If it's round like a ball …

How do you improve on the design of a ball? The toy company Bill & Bud, Alameda, Calif., set out to answer just that question. Consider this: It's round and it rolls, you can throw it and catch it, and that's pretty much it. Yet, the problem they actually were trying to resolve is the frustration young children feel when chasing a ball that is just out of reach--and it rolls farther away.

They came up with the Rib-It, a soft and brightly colored ball made of lightweight material that crinkles when handled. Designed with soft ribs on the outside, it easily can be snatched from the air and won't roll too far if missed. The Rib-It Ball is available in 14-, 18-, and 30-inch sizes. For babies, there's the Mini Rib-It Ball ($14.99), which vibrates when the ring on top is pulled and chimes when it is shaken.

Also from Bill & Bud is the Zorp Rocket ($7.99). Made of a lightweight material similar to Mylar balloons, kids stuff the rocket into the launcher, blow it into the air, and watch it soar up to 30 feet.

They can be launched indoors or out.

Another variation on the idea of a ball is the Hyper-Flex Super Mondo from PlayVisions, Woodinville, Wash., which is so elastic, it can stretch to 10 times its size, yet always return to its original shape. At first glance, it looks like a smooth squishy ball, but with a quick flip, the ball turns inside out to reveal a soft spiky surface. You can wear it on your head, shoes, backpack, etc.

To learn more about Bill & Bud products, visit www.billandbud.com. For PlayVisions, visit www.playvisions.com.

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COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning