The Bottom Line
- Adorable, plush puppy dressed in a sweet recital costume.
- Name and register your very own star.
- Secret code for accessing a virtual universe.
- Similar to other online virtual worlds.
Description
- Soft, loveable puppy dressed in a pink tu-tu and ballet slippers.
- Purchase includes the opportunity to register and name a real star in the sky.
- Includes a secret code for accessing the Shining Stars website, a virtual universe of games and fun activities.
- Ability to donate earned "glow points" to the Starlight Starbright's Children's Foundation.
Guide Review - Ballerina Bichon (Shining Stars) Review
The Shining Stars by Russ are plush pets, very similar to the popular Webkinz, that include a secret code for accessing a virtual online universe as well as the chance to register an actual star with the International Star Registry.
As soon as I saw the Ballerina Bichon, I knew my dancing daughter would fall in love with it. True to Russ quality, the Ballerina Bichon is an incredibly soft, cuddly puppy. The puppy has solid white fur and a sweet, innocent face. Dressed in a pink tu-tu, the puppy sits upright on its own. A pair of pink ballet slippers and hair bows complete the "recital" look. There is also an identifiable crystal-like star icon and embroidered Shining Stars logo on its paw.
The real show-stopper of this sweet puppy is the chance to name a star. Each Shining Star friend comes with the opportunity to register and name a star with the National Star Registry. Kids even have the chance to choose their stars' constellation. An image of the star, along with its actual coordinates, can be printed in the form of a fun certificate. I found the "virtual solar system" to be particularly educational.
Using the secret code found inside a sealed hangtag, kids can enter the virtual universe on the Shining Stars website. Inside the virtual universe, kids can send e-cards, play games, find several fun activities, and send wishes to friends and family.
As an added bonus, kids have the ability to earn "glow points," the official currency of the Shining Stars website. As glow points accumulate, hidden pages and secrets are revealed. Kids can also donate their glow points to the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, helping to better the world for seriously ill children and their families.
