list price: $12.99
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Editorial Review

The latest in an animated Christian children's series, this videoteaches kids the importance of standing up to peer pressure through a thinly disguised Bible story. When Bob the Tomato, our host, sees that Larry the Cucumber is trying to fit into what's "cool" by wearing an oven mitt as a hat, he tells Larry that it's important to be true to yourself no matter what the consequences. Bob tells Larry a story about three vegetables, Rag, Shack, and Benny, who are held hostage in a factory and forced to make chocolate bunnies. When the owner, Mr. Nezzar, takes a liking to them, he offers to promote them if they will only worship a giant chocolate bunny.

The story is based on the book of Daniel in the Old Testament, in which three friends stand up to King Nebuchadnezzar, refusing to worship a false idol. The slavery and death themes may be too dark for kids under 7, but the animation and songs are fun. --Elisabeth Keating ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (44)

In with the old out with the new.
Rack Shack and Benny brings many fine moments to the Veggie Tale franchise.It boasts the first appearance of Mr. Lundt, Mr. Nezzer, Laura the Carrot and George,the security guard narrator who also narrates the Toy that Saved Christmas.With Dave and the Giant Pickle, which came out the same year, Rack Shack and Benny departed from the previous and current Veggie format of two stories regarding the episodes theme by telling a longer story interspersed with a silly song at intermission. And what a silly song at that: An Argentinean cucumber folk ballad sung in Spanish by Larry, translated in to English by Bob; often at the interpreters expense.

The story itself adapted from the book of Daniel takes Shadrach (Bob) Meeshach (Junior Asparagus) and Abednego (Larry) from captivity to cavity prone by making them workers at a chocolate factory.It capably tells the story of standing up to persecution for doing what you know is right.The boys are commanded to bow down to a chocolate bunny and sing the bunny song.They know that many of the words in the song are wrong and refuse to bow or sing.As a result they are sentenced to be thrown in the incinerator with the rest of the "bad" bunnies.I hate to leave you hanging on the plot line but you'll have to watch the video or read the bible to see how it comes out.

The only problem I have with my copy of Rack Shack and Benny is that Big Idea broke one of my favorite credos.That credo being is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

You see there are two versions of Rack Shack & Benny:the original and a re-release, with the only difference being lines of dialogue in the Bunny song.You would not think that switching lines in a song would make much of a difference but in this case it's like watching a video without actually putting in the VCR, it alters the entire presentation.

One of the lines I am referring to sung by Nebby K. Nezzer is:
I won't go to church and I won't go to school that stuff is for sissies but Bunnies are cool.In the re-release they change the first part of the line to: "I won't eat beans and I won't eat tofu".Another change is I don't love my Mom or my Dad just the bunny to something much more benign.

The problem with the line changes is that it undermines and all but obliterates the entire conflict of the plot.It makes Rack Shack and Benny seem to be willing to give their life over gastronomical differences.

Now I understand that the line change may well be in order not to have children singing such bad lines.But the point is that the kids in the story would not sing it.I thought the matter was resolved in the first sing a-long video when a reformed Nebby performs a new improved version of the song advising not to make the bunny an idol.

In all, I would still highly recommend Rack Shack and Benny to veggiephiles everywhere.And if at all possible try to get your hands on the original version and if you can, please send one to me!

Funny Even Without the Bunny Song
Veggie Tales star in the story of the Fiery Furnace.Rack, Shack and Benny are faced with a challenge to their faith -bow down to a god other than the God they believe in or die. Our three heroes bravely, albeit a bit hesitantly at first, stand up for what they believe in and get sent to the Fiery Furnace. But their God remembers them just as they remembered Him and intercedes in a majestic way, amid plenty of light and awestruck bystanders.The songs in this movie are catchy and the message is solid - stand up for what is right, no matter the cost.The Silly Songs segment features Larry performaing "The Dance of the Cucumber" which is the most hilarious Silly Song ever!!!The translation by Bob the Tomato is guaranteed to leave you laughing as you watch Bob's gradual slide from mildly miffed to all out aggravated at his friend Larry the Cucumber!See this movie - you'll finish it cheered and smiling.

