CONSTRUCTION THAMES & KOSMOS’ Pepper Mint in the Fantastic Underwater Science Voyage is a story-based STEM kit that lets kids accompany Pepper Mint on an expedition to the Bermuda Triangle. The accompanying story takes the characters from experiment to experiment, and shows them how to power small machines with the help of water. The experiments teach kids lessons in mechanical physics, electric circuits, and physical science principles related to water and air. The set comes with the materials to build the boat and complete the projects, a full-color illustrated storybook, a step-by-step instruction manual, and a Pepper Mint figurine. With hundreds of building pieces and more than 20 models and experiments, The Big Engineering Makerspace is a comprehensive STEM experience. In five chapters, kids can explore different areas of physics and engineering design as they build functional models and conduct tests on them.
Kids can assemble HEXBUG’s Battling Boxing Robots, which are smart-tech, self-stabilizing boxers. Using the VEX Pilot app, kids control their robot’s actions, deciding when to use a swift uppercut or a jab. Kids can warm-up and get used to driving with the app by practicing on a mock-rocker bot before challenging a friend to an actual match. The VEX Robotics Gatling Rapid Fire Motorized Dart Shooter is a handheld STEM build equipped with eight rubber-tipped darts. Kids can fire on a series of targets during a battle against friends. Made from more than 200 pieces, the Gatling Rapid Shooter is compatible with the VEX IQ platform.
With the Bendy and the Ink Machine—Ink Machine Room Scene Set, from BASIC FUN!, kids can collect and build the Ink Machine Room from the game Bendy and the Ink Machine. The set features construction toy stylization and includes three construction mini-figures. Each set is made from a traditional brick system that is compatible with most major brands. The set is inspired by the first chapter of the Meatly’s Bendy and the Ink Machine game.
42 THE TOY BOOK | JULY/AUGUST 2018 | toybook.com
Kids ages 8 and up can race in four-wheel drive with the LEGO DC Super Heroes App-Controlled Batmobile. Kids can place Batman in the cockpit, activate the motors, and use their smartphone or tablet to control the Batmobile via Bluetooth. The Batmobile can drive forward, backward, left, and right, in addition to making 360-degree turns. Friends The Big Race, designed for kids ages 7 and up, allows players to race go-karts around Heartlake City. The set includes three go-karts, three figures, start and finish lines, and unique features such as changing rooms and a VIP lounge.