Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science    3. Arts and Crafts    4. Craft Kits    5. Painting    6. Painting Kits    7. Animals    8. Bugs    9. Geology    10. Activity    11. Construction    12. Models   

Editorial Review

How can your kids make funky, practical art while learning all about everyone's favorite insects? Beeswax Candles & Bee-havior spreads the word about the little honeymakers and includes five brightly colored, 8-inch-by-8-inch sheets of their finest wax, ready for candle-making. The instructions are clear and simple while leaving room for creativity; the only parental supervision needed is in cutting the wicks (and lighting the finished products, of course--beeswax burns hot!). --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Beeswax Candle Kit
I purchased this for my daughter as well as my niece.It was a total waste of money. The wax was difficult to use and most of it cracked.As an adult, it was difficult to work with the wax.I would not recommend this product to anyone.

Neat, sorta cool
This is a neat toy and it is sorta cool. I had alot of fun with it and you will to! I would reccomend buying it! Have fun!!

Great Craft
This book is a great introduction for making candles. While it is targeted towards kids, I had a lot of fun with it. I've been doing crafts for quite a while now, but this was my first candle making effort. The beeswax sheets were easy to use and the candles turned out better than I had hoped. If you are looking for an easy way to get into candle making or just want to make a few for gifts, this is a great way to get started. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Craft Kits    3. Candlemaking    4. Animals    5. Bees    6. Learning    7. Bugs    8. Activity   

Editorial Review

Your diary is a place to keep all of your private thoughts and feelings safe from the rest of theworld. It's meant for YOU alone. That's why diaries come with locks on 'em. With the Create Your OwnSecret Diary and Pen kit, you can add a whole new dimension to your diary by also expressing yourself onthe outside of it by decorating it uniquely. With the sparkling stickers, brightly colored cord, and fluffyfeathers in the kit, you can bring the plain white diary (with lock and key, of course!) to life in a whole newsnappy way. Don't forget to jazz up the pen, too! --Alison Golder ... Read more

Reviews (7)

don't buy this
If you were just dying to buy somthing you could buy this but it is not a good value and the lock does not work to well it is also very small.

Ripped Off
This diary is not what it looks like on the cover, either does the pen.THey should give spare keys because I lost mine.

Don't buy this!
This diary is a nightmare!We made the mistake of making it a gift from Santa for our 7 year-old.Now, we have to explain why Santa would give such a lame gift.The diary, itself, is smaller than my hand.The pages were all stuck together.I actually had to separate them page by page.It looks NOTHING like the picture on the box and, most annoyingly, the lock is absolutely impossible to open.Even the directions warn you that the lock is very difficult to open with the key.We're going straight out to buy a good old-fashioned diary.Shame on this company for promoting such a disappointing product! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arts and Crafts    2. Art Supplies    3. Craft Kits    4. Activity   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Alphabet    5. Games    6. Handheld   

Editorial Review

Creative, inquisitive kids will actually say 'wow' out loud to this mix of science, puzzle, art, and fantasy, as they work painstakingly to mimic the sharp investigators of the popular crime show, "CSI". This facial reconstruction kit comes with a featureless plastic skull totally stripped of identity. It's secured on a sturdy platform for easy reconstruction, using two pounds of good quality modeling clay and four plastic sculpting tools, all included. There's also a rolling pin and platform for flattening out the clay for certain facial areas. The contours of the face come to life with each dab of clay, and with the addition of removable, plastic brown eyes, a nose, and frames and spaces for ears and lips that will need to be filled in. A detailed CSI instruction manual tells step-by-step how to create the figure, even creating hair and eyebrows.--Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A NEW FUTURE.
Some children want to be coroner's or pathoelogist such as I.I do believe that this kit openstheir mind in complete experience. When a child that has this toy grows up it would be much easier for them. I highly recomend this toy.This toy will help future forensic workers by training them while they are young.

No Guts No Glory
My ten year old son thought this was a great idea for him for Christmas. One reviewer thinks children 8 and up shouldn't be watching adult themed TV shows. Well that very well may be so. My child is not allowed to view CSI. However, I think this kit is extremely educational. The children using it are not exposed to graphic television violence or visual portrayals of violence.
They are learning how faces are constructed which can lead to a number of promising careers down the line. I couldn't rate this product for fun or durability or ease of use because we haven't used it yet. I am buying it for my son for Christmas and plan to enjoy the time constructing together.

Real World Education
This is a toy which is very educational. The reviewer above who disclaimed it as nothing but blood and guts should consider the fact that we live in a real world, not Utopia. Exposing children to pointless violence is not a good thing, but teaching them any form of science and educating them is always a good thing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Animals   

Reviews (2)

Sea Monkey Fun
Thought a review in english would be appreciated!Very easy to set up - and easy to care for.Really cool to see how they hatch immediately and grow so quickly.They don't resemble the grinning illustration on the packaging ,of course, but still cool.And easier to keep than most pets!Very inexpensive introduction to science, and even my four year old is very interested.Hard to find extras like food though.Great value!

Por Favor: enseñen esto a sus crios!!!
La maravillosa expectación que creaba hasta los años 70's ver como estos bichos cobraban vida y la necesidad de cuidarlos diariamente y ver como crecian y encontrar entre ellos a un favorito era una experiencia que ignoro por que se ha perdido entre otros maravillosos placeres lúdicos de la edad infantil; recomiendo muchísimo a los padres, tíos y abuelos que regalen y luego acompañen a sus pequeños en la aventura de los "Sea Monkeys"; que aunque eso, el cuidado diario de una mascota discreta y fascinante sea su legado. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science   

Reviews (7)

deceiving!!!
If you are looking to add a microphone to your product then just purchase the microphone, NOT the microhpone with these two books.If you purchase this item then you are LIMITED to these two books!!If you purchase the microphone you can use ALL microphone enhanced books!!!My kids LOVE the microphone.It is great to hear their own voice and sounds.I give the microphone itself 5 stars.

Great fun for all ages
All three of my boys (21 months-11 years) love this addition to our Leapfrog.The 4 and 11 year old have no problem putting in the mircophone.The both enjoy recording and then playing back and then rerecording and playing back again.The 21 month old moves the pen-when he hears a beep he chatters something.He can also get it to play back.I gave it 3 stars for durable because the baby ripped the pages out of the book.

Great Fun!
This product was loads of fun.My daughter loved hearing her own voice and making sounds in the book.We never had a problem with the microphone, just the pen when she decided to chew through the cord.No worries Leap Pad replaces them for 5 dollars! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic   

Reviews (7)

Very small set
Our 8-year-old son wanted space stuff for Christmas and this was about the only set we could find. I couldn't tell by the picture how big the figures, vehicles, etc. were and the other reviews were not really very helpful since they were mainly complaining that the set was not meant for small children.

The set is actually very small. It is the equivalent to something you could find in a dollar store, but with more stuff and a nice storage box. If I had to guess how much the set cost I would say no more than $8...I paid $15.

On the plus side I was able to fulfill my son's wish to get astronauts and space vehicles for Christmas, although it was not exactly what we had in mind.

I AGREE
Having young children myself, please be careful in purchasing items for young children.If the manufacturer states the age is 6, don't buy this just because your child lives space.Buy a product more age appropriate for him or her.Also, don't rush it, they grow up fast enough :)

Mom of 5 1/2 yo boy and 3 yo girl

Hmmmm
These reviews are helpful but FLAWED the recommended ages for these toys is 6-11 and you are giving them to 3 year olds which causes me to wonder about the cognitive skills of those buying these toys but thank you for your story ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Play Sets    3. Space    4. Learning    5. Science    6. Astronomy    7. Pretend Play   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Math   

Reviews (1)

Educational, hands-on, visually stimulating
We purchased the Human Torso for our 6 year old son, who was constantly entertained by any form of organ or body part model he could get his hands on (dentist office teeth, heart and brain models at our church nurse's office, etc.) I couldn't decided on what single model to purchase, so I bought the whole torso.
It is very sturdy, easy to take apart and put back together, colorful, and well made. Price was comparable to single organ models, considering you get the whole body of organs. He was fansinated by it for a short time, but seemed a little embarrassed when a younger friend pointed out it's naked behind.
I want to note that it SHOULD have come with an "educational cd" for the computer, but all that was on the cd was an HTML of other products the company sells. That was disappointing.
... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science   

Reviews (3)

Awesome
Really great.I'm growing tomatoes and they are doing pretty good.Very cool.I will try to grow green peppers after the tomatoes are done.It waters by itself and that is really cool.It doesn't even need a lot of plant feed.I know this will be great for kids that like to grow plants.

Easy indoor gardening
Not only does this "toy" help you learn about hydroponics, it lets your grow your own plants indoors.I started lettuce and baby carrots and within 4 days they had germinated -- very quick!The greenhouse feeds itself; all you have to do is add more nutrient solution every so often and harvest your plants.This greenhouse isn't really a toy; it's too useful and interesting to be a toy.And while the box is slightly small and the "lid" part rather flexible, cheap plastic, it does hold up and certainly works.I'm very happy with the greenhouse!

