Opening the Wide World to Kids: Innovative 'Pretendables Combines Imagination, Learning-- and Future Careers -- In One Package You Are What You Read"

M.O.G. Kids, Inc., an exciting new children's educational product development company, is introducing one-of-a-kind Pretendables, the first book and toy set to combine a book, CD-ROM, toy and costume in a single, play-inspiring package. Based on the premise, you are what you read," this unique and clever concept invites children ages 3-6 to enjoy the story in the book, dress up in the enclosed apparel, role play with the toys and interact with their parents or friends.

(PRWEB) February 9, 2005 -- So what do your kids want to be when they grow up? Indiana Jones? Shaquille ONeal? The neighborhood doctor? The friendly fireman? With the incredibly innovative, developmentally appropriate and altogether fun Pretendables , anything is possible.

M.O.G. Kids, Inc., an exciting new children's educational product development company, is introducing one-of-a-kind Pretendables, the first book and toy set to combine a book, CD-ROM, toy and costume in a single, play-inspiring package. Based on the premise, you are what you read," this unique and clever concept invites children ages 3-6 to enjoy the story in the book, dress up in the enclosed apparel, role play with the toys and interact with their parents or friends. In this warm and wonderful way, Pretendables introduces them to exciting careers and adventures. Its carefully selected components and sweet story themes inspire a childs most precious gift -- imagination-while at the same time encouraging a love of reading.

Developed by former patent attorney Steven Fink, who dramatically changed careers after his personal experiences of 9/11, Pretendables goal is to open the world to young children. There is nothing else like this on the market," says Fink. No one is combining all these wonderful elements of a childs development, in a way designed for the ultimate learning and play experience." Fink developed the concept and wrote the books.

Pretendables has six themed activity categories -- Professional, Sports, Safety, Make Believe, Explorer and Public Service -- designed to encompass every aspect of a childs possible future career choices. They seemed to be a natural division of the way our society is broken down," says Fink. We wanted to present each career as having equal value." Each set consists of a colorful hardcover book, a delightful outfit or uniform that fits the books subject, interactive game-playing computer software that connects to the topic, and a theme-related toy. By donning a lab coat and stethoscope like book characters Victor & Vikki Veterinarian or changing into a safety vest and whistle like Sammy & Sharon Safety, children can become" one of the characters that they are reading about. Nine kits are being introduced now, with many more titles planned.

We chose fields that kids would get excited about," said Fink. Victor and Vikki Veterinarian is a great example because it teaches children about caring for others, while they also learn about different animals and the various responsibilities of a real veterinarian."

From Nightmare to Dream
Displaced from his home a block from the World Trade Center after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and frustrated with corporate law, Fink, who had invented everything from patented anti-car-jacking products to electronic novelty devices while in school, wanted to switch to a field that would provide an outlet for his creative energy. Fink's inventive juices flowed not only during waking hours but also during sleep, as the concept for Pretendables came to him in a dream.

What could be more important than creating opportunities for children to read, imagine and learn, while beginning to discover what they really want to do in life?" he continued, perhaps reflecting on his own change of course. Because of the time youngsters spend in front of TVs and computers and the preponderance of electronic/tech toys in recent years, opportunities for creative play are becoming more and more limited. Pretendables incorporates the best of traditional play in an innovative way that incorporates both low and high-tech elements."

The fantasy" or imaginary" play format is developmentally appropriate for the preschool age group and highly recommended by experts. Its ideal for children because it allows them to be anything they want to be, while developing language, social and problem-solving skills which help prepare them for school. Pretendables is also great for parents because it enables them to interact with their children through role play and reading. Pretendables positively impacts children in three different ways: It offers them immediate fantasy fun, supports ongoing development without kids even realizing theyre learning, and plants the seeds for the kind of future career choices that will help them become happy and fulfilled adults."

Bottom line: Kids love Pretendables because its fun, parents love it because their children are reading and learning and dreaming about what they can be.

Since its debut, Pretendables has received nine Preferred Choice awards from Creative Child Magazine, for excellence in promoting creativity in play and learning.

Pretendables book sets are available at www.mogkids.com and retail for a special introductory offer of $29.95.

# # #