I received tons of Noah-themed toys when the Cat was born. They ranged from the more subtle plush cuddly animals to the board books that used words like “evil,” “lazy,” and “kill.” I was frustrated by the latter of course, since although I want my kids to know the Noah parable, I don’t think scare-tactics at newborn-hood is a good route.
The Parent Bloggers Network allowed me to receive free-for-review several pairs of animals from Caboodle! Toys LLC’s “Noah’s Pals” collection. These are not hastily put-together figurines. Rather, they are hand-painted 1:24 scale animals labeled with clever names, such as Zachary & Zoe Zebra
Each box has a map, habitat, description of real-life weight and measurements, family-name, and scientific-name. Inside each box is a unique code that when entered online helps track the collection of all the pals. Once a collector gathers and registers the entire series of Noah’s Pals, they receive a Caboodle! box of special, exclusive rewards.
The Wildlife Conservation Society receives 5% net proceeds from the sale of Noah’s Pals.
But what my kids cared about wasn’t the specific scientific data or the philanthropic partner. They cared that they were getting cool animals that they could integrate into their everyday play.
Spiderman now has a set of camel sidekicks, and Splig’s collection of jungle animals from his birthday party now has realistic-looking zebras. Derek & Delilah Dove
I haven’t introduced the animals as being part of the Noah parable. For now, I am watching the boys play with them as animals without a greater message. The religious origin of Noah is not front and center. These toys are more educational from a scientific perspective than a religious one, though of course they could be used as a teaching tool for the latter.
If I were a collector, I would gather them together in the ark, away from playtime, but instead I am letting the boys enjoy them. The only piece that has broken is Noah’s staff, which didn’t quite fit into his hand in the first place. The animals themselves are still in fabulous condition, despite being active figurines in two busy boys’ magical and sometimes forceful play.
The Cat has already begged me to get Peter & Pia Penguin
(The whole ark collection 
