Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us

KIDS' CHOICE

Dec. 08, 1989, 12:12 p.m. ET

Tom Vacar has been `field testing' toys for 10 years. The consumer editor for KNX Newsradio in Los Angeles distributes sets of donated toys to 24 day-care centers in nine states. Teachers rate the toys' durability, learning value, ease of assembly, maintenance, safety, and - of course - fun. We ran Mr. Vacar's `Toy Test Hall of Fame' earlier this year (see story, March 13, p. 14), but felt it was worth sharing again. These are the toys that, year to year, rank the highest with children and teachers.

Barbie Dolls & Accessories (Mattel, age 3 and up)

Brio Toys (Brio, 3 and up)

Legos or Duplos (Lego, 3 and up)

Play-Doh (Kenner, 4 and up)

Etch-A-Sketch (Ohio Art, 4 and up)

Tonka Trucks (Tonka Toys, 3 and up)

Wagons (Radio Flyer, 5 and up)