Fisher-Price still making wonders for that special time of life.

• Position: What's New?

Since 1930, Fisher-Price has operated with the goal of helping to make childhood special for generations of kids. They've held true to the founders' vision to create toys that fascinate and stimulate a child's imagination, and this year's crop is no exception. The East Aurora, N.Y., company brings us innovative learning toys, playthings based

on popular preschool characters, and, of course, our much-loved classics.

Boys and trucks seem to go hand-in-hand, leading to hours of imaginative play as they roll them around the floor, picking things up in the dump truck, and then spilling them out again. Now, boys can interact with a hard-working buddy: Matchbox Rocky the Robot Truck ($59.99). More than just a dump truck, this robotic pal uses sensors to come to life, as he talks and interacts with kids, and also tells jokes. He dances and flashes his headlights while he speaks and, when his work is done, he goes to sleep and snores. Featuring a rugged design and full-tilting bed, the truck uses load sensors to determine when Rocky is carrying cargo. Kids can dump the bed manually or make some noise and Rocky will do it for them. The exhaust pipe triggers him to stand, shake, and joke. His animated dancing makes him the life of the party and, with 100 phrases, Rocky always has a clever line. So, as Rocky says: "Shake what your mama gave you," and get up and moving with this engaging toy.

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One of the most recognizable children's characters is Elmo of "Sesame Street" fame. His gentle ways and infectious laugh mesmerize the little ones while at the same time amusing parents. Building on the huge popularity of the original, and to celebrate Sesame's 40th birthday, Elmo Live! Encore ($59.99) debuts with brand new content and the same silly humor. Elmo Live! Encore can sit, stand, open and close his mouth, and move his head back and forth as he speaks, wave his arms, and cross his legs. He sings the theme song "Sunny Days/' as well as "Somebody Come and Play," and, of course, fan-favorite "Elmo's World" With new jokes and stories to tell, Elmo also tries some tongue twisters. This interactive toy really holds youngsters' interest.

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Children won't be able to resist trying on Elmo's furry gloves and watching them shake and giggle as they tickle. Elmo's Tickle Hands ($29.99) vibrate when a child touches a surface and play silly sound effects and phrases. They come with a special DVD that helps kids learn Elmo's...