PITTSBURGH -- Even if you and your child are not familiar with the hit movie “Cars” you’ll probably still love the interactive and fun “Mater the Truck” Ride On Toy inspired by the movie.

It is an adorable truck that your little one can sit on and push themselves around on (or if you’re up for it you can zoom them around, too!) It has many bells and whistles including moving eyes and engine cylinders on the front and a light up dashboard. It also has a realistic ignition and engine that kids can rev up and an animated screen that talks, plays music and teaches letters and numbers. It even has a ringing cell phone! There is a functional plastic tow on the back of the truck that kids can attach things to.

When Brendan (Age 1 ½) and Matthew (Age 2) first saw “Mater” they were ecstatic. They both ran over to it, Brendan jumped on and both boys started hitting all the buttons which made lots of noises and the boys started giggling like crazy. Matthew was nice enough to push Brendan around on it for awhile and then Brendan pushed Matthew around. Although the boys had to share the toy and we had to break up a few tussles it promoted teamwork and they seemed to like giving each other rides on “Mater.”

Under the seat there is room for storage so the kids put some of the other toys in “the trunk.” This is a fun toy that works both inside and outside and I liked it because it got the kids moving. Also, this is a great toy to help little ones as they are learning to walk.

If your child is a daredevil they might try to stand on the seat and drive at the same time like Brendan and Matthew did so there is a possibility they could fall off while standing (or sitting) as well. If your child isn’t into “Cars” or you’re looking for another type of ride on they come in other “themes” including Dora the Explorer.

Age range (12-36 months)

COMPARE PRICES (As of 11/24/08)

Target: $29.99

Toys-R-Us: $34.99

Have you played with this toy? Please share your comments with us below!

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