Zoob Jr. Express is anothermZoob construction set for kids. It has large parts in 3 colors. In addition to 31 parts, the set also includes: a locomotive pipe, a safety grate or cowcatcher. That’s what it was called in the Wild West, where locomotives like these roamed around a hundred years ago, scaring cowboys and cows. There are also 1 cute driver face, 1 large wheelset for the locomotive (with rubber tires), 3 standard wheelsets for the locomotive and carriage (also rubber tires). Unlike other Zoob sets, the wheels in this set come in pairs, on an axle, and not individually. The set also has 13 double-sided cards for creating another 28 models (not steam locomotives!). My youngest daughter prefers Zoob in the Jr. version. That’s why we gave the young builder this set for her 4th birthday.
Back in 1997, inventor Michael Grey introduced Zoob, a toy inspired by the science of motion and organism development. Zoob represents an acronym for Zoology, Ontology, Ontogeny, and Botany. Each set has rod-like pieces with joint balls and sockets on their ends. Each of these balls has small bumps on its surface. So the joints can both move and stay in a certain position if you need them to.
This innovative toy features a ball and socket connection system, mimicking the natural movement and design found in people, animals, and machines. With just five basic shapes, Zoob offers 20 different ways to connect them together.
Zoobs are great for helping children improve their fine motor skills. The pieces are small enough to easily manipulate and put them together. However, they’re not too tiny like some other toys, so it’s easier for kids who find small objects tricky.
