Some accidental discoveries have been made with many products after they were designed. They eventually become intrinsic features of the products over time. Some are discovered by me...some by our customers! Here are some examples (axamples) ha.

The bouncing hands and feet on our Platypus
The scrunching brow on our Storyteller (later applied to the World's Oldest man)
The moving arms on the DinoStar (when you tickle him)
The kicking legs of the BiG BaBieS
The trick pupil drawing on the Drawing Board (covering with arms)
The new pupil drawing from a customer (drawing bigger pupils then erasing)

What have YOU discovered about our products that you can share?

I love the way you make the Cheeky Monkey swing! Looks like the monkey is the one in control.

I've seen different performers do the "My face is stuck" bit.

My absolute favorite was shown to me by a ventriloquist named George on the I-Fest Vent Dream Team. (I forget your last name, George. Sorry!) He made the bulldog smile! Use the hand inside the mouth and stretch your thumb and little finger into the corners of his mouth, then lift. It looks hilarious, especially when you build up to it. "I'm teaching him to be nice to people. Show us a smile... (shakes head, etc.)"

A finger in the nose of the gorilla or orangutan can wiggle the nose just like a real monkey would. I've found that I can often use their hand to "catch" their own toes, so it looks like they are holding on to their toes. This is done while they are leaning over and standing on a tabletop or ventriloquist's stand.

Since he is a baby orangutan I have him suck his thumb. When I take that out and show his ability to use his feet as a hand, he starts sucking on his toe!

Does anyone have any lines for the bear's ability to stretch his neck really high?

Yes the face gets stuck
Inflate by blowing in the finger or tail face comes back out
Monkeys and Apes swinging back and forth
Monkey hands bent and grabbing things when moving around like the edge of a table - bam!
Rabbit's wiggling nose
Real McCaw's wiggling eyes

Any of the puppets are great for a staring contest with an audience volunteer, or even the whole children's audience. I have a breath holding contest with the dolphin. I generally only go 20 seconds or so. Don't want a child passing out!

When he takes a breath he "leaps" up high and dives back down.

Hi Tony
Spike my Bull dog is having trouble smiling like you suggested could there be a little more explanation and more details on how to make him smile. I want to do this for the sake of the kids who are afraid of him....H E L P!!!!

I did not explain that the pinky and thumb end up on the bottom side of the mouth while the other fingers stay on the top. You may find it easier to add the ring finger on the bottom with the pinky for support.

If you have the guts you can slice an opening and sew a deep pocket within the kangaroo's belly (reaching in via the pouch). This allows her to carry a considerable amount of small props.