Toy? The more the better. This can be applied in 6-year-old Yu, my kid. At the age of about 3, he was attracted by the world with myriad temptations. Since then, he has shown great interest in toys and would always bring back some every time after he go out. Previously, when we visited Disneyland in Hong Kong, he was so excited in the fairy world that he burst out a silly idea—“if I can wee-wee some toys out…”

Toy shark left desolated for characterless outlook

     Some days ago, I looked after Duoduo, son of my friend for a short while. To give the two kids a surprise, my friend brought a small 2-in-1 car with shark outlook, one of the Sea Land Amphibian Rover line, which can run both in water and on land.

     However, the kids do not gambol excitedly as I has expected. Yu looks at the little shark car in a casual way. Taking it on hands and failing to discover any fun out of it, Yu leaves the toy alone. His cold shoulder strikes me somewhat. Actually, I feel uncertain about the playing value of the small stuff.

     My friend only describes the outlook and simple operation method to me and then leaves it to us. Born in 1970s, I had not so many toys in my childhood expect peg-top or hoop. So the trendy electrical toys may not stimulate me. However, facing the music this time, I receive the toy and check it for a while. When I am studying the operation of the toy, the kids are intoxicated by robots and trucks, totally ignoring the shark car.

Stander-by hail the funny water trick

     “Let’s go! Our shark is swimming.” With the stick and the carrot I finally persuade the kids to the small pool in our home community, who show great reluctance.

     “Antenna can not immerge in water. Put the shark vertically. ” listening to my advice, Yu switches on the toy and puts it on water carefully. The shark car floats safely. Standing aside, Duoduo can not help making it move with the controller in hands.

     “Go…Turn left…Back,” Yu gives order just like a commander. Two big white bulbs on head, the shark stares with its wide eyes and shows its white teeth. Four powerful black wheels are its feet.

     “Look out! It runs into the wall. Slow down and come back!” Not noticing the surroundings, Duoduo only accelerates the speed to go forwards. The shark narrowly escaped crash. After a while, acting as wheelman in turn, the kids yell and rock their bodies just like sitting in a boat tossing by storm. Facing the gentle wind in summer, the shark arouses sparkling spindrift in the pool, heading forwards like a triumphal general.

      Our exclamation attracts passers-by, especially 3- and 4-year olds. They come and surround the pool, hurrahing at the funny play. Yu and Duoduo are then excited by crowd. Half an hour later, people leave gradually and my kids get bored with the toys. They leave the shark and run away for other fun.

Parent’s remark on advantage and disadvantage

     Outside world is still strange to kids under four years old, I believe. Lots of fresh thing would easily arouse their strong curiosity. Water and land use endows the shark toy great unusual playing value, so that it appeals to kids at first. Additionally, its delicate design makes it portable and its simple structure facilitates easy control.

     However, kids over 4 years old have developed a primary judgment on outside world, especially on toys. They will discriminate difference of playing value at the first sight. In view of this, the ordinary appearance of the shark car will not see great number of consumers. But if it comes with some music, stronger power or greater spray when moving, it may possibly be more attractive to kids.

     At present, with already numerous toys available in market, assembling function can not be neglected if you want to gain more shares for your toy. Assembling fun will develop kids’ ability in handiwork and give rein to their imagination. If some disassemble parts are included, it would see better effect. █