Silly Soccer

Ages 3 to 6; Approximate Retail: $24.99; Available: June 2003; Players: 1 or more

Silly Soccer is the latest addition to Milton Bradley's line of Silly Sports. Aspiring soccer players will get a kick out of the animated soccer goal as they attempt to get the ball into the net. To add some challenge, the motorized goal shifts from side to side just as a goalie would in an actual soccer game.

All the while, the animated goal keeps in the spirit of the Silly Sports characters with comedic banter. The player to score the most goals in a timed period wins the game.

Elefun

Ages: 3 to 6; Approximate Retail: $21.99; Available: June 2003; Players: 2 to 4

Elefun is a butterfly catching game that keeps preschoolers on their toes as they try to catch the butterflies that blow out of the motorized four-foot high elephant's trunk. Each player is given a net and the player who catches the most butterflies in the end wins the game.

This is a revival of a preschool classic, good for helping to develop motor skills. Elefun encourages self-directed game play for preschoolers and their friends.

Note: Hasbro did not have a booth at the Javits Convention Center; they displayed their toys and games off-site. I was unable to visit their showroom, so this information is culled from press releases.