A classic Veggietales adventure
This is a classic episode and I love it.The silly song is absolutely hilarious.The story is a good one too.Kids and adults will love it. ... Read more

Asin: 1571323368
Subjects:  1. Children's Video   

VeggieTales - Madame Blueberry
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (05 October, 1999)
list price: $12.99
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Editorial Review

A new VeggieTale character is introduced in the most song-filled videoyet from this Christian-lite series that promotes "Sunday morning values, and Saturday morning fun." Madame Blueberry is so blue, even her butlers (Bob and Larry, natch) can't fill her every need. But wait--the giant Stuff-Mart is just opening down the lane--promising joy to those who buy everything (a typical sales pitch: "Of course you don't need an air compressor, but don't you want one?"). Madame Blueberry will learn a hard lesson in being thankful. Bad news: "Silly Songs with Larry" has been canceled. Good news: "Love Songs with Mr. Lunt" has a whopper of a tune in its place. Note: the family picnicking near Stuff-Mart has a strong resemblance to cocreator Phil Vischer's family. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (69)

Wonderful!!!
My 3 boys LOVE this movie. They are always singing the blue song.The songs are wonderful and the movie is really funny.It teaches them a great lesson while also being very entertaining.

BAH HAH HAH! This was great!
Hey, this is the kind of stuff where you wish you could give it a few more stars! When you, your wife, AND your baby girl sit through this, AFTER a full day of this, that, and the other and be like, "COOL!", you wonder why you waited this long for it. This is easily something to watch with popcorn and soda, but Hershey bars and hot chocolate couldn't hurt either.

Well, we find Bob on the set and ZZZOOOMMM!! ZZOOOMMM!!! SSCCREEEECCHHHH!! Larry parks this big lug of a toy action jeep right beside our tomato friend. But Larry says when he gets a thing or 2 more, THEN he'll be happy. Bob asks the right question, "Larry, how much stuff do you need to be happy?" Good topic for the show, right? And who might come to the rescue? The French Peas! HA! They have a story for us. And that story revolves around Madame Blueberry, who already has a house in a tree, friends and food, 2 butlers, but she isn't happy! She cries all the time, looking at pictures of her neighbors things, and crying about how their things are better. Well, if things aren't already bad enough, here come those sneaky leeks! What do they have for Madam? Why, The Stuff-Mart! What happens? French Pea, Jean Claude warns us that this is a day where Madame Blueberry learns an important lesson.

Hey, we loved this! As a guy, it is actually my favorite Veggie Tale to date! Trust me, when you view this, and you even hear your daughter, who isn't quite a year old yet, start going, "HEE HEE! HA HA!", you know you made a good choice. But, I still don't know if I'll get used to a love song by Mr. Lunt. Hey, bottom line, this is always good for a lesson, as well as a good workout for your sense of humor! Da na na na na, Stuff-Mart, Stuff-Mart! Da na na na na, Stuff-Mart, Stuff-Mart!

Awesome story and values to teach your little ones!
This is just a very cute video.It's neat to see how the people at Big Idea treat the common problem of "too much stuff."Madame Blueberry is blue because she doesn't like all her stuff and wasn't happy until she got all new stuff at Stuff Mart. It wasn't until she saw Junior being happy with a ball instead of the train he wanted that she truly realized that it wasn't stuff she needed but a new and happy heart.When her house falls along with all hew new stuff, she makes new friends and is truly thankful for what she has.It's a great story to teach little ones, especially today when we all seem too glutted with "stuff."This is very well done and quite cute.Thanks a bunch Big Idea! ... Read more

Asin: 6305268924
Subjects:  1. Children's Video   

VeggieTales - Are You My Neighbor?
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (31 March, 1998)
list price: $12.99
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Editorial Review

