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Children's Travel Product Reviews


Sparky Backpack & Sparky Junior Backpack

By Universal Map
Reviewed by Carole Herdegen

Not only the winner of Creative Child Magazine's the 2004 Toy of the Year honor but possibly the best investment a parent can make and have handy when traveling with children! Actually, there are two versions of this "traveling school", one for youngsters ages 5-8 and a junior version for children 8-12. And, they are much more than a toy. They are truly an educational tool as well.

What are they? Each version consists of an attractive, quality made, child-friendly backpack made of transparent vinyl. But this is only the beginning. Each backpack contains a wide variety of children's activities, books, games, cards and other items to peak the interest and attention of any child approaching the stage of boredom while traveling by car, boat, train or plane.

The Sparky Backpack (for kids ages 5-8) Contained within the transparent backpack are children's books on travel activities, fun & games, road atlases, activity maps, map playing cars and coloring crayons. Not only will these items entertain but they will capture a child's curiosity with puzzles, brain teasers and details about the 50 United States, their state birds, trees, flowers and nicknames. In short, this toy is a complete package for both entertainment and education during the journey.

The Sparky Junior Backpack (for kids ages 8-12) The contents of this attractive, see-through backpack are similar to the Sparky Backpack; however, the books, puzzles, challenges, etc. have been designed specifically for an older age group. In fact, this is truly a traveling classroom because the children learn about geography and the United States while being entertained through the attractive, purpose-designed reading material.

Of course, all the items contained in the two backpacks can be purchased separately from Universal Map. Parents may find one, two or more of the activity books were so interesting and worn out after the first trip, replacements may be required for future travel or other children. In any event, here is a complete collection of action-packed books, cards and coloring tools to keep any child busy during any trip or extended travel.

I have seen the impact these backpacks with their contents have had in enthusiastically entertaining my grandchildren. It is no wonder to me why they have been proclaimed by Creative Child Magazine, the 2004 Toy of the Year.

To order the Sparky Backpacks click here.

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