Barbie: Thumbelina movie and products

Barbie has gone "Green" in the celebration of Earth month (April) by creating an eco-friendly packaged product line up and eco-themed toys. I was excited to review a few of the eco-friendly Barbie products, and share them with you.
"Barbie Presents: Thumbelina" is the new DVD starring the classic character, Thumbelina, but with a new tale. Here is what the synopsis is:
Thumbelina lives in harmony with nature in the
magical world of the Twillerbees that’s hidden among
the wildflowers. At the whim of a spoiled young girl
named Makena, Thumbelina and her two friends have
their patch of wildflowers uprooted and are transported to
a lavish apartment in the city. Here they learn of
construction plans that threaten to destroy the land of the
Twillerbees! Harnessing the magic of nature,
Thumbelina sets out to prove that even the smallest
person can make a big difference.
This was a cute movie, with a good message. I thought that some of the language between the characters was a little demeaning at times. I think this movie is geared toward the older kids (ages 7 and up) just because of how the girls talk to each other. However, the message is that Makena is spoiled, so really her character is portrayed accurately. Otherwise, I think the overall message is a good one about confidence and teamwork. Suggested Retail Price: $19.99 for ages 3 and up.

The Thumbelina-themed toy line features a doll in 100%
recyclable packaging and a solar-powered gardening set with seeds for planting. Each garden activity features a flower pot, peet pellets, two seeds packets for grass and flowers, and an innovative solar-activated character to guide light to the garden. The wings of the doll move back and forth, which displays that it is getting the right sunlight. Packaged in 100% recyclable cardboard, girls can watch their garden grow with this easy-to-use playset.
My kids and I had fun planting the seeds. You have to let the water soak into the peet pellets, and that can take some time. Then, you stick the seeds into the dirt. The grass grows quickly, and it was fun seeing my children's reaction to their "garden."
Suggested Retail Price: $15.99 for ages: 3 and up.

My kids really had fun playing with the Barbie Blooming Thumbelina Doll! Thumbelina has her purple wings and stands inside of a pretty, glittering flower. You can pull down a button and the flower will close around her. Then, you push the button, and the petals open to see Thumbelina.
Consistent with the DVDs eco-friendly theme, all packaging is made of Kraft paper and consists of 100% recyclable cardboard, and the toy line includes special instructions to girls for recycling their packaging. I really think the doll is made with quality, and I like that she can be played with without the wings and petals, too.
Suggested Retail Price: 17.99 for ages 3 and up

Beautiful Blossoming Babies are so cute, and smell wonderful! These adorable
Twillerbabies are tiny babies that nestle inside a pretty
flower. Each Twilllerbaby sits upon a scented flower
pedestal that doubles as a wearable bracelet so girls can watch over their Twillerbaby wherever they go. Girls can also take out their Twillerbaby so they can play with her. There are six different Twillerbaby flower varieties for girls to collect, including a dahlia, daisy, hydrangea, rose, sunflower and tulip. My daughter loved wearing her Twillerbaby on her wrist and taking her out to play. I think this toy would make a great stocking stuffer or a goodie bag filler for a birthday party. Of coarse, this gift would be great just because.
Suggested Retail Price: $5.99 for ages 3 and up.

Here is a fun website that your kids can play a garden game, make a movie poster, learn how to make a flower crown and throw a Thumbelina Tea Party, get coloring sheets, and more.