Those lovable, googly-eyed vegetables are back with another 30-minuteanimated episode of fun-spirited morality. In The Story of Flibber-o-loo,Jr. Asparagus rises above his town's hatred of Flibbians to rescue acucumber who's in a real pickle. The little guy's choice to love hisneighbor ends a long history of trouble between the two towns. The GourdsMust Be Crazy teaches a second lesson about appreciating differencesamong each other. When the crew of the Starship Applepies faces impendingdoom, Jr. Asparagus is the only one willing to ask the newest crewmembers (a couple of ravenous, singing gourds) for help. As always,co-hosts Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomato smartly recap and applythe lesson to everyday life, complete with a quick Bible reference. Ifyour family enjoys the wit and imagination found in Muppet movies orSesame Street episodes, you'll find this musical group of Christian-lite vegetablesinspiring and entertaining. --Liane Thomas ... Read more

Features

• Color
• HiFi Sound
• Closed-captioned
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (33)

Creative and original - never wears out!
My son watches this over and over and never gets tired of it (age 3). The theme of loving one's neighbor is presented to kids seriously and practically in a humorous way. The stories are told on a kids (ages 2-6) level, but aren't patronizing or overly simplistic.

The first episode deals with prejudice between groups of people via the story of the Good Samaritan from the parables of Jesus. The two groups are represented by vegetables who wear shoes and pots on their heads respectively which stresses the inanity of prejudice a little more than the original story, but does a great job in showing how people's self-importance gets in the way of helping their fellow man.

The second episode will be very funny to adult fans of the original Star Trek and deals with the shunning of individuals due to differences. After Junior Aspargus confesses he doesn't want to invite a foreign boy to his birthday party, he is invited aboard the "Starship Applepies" where he learns that people's differences are gifts when a threatening giant meteor made of popcorn is eaten by two "weird" members of the crew, saving the day.

A Sweet Lesson and Hilarious Fun!
The sweet lesson in befriending the new kid is intertwined with hilarious mock Star Trek moments.This video leaves kids and adults laughing and learning a moral as well! :)

One of the Best of the Totally Awesome Veggie Tales Videos!
This was the very first Veggie Tales I ever saw, way back in 1995, and I still think it is one of the best Veggie Tales ever made. Funny stories with moral messages, cool computer animation, silly songs you want to keep singing, and hilarious inside jokes for the older viewers. If you have other Veggie Tales videos but not this one, you have got to get this, it is wonderful! If you haven't yet jumped on the Veggie Tales bandwagon, I suggest you do so, and start with this video. Veggie Tales are videos that people of all ages love, from the little two year olds (A half hour video is perfect for that age) to the grown-ups. I have known a lot of people who have watched Veggie Tales (even non-Christians) and everyone loves them! My husband and I are as excited as our kids when a new Veggie Tales comes out. Try them, I know that you will love them. ... Read more

Asin: 1571322728
Subjects:  1. Children's Video   

Lofty & Wendy
Average Customer Review:
Toy (19 August, 2001)

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Reviews (4)

THIS toy is a NOT worth....$
BUYERS BEWARE...the figure in this set is about 1 INCH tall and the crane is BARELY BIGGER than a HOT WHEELS car...at $ it is a WAY overpriced....maybe a $-$ price would be better. BOB is on his way OUT folks...but this is HIGHWAY ROBBERY...AVOID THIS AT ALL COSTS...

The Best Little Toys
My 2 1/2 yr. old son got this whole set for Christmas and loves it the best!!!!He takes them everywhere with us, so we make sure to do inventory before leaving anywhere we travel.He'd definitely know if there was one missing!!!!!I definitely recommend this to anyone who know a Bob The Builder fan!!!!!

nice set for little Bob the Builder fans
Your little Bob the Builder fan will undoubtedly enjoy these figures -- Lofty has an extending magnetic crane and Wendy bends at the waist and shoulders.(And though I know there must be some intended use for the odd hands on this and the other human figure in this toy series, I cannot for the life of me figure out what it might be.) The figures are good for imaginative play and these have withstood plenty of play without breaking. ... Read more

Asin: B00005BHNC
Sales Rank: 9382
Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Vehicles    3. Trains   

Scoop & Bob
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Reviews (10)

