Pretend Play Reviews

On a cheery carpet of blueberry-blue-and-white gingham, a sparkling porcelain tub stands ready for bathtime. An old-fashioned shower stand sits nearby. The bath tray, resting across the tub, is fully stocked with soap, shampoo, cream rinse, lotion, powder, and perfume bottles for after-bath pampering. A snowy towel is folded at the ready, and a shower curtain on its own stand provides privacy for critters in the buff. The Calico Critters Bathroom Set, which includes six furniture pieces and over 30 accessories, is so detailed that there's even a plug for the tub and plumbing under the sink. The slippers fit furry feet and the scrub brushes and toothbrushes fit into tiny paws. Crafted of high-quality plastic, these are working toys: cupboards open and close and the toilet seat raises and lowers. Even the mirror is made of top-quality glass. Everything you can think of is included, from the fabric seat cover to the cleaning supplies--and yes, there's an extra roll of toilet paper. A great choice for the discriminating designer who doesn't want to go overboard on price, this set is 1:1 scale and will fit many dollhouses as well as those in Cloverleaf Corners. --Julie Ubben