“Tinga Tinga Tales is an amazing series based on African folk tales. There’s a wide variety of toys, bright and colourful – we just weren’t keen on the price.”

Buy online  Bandai Tinga Tinga Tales 4-in-1 Collectable Figure Set

Price: From £9.13

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Introduction: Tinga Tinga tales is an amazing series currently showing on CBeebies and commissioned by the BBC, but made in Kenya and based on African folk tales from across the continent. Coming from the Tiger Aspect stable it has all the hallmarks of another children’s TV hit and – as such – merchandise like the collectable figures set is now appearing on the market.

We liked: there’s a wide variety of items to accompany the series, from the four-in-one collectable figure (aged three and upwards) to things like a water hole playset and elephant tambourine. They’re colourful, characterful, well-made and stand out in any toy-box just as the TV series stands out from the schedules.

We weren’t so keen: on the price, to be honest. Nearly a tenner for four plastic toys is a bit on the steep side, even if they are as good as these. And if your child isn’t skilled at imaginative play, these toys don’t generally ‘do’ much – which I admit might also be something of a virtue, especially as it means they require no batteries.

Overall: if you’ve a child into the Tinga Tinga Tales TV series you’ll certainly want to investigate some of the things in this range. You just might need some time to save up.

[Tim, Bringing up Charlie]