There are some days that I wish my children were little again. It’s not that I don’t appreciate them at their current ages (I do!), its just that I miss the sweet, innocent, opinion-free (ha ha) days of their childhood years.
Both of my kids used to love to collect and play with plush animals. They were especially drawn to plush toys that resembled their favorite TV show characters. My daughter was especially fond of her Teletubbies, Barney and Arther plush toys. In fact we just stumbled across the Teletubbies when we brought some boxes to my father’s house to store in his basement.
There are so many super cute television shows for children these days, especially with channels such as Sprout. Whenever I babysit my nephew or my friend’s daughter we watch some of the shows on the Sprout channel.
One popular show is Pajanimals. This critically acclaimed pre-school show is from the Jim Henson Company. If you read my blog often you know that I love the Muppets, which are also from the Jim Henson Company.
Pajanimals has quickly became very popular since it debuted last fall on Sprout, which is a 24-hour preschool television channel. Pajanimals follows the adventures of adorable characters —Sweetpea Sue the pony, the excitable duck Squacky, the creative cow CowBella and the optimistic puppy Apollo. Apollo is my favorite (plush he’s green which is my favorite color 
).
These adorable friends go on fun and amazing adventures of discovery, modeling the skills preschoolers need to move through their days successfully, especially getting ready for and going to bed. After all, they are PAJAMA animals (Pajanimals).
The Pajanaimal characters were designed and built by the world-famous Oscar and Emmy Award-winning Jim Henson’s Creature ShopTM from original concepts by Los Angeles-based toy and clothing designer, artist Jeff Muncy.
The Pajanimals series even caught the attention of singer Celine Dion, who mentioned how much her babies’ love it and sang some the show’s “Lullaby” song on CBS’s The Early Show! (cue to 2:00)! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ0hrMffhPs.
Last month it was announced that the Jim Henson Company, Sprout and TOMY have come together to create Pajanimal plush toys featuring the main characters from the show – Cowbella, Sweetpea, Apollo and Squacky. The plush will be available at retail locations across the country starting in September.
I have had the opportunity to see one of the plush characters up close. I was sent Sweatpea Sue, the pony, to check out.
These plush are super cute. Each character is dressed in their pajamas and are ready to cuddle with your child or grandchild at bedtime or nap time (or anytime!).
Sweatpea is super soft and a lot larger than I expected (15″). I’m sorry that the photos didn’t turn out so well.
Look at her cute little nightgown.
Pajanimals will quickly become your child’s favorite. With the holiday season around the corner these would make the perfect gift for the little Pajanimals fan in your home.
I gave Sweatpea to our friend’s daughter. It was fun to see her eyes get wide like saucers when she saw Sweatpea. From what I’ve been told by my friends Sweatpea is her new favorite plush friend.
I think Pajanimals are a cute idea. They show children that dreams can be fun and every night can be a different adventure.
Here are some great Pajama Time Tips from Sprout and Pajanimals. Their Pajama Time Tips include:
Blow Off Steam
At the end of the day, allow your child to expend some energy by running around the house, dancing to music or tumbling on the carpet.
Calm Things Down
After getting the wiggles out, start the wind-down process. Calm activities like reading or listening to quiet music are great ways to transition your little bundle ofenergy into a calmer state.
Keep It Light
Diffuse end-of-day grumpiness with a playful attitude. Bedtime shouldn’t be a chore. Try singing the “Brusha, Brusha, Brusha” song as you scrub those pearly whites. Play Simon Says as you get into pajamas (Simon says take off a sock!).
Stay Consistent
Stick to a specific bedtime and lead up to it with a routine. A simple routine is best, such as: bathe, brush teeth and read a book. This consistency provides a feeling of safety and a framework to help little ones soothe themselves to sleep.
Snuggle and Share
Once your child is tucked in bed, those last moments before lights out are the perfect time to snuggle up and huggle up. Take a few moments to reconnect and reassure. Share a warm story, talk about the highlights of the day or the things you look forward to tomorrow.
Look for the new Pajanimals toy line from TOMY which not only include the cute plush toys but also other products like the Snuggle Up Story Mat (SRP: $29.99 for ages 2+). The toys will be avaiable starting on October at online retailers.
You can also find some cute Pajanimals age appropriate activities and downloadable games at www.SproutOnline.com/shows/Pajanimals.
Kimberly
*I received a free product sample in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way.
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