Mancala for Kids

It's called Mancala For Kids, but, aside from having the traditional playing stones shaped into plastic animal forms, it's a surprisingly elegant version of the centuries-old pebble-snatching pursuit. With its clasped and hinged board fashioned of solid hardwood, this game's equipment is finer than many deluxe sets on the market, and the simple classic rules are intact. Two players still scoop out stones from one of their wells, dropping one in each subsequent pocket and trying to collect opposing pieces. So, go ahead and call it Mancala For Kids--at least until your little opponent scoops up all your doggies, fishies, and widdle turtles and wins the game. --Tony Mason