The imagination is an important part of human existence. As far as we know, there is no other animal that possesses the power of imaginative thought, thought that allows the existence of concepts and images solely within the mind, and their interaction. Imaginative thoughts are not concerned with everyday tasks like getting food and shelter. They transcend the normal world, and exist only for their own sake. The imagination is the basis for art and has been with us ever since man began to draw and paint on cave walls. He not only drew what he could actually see in nature, he drew also imaginary images from his own mind.
Man's imagination has allowed him to hypothesise and to exploit his environment for his own needs. Man's imagination has played an important part in scientific advance also. Men like Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein had vision that allowed their minds to develop concepts and principles hitherto unknown. The discovery of the chemical structure of benzene as a circular ring, apparently emanated from an imagined image of a snake turning on its own tail.
Imagination begins in childhood, and it is important for parents to foster this part of a child's development, and to allow the laying down of pathways in the brain that may lead who knows where in the future.
Traditionally, parents have read stories to their children at bedtime, stories of adventure or mythical beings that would encourage the child's mind to roam. Although this practice may not now be so common, children have television in their lives from an early age. This plays a big part in teaching them about the world in general, and also helps their minds develop by introducing fantasy with characters like Teletubbies, Muppets, and Smurfs.
Smurfs are a good example of fictional characters that are ideal for children to relate to. They are friendly, colourful little people, all in the same style, but with light variations, just like people in the real world.
Smurfs were created as a comic strip, and then a television series, involving the fictional world of a group of small blue creatures with human-like characteristics. These creatures are now available as models from a company called Schleich, and are popular worldwide, both as collectables and as toys for children. The models are superbly detailed, and hand painted to give the exact appearance of the originals.
The Smurf stories are simple tales of bold adventure that young minds can understand and that can fire their imagination and can encourage the notion of achievement in life. Yes, Smurfs may look funny, but they are unlike many staid impersonal toys in that they have character and really can spark a child's imagination.
Schleich Smurfs are an invaluable addition to a child's toy collection, and are just one range of models amongst many that the company produces for the delight and the education of children everywhere.
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