posted 10-01-2003 10:03 AM               

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Action Products International Inc., a leading specialty toy manufacturer emphasizing educational and non-violent branded toys for children in preschool through primary grades, announced today that the Space Voyagers® astronaut figure line has been selected by industry expert Dr. Toy (aka Stevanne Auerbach, PhD) as one of the top 100 Best Children's Products and 10 Best Socially Responsible Products for 2003.

Designated by Dr. Toy as products that "provide children with exciting new learning tools that will help them not only to do better in school, but will also provide more constructive activities after school," the highly-detailed Space Voyagers figures, including Apollo Lunar Explorer Wolf Perry, Shuttle Mission Specialist Steel Jones, and International Space Station Scientist Mack Powers, were designed specifically for the specialty toy market, providing retailers with the opportunity to carry non-violent action figures with an educational twist that fits their store philosophy.

"[These figures] will help your child develop their imagination as they go on their own adventures in space," said Dr. Toy. "Children love the mysteries of space exploration and science and this is a great [line] for encouraging their learning."

As part of the award selection, the astronaut figures will be featured year-round on Dr. Toy's website (www.drtoy.com), accessed by "thousands of visitors daily from around the world," while gold award seals will be applied to packaging to notify consumers about Dr. Toy's endorsement. Joining previous Dr. Toy award winners including the Buzz Aldrin Ultimate Saturn V Rocket, I DIG Excavation Adventures(TM), and Kidz Workshop EZ Build Projects(TM), the figures are currently available through specialty toy stores, museums, theme parks, attractions, and online retailers.

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Action Products Space Voyagers line of astronaut figures and space vehicle playsets are available for order through buySPACE: