TOLEDO—Like children at Christmas, the 4-year-old class at Guardian Angels Preschool at Toledo St. Thomas Aquinas couldn’t wait to get their hands on toys new to retailers this year. They waited in eager anticipation as the one2believe Bible-based toys were freed from their twist-tie shackles.

“I got Jesus, this boat and this,” says Brendan Knerr, showing off some of the plastic figurines representing characters from the Bible. “I like this stuff.”

Montana Crawford and Mina Skomer were sharing Joseph, Mary and Jesus from a Nativity play set that also included the wise men, stable and animals.

“I have the Jesus baby,” Montana explains. “And we have Jesus right there,” she adds, pointing to a crucifix in the classroom.

After receiving samples from the creator of the toys, staff from the Chronicle spent time observing the children as they snapped up the toys. New to store shelves this year, one2believe toys are available to purchase at Target.com and the toy company’s Web site, www.one2believe.com. The toys are also being marketed at select Wal-Mart locations across the country, however none within the Diocese of Toledo.

There are several different types of one2believe toys available this holiday season, according to the maker.

“Messengers of Faith” are 12-inch talking Bible character dolls of Jesus, Moses, Mary, David, Esther and Noah. The plastic dolls are fully pose-able, tell the story of their character and speak Bible verses.

“Tales of Glory Figurine Sets” are smaller figures that come in sets of Bible stories, such as Daniel and the Lion’s Den, Jesus Walks on Water and Noah’s Ark. Amber Rank, a preschooler at Toledo Guardian Angel, examines her Biblical character figurines.

Larger 14-inch action figures are made with boys in mind, including a huge Samson figure that can put almost any mass marketed super hero to shame.

The Nativity play set is complete with 17 figures, including several animals and wise men.

The dolls and play sets come with a simple Bible story representing the toys so it’s easy for a parent to help a child recreate the action. Some sets even come with a play mat to incorporate scenery into the playscape.

The one2believe line of P31 dolls are similar in size and shape of the popular American Girl dolls. “P31 dolls are designed to provide a Bible-based, Christian alternative to other secular toys on the market, and to encourage young girls to pursue biblical womanhood,” according to the company’s Web site.

P31 refers to Proverbs 31:20 — “She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy.”
Brenda Crosson, director of Guardian Angels Preschool, says the toys are definitely developmentally appropriate for age 3 and up as recommended by the manufacturer. She adds the toys are very good quality and durable.

The teacher especially likes the 12-inch figures because they are very substantial, making it easy for the children to grip and manipulate, Ms. Crosson says. The voices that are activated with the push of a button are also a plus, she adds. Because preschool children cannot yet read, the oral story helps reinforce the message while the child is playing.

“It’s a great way to incorporate the Bible into the curriculum,” Ms. Crosson says, adding they would be a great way to reinforce Bible stories at home, too.

In thanks for their help, the sample one2believe toys were donated to Guardian Angels Preschool.