Having imaginative children, I often get a glimpse into the life of cowboys lassoing wild pinto stallions.  I get to witness brave knights saving princesses from evil men.  On some days my children travel back into the times before Noah and walk with dinosaurs.  Other days they are zoo keepers tending to animals or missionaries in Africa fighting terrifying lions.  It is good for children to play.  It is good for children to be creative.  I often tell my children to “stop watching everyone live life on the television – go out, get up, dream about life, and live your own.”

Not only is it good to encourage your children to play but it’s also good to give them resources.  When our family got a box of Schleich animal figures to review for The Old Schoolhouse we were thrilled!  It was mostly because we were familiar with Schleich figurines.  My boys love to play with their knights and horses.  When we go into a toy store they always make a stop at the Schleich display.

Here is Andrew playing with his new Schleich figurines: Przewalskis Horse, SwabianHall Piglet Eating, Donkey, Dartmoor Pony, Asian Elephant Calf, Okapi, Gnu, and Gnu Calf.

Friedrich Schleich founded Schleich GmbH  in 1935.  They are the leading manufacturer of animal figurines and imaginative playworlds.  The figures are very realistic, definitely a true reflection of nature.  They are simply on a smaller scale.  One thing that I love about the toys is that they are simple and very durable.  They will not tear up.  They do not need instructions.  They do not need batteries.  They spark creativity.  And they will last for years.  My children love them.  Therefore, this mom loves them!

Schleich has over 500 items available.  Visit their site to see the collection.  And go here to see what others are saying.

Disclaimer:  As a member of The Old Schoolhouse 2010-2011 Crew, I received the above animal figures free of charge in exchange for an honest product review.   I do not receive any other form of compensation for the reviews posted on this blog.