Price Tag: $29.95/set of 3
Age Range: 9-24 months
Official URL: clarkthebabyshark.com

“Clark the Baby Shark” is touted as, “a reading toy designed for one-year olds to read all by themselves.” It’s an open and close toy “book” designed to allow toddlers to explore independent and faciliated learning. The “book” is meant for children ages 9 – 24 months. 

Upon first inspection, one may be puzzled by the plastic book shaped toy and may ask “Is this all it is?” But after reviewing the accompanying literature, it is apparent that this toy serves many purposes in the enhancement of a toddler’s development. This toy mimics the features of a book and allows growing toddlers to explore on their own and to enjoy guided prompting by caregivers. The simple two-page layout makes the format more accessible for younger children who might be overwhelmed with more pages.  All of this can lead to increased language development and object recognition.

Clark is a cute little character shown in his bathtub amongst common objects found in the bathroom. The single question, “What can Clark see in his bathtub?” allows parents to encourage an understanding of the names associated with household objects. Perhaps nine months is a bit young for this particular kind of recognition, but it’s probably never to early to start to nurture a love of language.

PACKAGING

The series of three titles: Clark the Baby Shark in the Bathtub, in the Kitchen, and in the Park come in a boxed set. The “books” themselves are non toxic, BPA-free and have a rugged chew-able handle and edge. This young-kid friendly design is perfect for those of us whose teething toddlers have eaten the corners of their board books. More durable than board books, more sanitary than cloth. 

BOTTOM LINE

“Clark the Baby Shark in the Bathtub” is a developmental learning toy for toddlers that is best marketed to parents who want a toy that will grow with their child and that can be best enjoyed together. Particularly for very young toddlers in the 9 – 12 month age. The benefits of independent learning seem less immediately apparent, however as the child becomes older and can recognize the objects that they see they can independently open and “read” these books to themselves while naming the objects that they see.