Fantastic set for your Brio train!
I've just read through some of the other reviews and I think that both Amazon.com and the reviewers are both at fault for this confusion over this toy.This is NOT, I repeat, NOT just a stand alone toy.It is made by Brio, the train folks in Sweden, and is meant mostly to be used on the Brio train/road tracks.They're bigger than a matchbox car, and are about the same size as other wooden train pieces like Thomas the Train and other Brio train products (for train buffs, they're about the size of an HO scale train).I've also just read Amazon's product detail and it says NOTHING about the size, nor the intent for which it is produced.(...)P>However, this set is wonderful, and captivates my son for hours.He puts Bob in Scoop's shovel, attaches him to a battery-operated locomotive, and around the train track they go.He even takes Scoop to bed with him!If you want even more fun, buy the Bob the Builder starter set - you get Muck, Bob, and the roadway to start Bob's town.It's just a darling idea and a neat addition to the Brio trains that you may already have.Don't be afraid to buy this set - it's just so very cute, but also, don't expect to get a very large toy.They're expensive because they're from Brio, not some piece of junk made in China.Brio's quality is unsurpassed and they've earned the right, in my opinion.Great toy!

Scoop and Bob
I found the advertising misleading.I expected the Scoop and Bob to be larger than they were.I think this toy is probably good for collecting, but not for a 3 year old.

Not worth the Money!
My Nephews are the Biggest Bob the Builder fans!!But this toy is the SMALLEST toy and definitely not worth the money!! If you want something to decorate the topy of a birthday cake with this MIGHT work although still a little small.Bob is only an inch high at the most. I wish I had listened to the other reviewer below who asked "Why does this cost so much for so little?" ... Read more

Asin: B00005BHNA
Sales Rank: 10400
Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Vehicles    3. Play Sets    4. Trains    5. Activity    6. Pretend Play   

Roley & Bird
Average Customer Review:
Toy (19 August, 2001)
list price: $12.99
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Features

• BRIO Accessories

Reviews (1)

Very realistic Roley, great toy!
This guy is really neat.He's wooden, like all of Brio's toys, and made to go on the train tracks or Bob's roadway (bought separately).His eyes actually spin around like they do on the videos and provide lots of interesting activities along my son's train tracks.Brio makes great toys and trains and this one is no different.Roley is a nice addition to your train set - my little guy sure is happy!He's not huge, however, just the same size as Brio's other train pieces, so keep that in mind when you make a purchase.They're easy for little hands to grip and carry to grandma's which makes them even more fun for little ones. ... Read more

Asin: B00005BHNE
Sales Rank: 12329
Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Vehicles    3. Play Sets    4. Trains   

Dizzy & Pilchard
Average Customer Review:
Toy (19 August, 2001)

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Features

• BRIO Accessories

Reviews (1)

Such a great addition to your train set or Bob set!
Boy, is this cute!Dizzy's bucket actually swirls around and you can pretend to dump cement (or cookie dough in our house).She's really, really cute and a great addition to my son's wooden train set.Brio makes a wonderful product and this one is no different.Dizzy goes to bed with my son almost nightly and hasn't left his sight.Don't expect a huge toy, however, they're meant for the train sets so this toy is about 3 inches long and about 1.5 inches high - the same size as a wooden train piece from Brio.Very, very cute and well worth the money.However, amazon needs to get a better description of this item so as to not cause confusion. ... Read more

Asin: B00005BHND
Sales Rank: 9515
Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Push and Pull Toys    3. Vehicles    4. Trains    5. Play Sets   

Muck And Bob
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Reviews (9)

Great addition to your train set and Bob the Builder set
My little boy just loves Muck and Scoop so when I saw these sets, I just had to get them for his train set.He really loves putting Bob in the back of Muck's bed and pushing him around the train track.He also attaches Muck to one of his battery-operated locomotives and Muck gets a "ride" all around the track.I'm glad that they're making these pieces for the wooden train series - it's just a lot of fun constructing the towns and having these pieces to go along with them.What an imagination builder!All the train pieces are pretty pricey but worth it since they're made by Brio.We have a bunch of Brio's products and are very pleased with all of them and this set is no different.Sure hope Bob doesn't get dizzy going around and around, and around....

