Just in time for the holidays, the elves in the workshop of Build & Imagine founder Laurie Peterson are busily churning out an original toy that encourages kids to build, tell stories, and care about endangered animals. Peterson’s Marine Rescue Center play set includes Thea — akin to a 3-D paper doll complete with changes of magnetized clothing — and square- and triangle-shaped pieces that also connect magnetically to become the rescue center, where she works as a volunteer coming to the aid of a sea turtle, otter, dolphin, or seal. The 15 building panels are illustrated on the fronts and backs, and the child can use them to create a boat or a two-level building or anything in between.
The set comes in a sturdy, faux bois cardboard storage box, and it can join with the two other Build & Imagine sets — Malia’s Beach House and Day at the Beach — for more fun alone or to share with other builders, ages 4-8.
Build & Imagine Marine Rescue Center, $49.99, www.buildandimagine.com.
