New for 2006, this lifelike white cub raises his paw and peers up as though gesturing to a fellow playmate. Five out of 24 retailers said these little critters were what kids craved.
— “The miniature animals from Schleich [are popular]. The kids enjoy them because they offer more imaginative play, there are no rules to follow,” said Warren Brown, owner of French’s Toy Shop Inc. in Concord, N.H.
— “They are fun, playful and realistic — the kids really seem to like them,” said Joanne Farrugia, owner of JaZams in Pennington, N.J.
— “There is a lot to choose from, we carry many choices and do more displays in the store on those,” said Steven Levy, owner of Toy City in Surry, N.H.