I've decided to end 2005 with a couple of real stand outs. The first is something unique and beautiful that should delight most, if not all, Oz collectors and the second should charm the little ones. Okay, the big ones too!!
Bradford Editions brings us the Wizard of Oz Illuminated Mobile Collection. This is exactly the type of collectible that I love to see. It forgoes the stale Oz imagery and gives us something fresh and creative. The mobile will definitely be one of the focal points no matter how many pieces you have in your collection.
I have not seen the mobile in person yet, but Robyn Bodine was kind enough to provide a picture of her partial mobile. Other that own this piece have been giving it rave reviews. (Click on the picture to see it larger)
Five sets complete the mobile that measures two feet long when fully assembled. Set number one is your mobile display hanger of the Emerald City with a luminous rainbow arching overhead. The Emerald City is followed by strands of "jewels" with Oz characters or icons. Amongst all the strands is spiraling yellow brick road in the shape of a tornado. I think incorporating the tornado shape into the yellow brick road was a very clever way to get across two ideas at once. Except for the Wizard, all of the major Oz characters are included. This gorgeous piece is sure to be on many collectors' want lists.
Thank you Robyn for sharing the pic of your mobile. Those interested in purchasing may contact Karen Owens of Storyland Collectables at storylandmi@aol.com
Most Oz items in recent years have been geared toward "collectors". There doesn't seem to be much Oz merchandise that is really meant for play. L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Block Buddies allows children to re-enact scenes from the book or the movie or they can create their own Ozian adventures. Mega Blocks' playset is sure to stimulate imagination. This 15 piece musical set has been honored with awards from the National Parenting Center and Creative Child Magazine. Included are light up articulated figures, the Emerald City, yellow brick road, and Wicked Witch's tower. It is priced around $30 - $40 and looks like a great alternative to computers and t.v.
This concludes my review of 2005. By no means is this a complete list of last year's releases. I wanted to highlight several collectibles that I felt were particularly outstanding and many of the product lines carry over into this year. There's already been some exciting announcements for 2006 and I know there will be surprises to keep us on our toes. Please keep checking back for 2006 news.