Greenhouse
ITS AMAZING HOW THIS WORKS!!! FIRST INSTEAD OF USING SOIL IT USES A GROWING MEDIUM WITH NO SOIL. YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT 24 HOURS OR EVEN DAYS BEFORE YOU USE THIS YOU JUST POUR WATER ON TOP OF THE GROWING MEDIUM AND START PLANTING!!! YOU DONT HAVE TO WATER OR FERTILIZE IT BECAUSE YOU MIX THE NUTREINT MIX AND THE WATER TOUGHER AND IT WATERS AND FERTILIZES IT WHEN IT NEEDS IT. YOU CAN PLANT ALMOST ANYTHING FROM FRUITS TO VEGGIES OR HERBS TO FLOWERS!! THIS PROUDUCT IS GREAT AND I RECOMEND IT!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Sciences    2. Activity    3. Learning    4. Biology    5. Science    6. Games   

Reviews (18)

Sea Monkeys worked for me
My daughter (aged 7) was given a Sea Monkeys starter pack for her birthday. I was the one who read the instructions and started off the whole process of growing them. I used tap water (though Scottish tap water might be fairly pure) and didn't do anything outside of what the instructions told me. Within a week, we could see the teensiest evidence of /something/ inside the tank. The instructions were very specific about aeration, and I've been diligent about it since discovering signs of life. The result - one month later, we've got a thriving colony of about 40 Sea Monkeys and they are very entertaining and meditational to watch. I think they must be breeding, because there are several tiny Sea Monkeys swimming around. I would say that the current instructions included with Sea Monkeys emphasize the aeration element strongly enough, but that is THE key to enjoying a durable Sea Monkey colony. BTW, the method I use is to pour the contents of the tank into a jug then back into the tank, maybe 6-8 times each day (I don't have Million Bubbles). You can be quite coarse about this task, as that seems to introduce more oxygen to the water and they seem to be hardy little critters. Keep the tank light, but not in direct sunlight and don't overfeed them (if the tank gets cloudy, you've given them too much food), then I'm sure you'll create a healthy batch.

What are sea monkeys anyway?
My dad bought me a sea monkeys kit when I was really young. I fed them every week and waited so patiently for something to appear. Nothing ever did though. It was very disappointing. Sometimes I would look really hard to see them but I just couldn't. I became convinced that they were really there, but were just too small to be seen. They seemed to be more like imaginary pets (like kids have imaginary friends). What are sea monkeys anyway? Are they real? Maybe I'll try it again someday.

SEA MONKEYS ROCK, TOTALLY!
I love my sea monkeys to death! I asked for these other type of sea creatures like sea monkeys for christmas but instead I got sea monkeys, at first I was really dissapointed, but as I hatched my sea monkeys and watched them grow, I couldn't imagine buying anything else!They are really a good tutor for responsibility and pet ownership, my parents would never let me get a cat, or dog, or something else, so I use my sea monkeys as an alternative and as proof that I am responsible and can take care of a pet. I have just one tip: never place your sea monkeys near a stove or hot kitchen utensil. My friend got sea monkeys a long time ago and while her mom was cooking in the kitchen, she accidentally knocked the sea monkeys over into the hot blazes of the burners. SHE LITERALLY FRIED THEM TO DEATH! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science    3. Pretend Play    4. Gardening   

Subjects:  1. Learning   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Math    3. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    4. Electronic   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Math    5. Alphabet    6. Counting   

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Science    3. Geology    4. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    5. Electronic    6. Activity   

Reviews (10)

MATH MUST HAVE
My twin six year old daughters fight over playing with this handheld game and within a day they have learned the basic facts for 0, 1,2, and doubles.They've even challenged themselves with the lightning round and have gotten at least 8 points out of that!
This is a must have for a child learning their addition basic facts.This would make a great gift for a child between the ages of 5-7.

Dissapointed
I bought this for my son for his 4th birthday.I read a few reviews that had said it didn't work when it was opened but figured I would take my chances.My son had played with a different turbo twist game and really enjoyed it so I thought he would love it.I didn't realize it when he opened the toy, but when it is set on the loudest setting (which isn't very loud at all) the voice skips continuously and you cannot understand anything it says.He hardly uses it at all...

