Calico Critters-families of miniature rabbits, cats, pigs and other animals who live in a magical town called Cloverleaf Corners—are ridiculously cute. They’re small, they sport sweet smiles, have movable arms and legs, and wear teensy outfits that can be taken off and on (and removable clothes, if you have a little girl, means the toy will garner lots of play time).

In addition to the animal families, of course, you can buy houses, a school, a townhome, rooms and rooms of furniture, cars, baby carriages, books, plush toys and more.

My daughter, Belle, has a handful of families and a few small accessories. She likes them fine. They’re well-made. They’re darling. They encourage imaginative play.

But their smallness, to inexperienced fingers, can be frustrating. Trying to tie and untie some of the garb is like attempting thoracic surgery on an ant. You need the nimblest of digits. Preferably, very precise medical tweezers. (Read more…)