Bump N’ Go

“Bump N’ Go” is something I’d highly caution against if you’re talking about real cars, or even if you’re in a supermarket with shopping carts!  However, if you’re talking about Bandai’s Pocoyo Bump N’ Go Car, I’d say, go for it!

Photo courtesty of Bandai America Inc.

Based on the popular Pocoyo CGI television series, Bandai America Incorporated has produced a cute product line of toys geared towards preschool children.  Though I am unfamiliar with this show (my kids have seen it and assure me that they’re adorable), what I appreciate is that the Pocoyo concept goes beyond the television screen.  It touches children’s and parents’ lives, as well as promotes a philosophy of curiosity, sincerity, interest, tolerance and respect – values which Bandai consider fundamental.  The Pocoyo Bump N’ Go Car is an electronic racing car that plays music while on the move.  It is supposed to stop, move back and make U-turns to keep going after it hits obstacles.  However, I found that the car seems to respond better when it hits bigger obstacles, such as furniture.  I appreciate the on/off button as the motor sound can be a bit loud, sometimes overppowering the music itself.  It also has a “silence” mode where you can turn off the music.  As a surprise, I found that included with this toy is a card that has a code for 10 days of free access to Pocoyo World and with the code, you will receive a virtual bonus gift.  The Pocoyo Bump N’ Go Car requires 3 AA batteries which are not included.  This toy retails for $24.99 and is appropriate for children ages 18 months and older.

Other exciting Pocoyo toys in Bandai’s product line-up (all appropriate for children ages 18 months and older) include:

SwiggleTraks:  This set encourages kids to learn through laughter.  It includes pieces that can bend, twist and extend to suit any child’s imagination.  It also has a motorized bridge that gives the tracks a dynamic “swiggle” action.  Pocoyo SwiggleTraks has been recognized as one of the top toys of the year by publications and leading parent’s organizations including:

·         Parents Magazine’s “Best Toys  of the Year” 2011

·         The Toy Insider’s “Hot 20” toys for holiday 2011

·         Parent’s Choice Awards Fall 2011 “Recommended” Toy

Pocoyo SwiggleTraks retails for $29.99.

Plush:  Available in both a 10-inch and mini 6-inch assortment, preschoolers can take Pocoyo and his friends anywhere.  These retail from $6.99 for the 6-inch to $12.99 for the 10-inch plush toy.

Squeeze n’ Play Musical Plush:  In this assortment, you’ll find Pocoyo, which includes his signature giggle, and his friends Elly and Pato.  You can squeeze the tummies of these 10-inch musical plush to hear familiar musical sounds from the show.  Each plush retails for $19.99.

Bath Fun Figures 3-Pack:  These 2.5-inch squirting and floating Bath Fun figures include Pocoyo, Elly and Pato and retail for $7.99 for the pack.

Bath Fun Water Taxi:  The Bath Fun Water Taxi set includes scuba Pocoyo, Fred the Octopus and Fish and retails for $9.99.

Bath Fun Traceables:  The Traceables are a set that includes a collectible figure (attaches to bath marker), washable bath marker and a chunky foam puzzle piece with a pop-out stencil – a complete set that allows your children to draw pictures and shapes for bathtime fun.  The assortment includes Pocoyo, Elly, Pato and Loula, each retailing for $9.99.

Pocoyo toys are available at various retailers including Amazon.com, Toys “R” Us and Walmart.  For more information about Bandai’s Pocoyo brand, please visit their website.

ABOUT BANDAI AMERICA INCORPORATED

A leader in introducing Japanese toy trends to the United States, Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc.  Global interests encompass four strategic business units: toys and hobby, amusement facilities, game contents & visual and music content.  Bandai America Incorporated is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children’s toys and entertainment today, including Power Rangers™, Ben 10™, Dragon Ball Z® , Harumika®, and Tamagotchi®.  The company is headquartered in Cypress, California.

Disclosure:  I received the Pocoyo Bump N’ Go Car for review purposes only; no other compensation was received for this post.   All opinions expressed are my own.