Arrived defective
I purchased this item in September as a Christmas present for my son.When it was opened last Christmas it didn't work, number dials don't respond and constantly responds as though dials are always set to 8 and 2.Inserting fresh batteries made no difference.If you purchase this product I would suggest opening it right away as the manufacturer warranty is good for only 3 months from the purchase date. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Math    3. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    4. Electronic   

Reviews (8)

Truly Great Educational Product!
We used the Seibun Hovercrafts in our school lab. (Newton's Laws of Motion, Friction, Inertia, Fan strength etc.). It is an interesting skirtless kit. It combines unique design and engineering and was a great hands-on model to use with my fellow students. (I'm the lab assistant). The Principal witnesssed the entusiasm in the learning when she visited our lab.
These kits are super cool for building interest and motivation in learning subjects otherwise challenging to teach.
We also found interesting labs online for Hovercrafts, mentionned on the instruction sheet. Made my (and the teacher's) job easy and EFFECTIVE!
Thanks.
P.J.
Kennedy M.S., CA

Coolest Science Kit!
I like this science kit very much and now I'm even actually getting an A+ on my science tests! My teacher was impressed and I entered it in the science fair!

It's GREAT!

Educational Thrill
Everyone in my class just loved my hovercraft project. I demonstrated Newton's Laws. The craft was a little challenging to build but I figure it taught me more that way. Overall, this hovercraft is AWSOME! I'm sure this kit will help me in some way in the future.
-Tildy ... Read more

Editorial Review

Practice makes perfect in the world of math, but practice ismore fun when it's a game instead of homework. The rules of this boardgame resemble those in Scrabble, but Smath is played by creating mathequations instead of words. The game includes a playing board and lotsof tiny tiles with numbers, signs for math operations, and brackets tocreate more complex equations, which players can place on the boardhorizontally or vertically. The game can be played at different levelsof difficulty, from simple addition problems to equations combiningoperations (for example, (2)(2 + 3) = 5 x 2). The game is for two tofour players at different levels of math proficiency, making this aneducational (but still entertaining) game for the entire family, theclassroom, or for home schoolers. --Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Smath is an intense game- if you make it that way
I remember playing this as a teenager. For a while, I mercilessly beat my younger siblings and yearned for a challenge. I thought it was one of the most simplest games made. One boring Saturday, my dad pulled out the game and we commenced playing. Dad and I battled, barely keeping ahead of the other. After 3 hours of brackets and numbers, we tried to goad each other into giving up and tried to trip the other up. I eventually won. It came with a cost however: Both of us had excruciating headaches. Funny thing is school math became easier. My Father still groans when he hears the word "Smath". From a Female Chemistry Graduate (requires a lot of math).

Smath Destroyed My New Years and Two Lifetime Friendships
It was a dark and stormy night.In a few days I would be returning to university from my winter break.With my family gone, I had the house to myself for New Years.Bored, I invited two friends I had had since I was 5 years old over to enjoy a nice stew I had prepared and hang out.Quickly bored with the stew, we raided my parents game closet for some diversion.We came up with 'Smath.At first it seemed an amusing way to pass the evening.So simple it seemed, Scrabble with numbers.But then the game began.It took 15 minutes of exchanging tiles before we were able to lay down the first equation.Tempers were already starting to rise.One of my friends berated me for thinking non-linearly to create a 413 point equation.Finally I relented, and put down a measly 12 point equation.It was then that we ran into an abyss that would shatter nearly 2 decades of friendship.A poorly worded rule involving the Bonus Squares led to conflict.We could not reach an accord.I suggested calling a friend to arbitrate our dispute, but was violently assualted with a berage of opposition that she was biased in my favor.With that we turned to the parent company, Pressman Toys Inc., hoping that therein might lie the answers we so desperately sought.But it was not to be.[...]Enraged, my two friends stormed to drive aimlessly around waiting for the New Year's drunks to enter their vehicles and drive them off the road.It is likely I will never see them again.'Smath has irrevocably altered my life for the worse.If you love your child in the least, you will not buy this game (if you can call it that) for them.Furthermore, as a patriotic American, I beseech you not to in any way support the tyranny of Pressman Toys Inc.And I sincerely hope that your New Year is better than the broken shell of a life that Pressman Toys Inc. and 'Smath in paticular has left me to.

great game for those who enjoy math
I purchased this game for my family and we enjoy it very much.We play with our 7 year-old son and he loves the game, sure he seldom makes it to the end of a game, but in the age of video game junkies getting him to sit down and play with math for 20 minutes is a miracle. I love how you can adjust the level of play by leaving out the multiplication, division and parenthesis for your younger players.The only complaint I have is that the rules state that you cannot combine tiles to make 2 digit numbers, making the largest number possible 12. We just instituted "House Rules" and that took care of that problem. This game is more durable than a very similar game that is twice as expensive. I love this game, and for someone who enjoys formulating equations rather than forming words, this beats Scrabble hands down. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Board Games    3. Learning    4. Math    5. Brain Games    6. Numbers    7. Activity