Compatible with Brio or Thomas Wooden Railways
Do ignore the negative reviews related to the size of the toy -- this is compatible with the wooden railway system, and is sized appropriately.Of the series, Muck is the least durable, since his front scoop comes off with very little tugging, snaps back on easily as well, but one more small part to lose.

very cute, especially with the scenery from the race set and set up with some railway pieces as well.

Be Fore-warned! Piece of Junk
When I opened the package to give to my grandson, I was suprised and VERY disappointed.For the money I spent, I expected a LOT more.

This thing looks like a $0.50 toy you would get from a gum-ball machine. It's a 2-inch man and a three-inch long plastic truck.I had to rush out Christmas morning to get something else.If I had given him this along with a book I purchased, he would have been extremely dissapointed and I would have been extremely embarrassed.

DON'T buy this unless you are very familiar with the Bob-the-Builder rip-offs and still want to throw away $15.00. ... Read more

Asin: B00005BHNB
Sales Rank: 8440
Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Vehicles    3. Wooden Train Sets    4. Play Sets    5. Trains    6. Activity    7. Pretend Play   

Thomas & Friends Roundhouse
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $79.99 -- our price: $79.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

After longs days of travel and adventure, Thomas the Tank Engine and friends need a place to rest. The Roundhouse is built in exactly the same way as it was when part of the British Railway, solidly constructed in wood and decorated with brick decals. Five trains fit inside the wooden train shelter, and the green plastic doors open and close. It connects to any of the Clickity-Clack Tracks from the Thomas Wooden Railway System with a five-way switch track. There are almost as many pieces to this line of train sets (sold separately) as there are books in the Thomas the Tank Engine series--all contained in carrying cases. All of these toys allow children to engage in imaginative, thoughtful play. --Lynne Sampson ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Expensive...Yes...and worth every penny!
I purchased this roundhouse for my 3 year old daughter.She loves anything Thomas!She began her Thomas collection with the figure 8 set and a couple of trains.As I realized how much she loved Thomas, I began to purchase more pieces to add to her collection.Rather than spend a lot of money upfront on a big set, I recommend starting small on a figure 8 set.As your child's interest in Thomas grows or solidifies, add items such as the table, roundhouse, other buildings, etc.I will caution that when you buy items "a la carte", it is very difficult to have everything fit nicely on the table.The roundhouse is her favorite building and all of her friends who come over to play, love it as well.The roundhouse does come with a 5 switch as pictured on the box, the red turntable is a separate item.The turntable is also a great addition to the roundhouse, but not a necessity.The roundhouse will not disappoint for any Thomas enthusiast!!!

Time For Thomas
The Thomas train sets are great modern versions of the classic indestructible wooden train sets.Simple enough to avoid the toddler age frustrations of getting the cars to run on the track yet complex enough to engage a wide range of ages (up to and including Grandpas).All the stories help with the imagination part....the books & videos provide an endless source of adventures that can be acted out, although most kids are perfectly capable of inventing their own episodes.

Here is my advice, if you are trying to work your way through the maze of start-up options:

First of all, you can spend a fortune on a huge set....even if you can afford it, I would start with something small and give the child the joy of receiving a chain of small but intriguing presents over a long period of time.It fosters the joy of giving/receiving and helps teach them to come back again and again to the same toy...watching it grow, asking for specific items from the stories they hear, etc.Several reviewers suggest painting an old coffee table and this is a great idea.

I suggest the Figure 8 set (the most popular one) or if you want to spend a little bit more, the Conductors Figure 8 set.Both are complex enough to be interesting, but simple enough to give lots of room for growth.Almost immediately I would add a new present of one of the inexpensive engines (you can ask the child which story they like best and get that engine for them....or buy the engine to go with the video or book in the same gift)....these would be Percy The Small Engine, Bill The Yellow Engine, Treavor, (or a bit more $ for:) The Lady Engine, James The Red Engine, Gordon The Express Engine (he's one of the best stories, I think), or Henry The Green Engine.

Now for the good stuff!Give it a month or so, and then reward the child with something really cool like the Barrel Loader or Rusty the Construction 3 Car Set.

I honestly can't see the point in the huge multi hundred dollar system sets.If you want to impress the neighbors or something, go for it, but I'm telling you.....most kids will enjoy a large number of small thoughtful gifts, not a "keep-up-with-the-Jones" effort on your part.

