K'nexing the pieces creates a masterpiece.

• Position: WHAT'S NEW? - K'nex Thrill Rides and K'nex Elmo's Space Adventure Set - Brief article

Starting with a pile of small, yet colorful, plastic pieces, and ending with a masterpiece is the beauty of construction sets. Inspiring creativity and building self-confidence, the sense of pride upon completion is palpable among users of K'nex products from K'nex Brands, L.P., Hatfield, Pa. From kits sporting lovable Sesame Street friends to licensed NASCAR collections to the Thrill Rides line, K'nex models motivate children of all ages-and adults, too-to replicate the scene on the package or craft their own invention.

The Light-Up Ferris Wheel ($49.99) is a motorized building set that includes more than 525 pieces with color-coded instructions to construct this exciting ride, which stands over two feet tall. Inside the wheel, multi-colored lights spin freely to create a dazzling light show. The LED bar--spinning in the opposite direction of the wheel--has six preprogrammed routines, which can be customized with the push of a button. Appropriate for ages nine and up, the thrill ride requires two AA and three AAA...