The pre-school market for television programmes is a highly competitive one and there is a lot of money tied up in merchandise such as toys, games and DVDs. A Bob the Builder toy is always a prized item amongst fans of the show. Originating in the UK, this animated series is also a hit across the United States, Australia and Europe. Children love to play with the toys and re-enact what they have seen on the show.
The stories involve various construction and repair projects for Bob to tackle. He is ably assisted by Wendy who runs the office and by his team of human like machines. The show is positive and cheerful and a Bob the Builder toy is colorful and fun to play with. Children like to dress up as Bob whilst they play, wearing the familiar yellow hard hat, checkered work shirt and tool belt.
Bob has many catch phrases and these are often incorporated into the toys. The theme song from the show, which was a chart hit in Britain, is also featured. The toys are made from durable materials and are easily handled by young hands. The collection of characters can be added to gradually. The busy builder carries a cell phone to keep in contact with Wendy and his other friends but he keeps forgetting to turn it on! A toy phone is available as is Bob's mobile home, where he relaxes between construction jobs.
Bob would be lost without his tool belt! A talking version is available, using five phrases and the song. It contains a helmet, hammer, wrench, fold out ruler, screwdriver and pliers. For children who like electronic sound effects, there is the Power Tool Set with a sander, a power saw and a gadget for vacuuming. The safety message is important to get across in any Bob the Builder toy and there is a pair of safety goggles in the set. The Electronic Activity Tool Bench will also keep the kids entertained for hours. There are plenty of lights and sounds to accompany the screwing, hammering and cutting and there is a detachable hammer and screwdriver.
Various characters in the show keep the children's interest in addition to Bob and these are also sold as a Bob the Builder toy. These include Dizzy, the orange trailer and cement mixer, who comes with a mixer that can be turned. Scoop the Digger is also popular, with a moving scoop, back hoe and magnetic rock pile. Jackaroo is the old, blue pickup truck and shy Lofty is the crane with a rotating arm. There are also click bricks to build with and blue, building dough to mix with.
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