Good behavior can be rewarded with a pick-your-own trip to the store (there are sometimes when a real time shopping trip can't be beat)

By the way, the Thomas stories are based on real restored engines that run in England on the Mid-Hants Railway Watercress line near Winchester (you can read about them an even plan a trip to ride on the real Thomas trains by checking outwatercressline.co.uk).They are a day trip from the London rail stations, although I recommend using a B&B in the Winchester area and staying overnight if you decide to go.Winchester was the center of the old Saxon kingdom of Wessex of King Alfred as well as a major early medieval site (the Cathedral has the tombs of many of the Saxon Kings as well as Jayne Austen and Izaac Walton and it was where Richard the Lionhearted was crowned.)

Fantasic but Pricey!
When I ordered the roundhouse I believed that the red 5-way switch track was also included, especially when it is pictured on the box, but was disappointed to find that it wasn't. As my 4 year old son believes, as I am sure most do, that this is a very necessary piece of the building he will have to wait until his birthday to receive it (...). A little upsetting.
Apart from this one thing the Roundhouse is a fantastic piece to have on any Thomas layout, my son loves it and plays with it for hours. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JIC6
Subjects:  1. Wooden Train Sets    2. Train Set Accessories    3. Wood    4. Preschool    5. Activity    6. Push and Pull Toys    7. Vehicles    8. Trains    9. Train Accessories   

Thomas the Tank Engine and all his friends on the island of Sodor will welcome this sturdy wooden tunnel as an exciting addition to their railroad system. On top of the 8-inch-long tunnel, there's room for three separate Clickity-Clack wooden tracks to run and side railings to keep the trains on course. Thomas's old friend, Henry, will be especially happy to travel through his tunnel, though if he's too stubborn, the workman will build a brick wall to keep him in--just like in the story by W. Awdry. An Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award winner. --Marianne Painter ... Read more

Asin: B00000JIBZ
Subjects:  1. Wooden Train Sets    2. Train Set Accessories    3. Wood    4. Preschool    5. Construction    6. Building Sets    7. Vehicles    8. Trains   

Every young locomotive engineer will want these versatile pieces of track for their Thomas Wooden Railway System.The set includes two wooden sections that can be manually switched with an easy-to-use mechanism.If Thomas the Tank Engine or any of his friends need repairs, there's no quicker way to get them on the right track!As with all of the Thomas Railway System components, these tracks go clickity-clack when trains go over them.They also fit most other wooden railway systems. --Lee Strucker ... Read more

Asin: B00000JIBA
Subjects:  1. Wooden Train Sets    2. Train Set Accessories    3. Wood    4. Preschool    5. Construction    6. Building Sets    7. Vehicles    8. Trains   

Thomas & Bert Ie's Grt Race
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

As all Thomas the Tank Engine fans know, Thomas's famed race with Bertie the Bus was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Help your child reenact that wonderful day with the Thomas and Bertie's Great Race set, part of the award-winning Thomas Wooden Railway System. Besides Thomas (here with a limited-edition sad face) and Bertie, the set includes a model of Knappford station, the bridge where Bertie met his match, delighted onlookers, signs, and extra track. The story of the race is also included, for those parents who need a refresher course in Sodor Island history.

Winner of an Independent Toy Association of Canada Award, the Thomas Wooden Railway System is a wide array of sets that include special "clackity-clack" track, bridges, buildings, accessories, and all of Thomas's railway friends. Beautifully crafted out of fragrant hardwood, the pieces are smoothly finished and amazingly detailed, giving your children hours of creative, imaginative play as they re-create their favorite Thomas tales. --Lisa Whipple ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Amazing...though it's no longer made
This is a great Thomas item!You should get it as soon as possible...if you can find one, because Learning Curve has retired this item!Anyway, this set comes with Thomas (with an exclusive expression, so he looks like he's been racing through Sodor for a long time), Bertie, a Sodor Bay Bridge span, Knapford Station Platform, and several figures, such as Sir Topham Hatt and people to watch the great race.Combind it with the "Let's Have a Race Set" to fully recreate the story! ... Read more

