These sturdy figures were originally marketed to schools and day cares, so they are meant to stand up to hard play and abuse. Children can stand on them, throw them, pound with them, and they will hold up fine. We've had them at my library where I am the children's librarian for two years, and they are like new. We also have the community helpers set. I like the diversity, both of ethnic groups and of gender roles. The only two things I don't like about this set are 1) the boy in the wheelchair has a ball, which sometimes interferes with what the children are imagining when they play with him. For instance, if they are pretending he is at a wedding the ball is not appropriate. The second thing is that they keep thinking the girl with an eye patch is a pirate, which is kind of cute, actually. I bought this set for our 3 year old girl, and four year old boy. I noticed when their GG (great grandma) was using a walker after surgery they played with the walker lady a lot, and referred to her as GG. So, these figures could be used either just as a general way to help little ones understand differing abilities, or to help them specifically process their feelings if a loved one has health changes that requires a wheelchair, walker, etc. My real kids at home, and my library kids, love to play with these figures.
Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]