Driver Dan's Story Train

The hit CBeebies show Driver Dan's Story Train is centred around the joy of reading and sharing stories.  Young children are encouraged to pick up a book, explore the pictures, re-imagine the story and ultimately read it over and over again.  In each episode of the show, the hand-crafted toy characters take us on a journey aboard the Story Train where an adventure in story-telling begins.  Dan the Driver is a friendly Lion who guides the action and narrative and gives a voice to the stories.  He makes everything happen exactly how it should and is on hand to answer the other toys' questions.  When he says "All aboard the Story Train!" you know the adventure is about to begin.

Now, thanks to Golden Bear, pre-schoolers can enjoy the excitement and adventure of Driver Dan's Story Train in their own homes, with a range of wonderful Driver Dan toys.  I first saw them before their launch, at the Christmas in July event earlier in the year and I loved them.  The Story Train received the UK Mums.TV Mums' Choice  seal of approval as one of the Top Five Toys for pre-schoolers.

Golden Bear At Christmas in July

Now, the Driver Dan's Story Train is available to buy from good toy retailers or from the Golden Bear website, so your Driver Dan Fan can enjoy their own story-telling adventures.  I was very happy to be offered the chance to test one out for myself with Freddy, for Golden Bear.

The colourful packaging has a cut out where the Driver Dan and Twinkle figures can be seen, peeking out.  Freddy was immediately excited and couldn't wait for me to remove the train from the packaging.  I was pleased to see there were no awkward plastic clips or ties used, which are a pet hate of mine!  The toy requires 3 x AA Batteries which are included in the box...what a thoughtful addition that other toy manufacturers should take note of...thanks Golden Bear!

The set included the train, the story carriage with opening doors and book trailer, a fully articulated Driver Dan figure, a magnetic Twinkle figure and three story books.  The pieces felt strong and robust and the carriages coupled together easily but securely.  My first impression was of a well made and well conceived toy, true to the CBeebies show.

The books insert into a slot in the story carriage and Driver Dan tells the story.  They fit either way so there isn't any fiddly or frustrating technique for children to master in order to insert the books and hear the story. The three titles are The Treasure Hunt, The Hip Hop Song and Driver Dan's Present.  Children will enjoy choosing and listening to their favourite story.  The sound quality is good and easy to understand, using the voices from the show.  They are quite short and snappy, so don't expect a full length story.

Easy to insert books.

The Dan figure stands in his train and Twinkle sticks to the funnel thanks to a couple of well placed magnets!  The books store in the trailer, ready to be played.  The story plays both when the train is still or when it is being pushed along.  It is a good looking toy that is a lot of fun, especially when the child recognises the train from the TV show.

Articulated Dan Figure and magnetic Sparkle.

The books store safely in the trailer.

The Story Train joins the cuddly Talking Driver Dan, Pull Along Tallulah, Pull Back Vrooms and soft collectible plush toys all available to purchase direct from Golden Bear or from other good retailers.  Perfect for Christmas presents!  The Driver Dan's Story Train has an RRP of £34.99.

Check out goldenbeartoys.com for full details on their Driver Dan Story Train range, as well as their other super character toys featuring favourites such as My First JCB, Peppa Pig, Ben and Holly, Chuggington, Pingu, Thomas the Tank Engine and Timmy Time.   Whatever your pre-schooler's favourite, Golden Bear Toys can deliver the perfect toy!