Asin: B00000JII4
Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Vehicles    3. Wooden Train Sets    4. Activity    5. Pretend Play    6. Play Sets   

Sodor Railway Repair Set
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

This may be hardest working train in the Thomas Wooden Railway System. It's the Sodor Railway Repair train, charged with keeping the tracks in tip-top shape. This bright yellow train is powered by an engine that wears a happy expression. He seems to like pulling his burden of ballast and the ballast loader with its swiveling arms. Like all cars in the Thomas Wooden Railway System, these cars link together via a sturdy and reliable system of magnets. They're part of a whole miniature world of train car characters, wooden tracks, and scenery based on the popular Thomas the Tank Engine book, television, and video series. This product has a lifetime warranty. --Joan DeClaire ... Read more

Reviews (1)

My son loves this
I have a 3 year old who is crazy about thomas the tank.He has so many of the trains and accessories.When he sat on Santa's lap, this is what he asked for.I have no idea why.It really doesn't seem like a big deal to me and is more expensive than the other engines.But my son thinks it is the best!He is always talking about his sodor railway repair engine and how cool it is.And all of his little friends that come over to play trains seem to think it is really cool too.This is the engine that everyone wants to play with.I guess it's a boy thing! ... Read more

Asin: B00000JHYV
Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Vehicles    3. Wooden Train Sets    4. Construction    5. Building Sets    6. Trains   

Super Mario Advance
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (14 June, 2001)

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Editorial Review

The world's favorite plumber makes his first appearance (alongwith playable characters Luigi, Peach, and Toad) on the Game BoyAdvance, and, for the most part, Mario's arrival is welcome indeed.

Super Mario Advance is primarily a slightly tweaked port ofSuper Mario Bros. 2, the (still) very popular side scroller fromthe days of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). So expect plenty of running,jumping, and hurling of items at many a foe.

The game's graphics and sound have been a given a nice overhaul fromthe original game, and are clear and bright enough to please old-schooland new fans alike. While Nintendo did a good job shrinking the visualsdown to handheld size, the tiny GBA screen can get very busy at times,making accidental death due to sometimes less-than-precise controlsfrustratingly frequent--at least in the beginning. Most gamers shouldovercome such mishaps with a little patience.

Also included is the still fun, if forgettable, original MarioBros. game from many eons ago. Up to four players can engage in acoin-collecting battle mode or the classic mode. Super MarioAdvance isn't the game to show off the power of the GBA, but it isa long, fun title that will satisfy today's gamers with a taste fromthe best of Mario's past. --Mark Brooks

Pros:

• One of the best NES games is faithfully ported
• Upgraded sound and graphics
• Gameplay is easy to get into

Cons:

• Somewhat loose controls
• Neither fresh nor original for those who've played the NES version

... Read more

Features

• Side-scrolling adventure.
• Play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad.
• Collect items with which you can pummel your enemies.
• Switch characters between levels.
• Head-to-head play on up to 4 units via the separately sold communication cable.

Reviews (252)

preeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetty cool.
It's a pretty good game but I liked Super Mario Advance 2 and 3 the best but this one was pretty cool.

ONE OF THE BEST GAMES THAT EVER EXSISTED ! ! ! !
I love this game. I personaly think this is one of the best games of all nintendo platforms. I can't get tired of this game no matter what. You should buy this one aling with SUPER MARIO WORLD, the sequel to this game from the SNES platform. I suggest you buy this one immediatly. I really do. Go buy this one. Donkey Kong Country 2 is another great choice of a great SNES video game. BUY IT NOW !

The Second Mario Dream
I often have been enjoying a lot of classic video games from the 80's that have really been resurfacing over the past few years. It really is wonderful to see older games feel fresh and newly exciting again. That truly has been the case for one lucky plumber, Mario. Nintendo really has done a remarkable job of reintroducing Mario games to the Game Boy Advance audience. It has done very much wonders for a lot of people, who are now enjoying the feeling of the most groundbreaking entertainment that has ever brought games to the home. Nintendo did it originally with Super Mario Brothers, and their sequel was opposite any of the classic Mario stories that had ever been told.

Super Mario Advance: Super Mario Brothers 2, is a restored version to the classic video game from the late 80's. The game features your option of one of four characters to control, Mario or Luigi, Toad or Princess Toadstool. The game is located through seven dream world stages and 20 different levels. The gameplay focuses in on a nightmare Mario has as he and his pals stop Wart and his henchmen including Birdo, Mouser, Fryguy and many shyguys from ruining the dream world Mario is stuck in. The game doesn't feature the traditional Super Mario gameplay, where instead you dig deep to pick up items to hurl at your opponents.

Yet, with all the goodsides, there really are a few downsides to this game. The graphics do seem a little bit out of tune, unlike their original NES gameplay, or even the remastered gameplay from the 1993 Super Mario All-Stars compilation for the Super Nintendo. Another problem is the controls. They sometimes can make it very difficult for you to hurl bombs and vegetables when need ed at your foes. Sadly, that does bring unfortunate problems in gameplay at times.

All in all, Super Mario Advance: Super Mario 2 is a great exciting twist to the original Super Mario Brothers saga. For anybody who hasn't tried this Mario game, it really just is worth it for the Game Boy Advance. It really is a surprise that just is a delight.

Graphics: C+

Sound: C+

Control: B-

Gameplay: B+

Overall: B- ... Read more

Asin: B00005B8FZ
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Action    5. Adventure    6. Classic    7. Retro Arcade   

Thomas & Friends Elevated Track Foundation
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Features

• Colorful graphics
• 10 interchangeable modular pieces
• Durable materials

Reviews (2)

Quickly Broken
We have so many Thomas train pieces and sets. Both of my boys love them so muchthey have been worth every penny...until now. These have wooden tops that the track is supposed to fit into.I thought it was a rather snug fit and found I was right when pushing in the track to the wood block it snapped in half.Two work fine and I know if I send the two broken pieces back Learning Curve will replace them but...what a pain!

Not the best choice
If you are looking to elevate your tracks I would recommend that you consider the wooden blocks instead or at least don't mix the two. The foundations are good for elevated track with curves since the foundation can rotate but I find them unstable and it is also annoying the they don't match exactly the hight of the bridges or the blocks creating little edges. ... Read more

Asin: B00000JIBG
Sales Rank: 29675
Subjects:  1. Wooden Train Sets    2. Train Set Accessories    3. Wood    4. Preschool    5. Construction    6. Building Sets    7. Vehicles    8. Trains   

Elmo in Grouchland
Average Customer Review:
Game Cartridge
list price: $29.99
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Reviews (7)

How deer they insult Elmo?!
Those other reviews I read were not super dooper. Now, I'm way Older than fore, and guess what... It still took me 5 years to beat this wonderfully designed game! The gameplay is just wondeful and so realistic! I mean, much more reakistic than the gamne sistems like Game cube and QXZbox and that other silly one! I sure do wish this work of Odin and Buddha and Zuess and Vishnu and Shiva and Prometheous were available when I was a little wippersnapper!

Elmo is so cute, and fun too!!
This game is so cute.A little on the easy side up to the laststage.I can't get past it!!I was not an avid player until recently.I am new to this stuff.I treated myself to a game boy color and love the Elmo game.It is so cute and very colorful.Each stage is easy to figure out.I recomend this game.

GeorgiaMom
I bought my 4 year old daughter a Gameboy recently and she became very frustrated with the typical games (Ms. Pacman, Mario, etc.) because shehadn't developed her coordination well enough yet to go very far in them.So I got this game hoping it would be easier to manuever. I'm glad I did.It is easy for her to move Elmo and jump over obstacles. And it is more"forgiving" in not taking away his lives so quickly. She isthrilled now that she can complete levels and move on to the next one byherself. I know she will soon become bored with it when she becomes moreadept at the Gameboy controls, but it has served the purpose that I wanted- an easy game that makes her like playing her Gameboy. ... Read more

Asin: B00001ZUMT
Sales Rank: 9055
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Action and Adventure    3. Exploration    4. Nintendo Game Boy (Gameboy)    5. Action    6. Adventure