It's the gang from Shining Time Station--Thomas, Percy, James, Mavis, Trevor, and Harold the Helicopter--all lined up on a batch of oversized cardboard dominoes and ready to play. Using a simple, uncluttered style that children find appealing, the dominoes introduce even the youngest of players to two very basic versions of the game. Lightweight "dominoes" are just over 4 inches long and 2 inches wide, each one picturing a member or two of the cheery crew on a solid white background bordered in blue. They can be matched end-to-end, or played with additional matching options as the use of doubles is introduced. It's ideal for helping young players to develop visual discrimination and matching skills, as well as introducing them to the basics of gameplaying: taking turns, following rules, and sharing. --Julie Ubben
