Best Grade-Schoolers Toys Of 2009

The Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid is part of the popular Bakugan line, a Pokemon-style battle games with a cool twist -- when you roll a "brawler" onto a magnetic "gate card," it opens up into a semi-unique shape. This model includes 7 Bakugan (specifically 1 Bakugan and 6 Bakugan Traps -- ask an 8-year-old to explain it to you) which can be combined to create... the Maxus Dragonoid! (Cue music.)

Available at Amazon.com for $34.45.

Spin Master Ltd.

The Hot Wheels Super Jump Raceway is another entry in the always popular Hot Wheels line. This time the cars are in an "urban jungle" where "only the fastest cars survive!" Yeah, whatever. What should really get the kids excited is that this is "the longest jump in Hot Wheels history." Awesome.

Available at Amazon.com for $44.99.

Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.

Dolls are fine but the Our Generation Doll gives you more -- two outfits, a book, accessories that are mentioned in the story, along with an 18-inch doll. What else do you want? Horseback rider Lily Anna, who comes with the "Adventure at Stable" book is pictured here; other styles are available.

Available at Amazon.com for $29.99.

Battat

What kid doesn't love a toy truck? The new Matchbox Rocky the Robot Truck combines good old fashioned truck fun with new features -- this truck can speak over 100 phrases. He even sleeps (and snores -- just like daddy!). But don't worry, parents, eventually the batteries will run out. As for daddy's snoring, you're on your own.

Available at Amazon.com for $59.99.

Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.

Wolverine made his Marvel Comics debut in 1974, but it wasn't until Australian song-and-dance man Hugh Jackman portrayed the be-clawed mutant in four smash-hit movies that the world at large discovered how cool the character is. With the Wolverine Electronic Battle Claw, kids can "snikt" their way to hours of superhero fun. (For those not in the know, "snikt" is the sound Wolverine's metal claws make when they emerge from his hands.)

Available at Amazon.com for $19.97.

Hasbro, Inc. 2009

If you look at a doll and say, "Wow, she's really well dressed," that's a sign that the doll-maker is doing something right. (It is also a sign that you need to get out more.) Each Liv Fashion Doll has 14 moveable parts, comes with two wigs (long and short), plus a code for more fashion fun online.

Available at Amazon.com for $17 (price is for individual dolls; accessories also available).

Spin Master Ltd.

The latest Disney Princess makes her screen debut in November 2009 in "The Princess and the Frog." The Disney Just One Kiss Princess Tiana Doll features the titular royal lady holding her amphibious paramour. But the prince's kiss won't come easy -- the doll shakes her head "no" three times, then plants a peck on his froggy cheek.

Available at Amazon.com for $24.88

Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.

Lots of toys are interactive. But how many of them attack? The Mattel Screature Interactive Dinosaur has an infrared sensor that helps it to detect whether you are friend ... or foe. Another feature is "Room Guard Mode," in which Screature protects your space from prying siblings, along with wandering velociraptors.

Available at Amazon.com for $26.97.

Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.

There have been many incarnations of Batman over the years, and "Batman: The Brave & The Bold" on Cartoon Network is the latest kid version. The Batman: The Brave & The Bold Batmobile merges the original comic book Batmobile and adds some new tricks, including transforming into a Bat Jet. Let us repeat -- it transforms into the Bat Jet! Get out your Bat-credit card and buy it. Now.

Available at Amazon.com for $34.99.

Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.

The movie came out in 1995, but a 3-D re-release in 2009 put Woody, Buzz and the rest back on top. Actually, let's face it -- they never left. The Toy Story Pop-Open Playworld allows kids to re-enact scenes from the movie in three locations: Pizza Planet (remember the Squeeze Toy Aliens? "I have been chosen!"), Sid's super scary Bedroom of Doctor Moreau, and of course Andy's room. Comes with two action figures: Buzz Lightyear ("To infinity and beyond!") and Scud, Sid's disturbing dog.

Available at Amazon.com for $39.87.

Courtesy of Mattel, Inc.