SEASON’S NEW TOYS

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 December 1926, Page 8

SEASON’S NEW TOYS

The Christmas collection of toys and dolls issued by Dean’s Rag Book Co., Ltd., of London, will bring joy to many youngsters. It is gratifying that all these clever toys are the product of English talent and industry, and there is something about them tjiat proclaims this origin and at ihe same time fully justifies the preference for such toys, and for Britishmade toys in general. “Dismal Desmond,” the doleful plum-pudding dog with the spotted coat, drooping tongue, and lack-lustre eye is already familiar, and bids fair to be the most popular toy of the year. If your little niece or nephew has not already a “Dismal Desmond” you can be certain of making a hit by presenting one of these animals.

“Pete” is a Pekinese so Jifelike and so full of expression that it is difficult to believe it is only a stuffed toy. it has beautiful silky fur, and can be had in black and white, or in tan and white.

“Dormy” makes its appeal on quite other grounds, for it is of no definitely marked Zoological family, but is just a soft cuddly companion for sleepy toddlers too young to care for fine distinctions of species in toys. The “Bye-Bye Dolls” show traces of the panic influence; they are soft and squashy and cuddly, simply and strongly constructed in the brightest of colours.

“Chu” is a Chow puppy whose twinkling eyes and tip-tilted nose are completely irresistible; the phrase “as friendly as a lost puppy” might have been invented to tit this toy. The “Cresta” Dolls are plump bright-coloured creatures with velvet faces and round roguish eyes. “Ole Bill” is a walrus, and looking at him one wonders how the comical side of this animal has so long eluded the vigilance of toy designers. One of the toys that foreign manufacturers never .seem to set .]U;:C right is the bull-dog. “John Bull Junior” which is one of Messrs Dean’s productions, is an unmistakable bullpup of the true British breed, while “Rip” another Dean toy, is just as French as John is English. The “Elegant Dolls” are a really remarkable production. They not only live up to their name, but do full justice to their lineage, being the latest descendants of the House of Dean. •» Dean’s Patent Rag Books are also there in greater variety than .ev.er— Alphabets, Counting Books, and Train and Animal books galore —all having those washable, indestructible and hygienic qualities so essential in babies’ books, that have made them world-famous. —A.D.