Pete's Expert Summary
So, the Human has presented me with this... thing. It's a garish purple and teal plastic clamshell, which apparently opens up into some sort of underwater kingdom for two microscopic plastic figures they call 'Polly' and 'Lila.' From what I can gather, it's a carrying case for potential prey. The appeal, I suppose, lies in the sheer number of tiny, swattable components: little dolls perfect for batting under the furnace vent, a swing to be violently rocked, and a spinning octopus that could fling a doll clear across the room with the right paw-velocity. The dangling strap is a nice touch for ambush practice. Still, it's a lot of plastic nonsense to sift through. It might be a worthy distraction for a few minutes, but it will have to compete with a particularly enticing sunbeam, and frankly, the sunbeam is currently winning.
Key Features
- This adorable Polly Pocket Tiny Power Seashell purse compact is seashell-shaped (with a sprinkling of hearts and stars) and opens to an exciting under-the-sea mermaid adventure with micro Polly mermaid doll and Lila dolls.
- Discover and explore these mermaid activities and reveals: open the sea castle door to find a seashell throne; swing on the seashell swing; find a pearl in the clam; ride the surfboard that rocks on the wave; sway on the anchor (clip doll on); sit on the seahorse and spin 360 degrees; take a boat ride; place Polly or Lila doll in the octopus arms and spin it:; and twist the small starfish to spin the shark and turtle!
- Compact has a strap so kids can wear it as a purse or you can transform it into a fanny pack with a belt!
- With fun activities and accessories, Polly and Lila dolls are set for the ultimate under-the-sea mermaid adventure!
- Polly Stick technology lets kids stick the dolls anywhere on the purse compact. Just place the sticker from the sticker sheet (included) anywhere and the dolls will stick to the sticker.
A Tale from Pete the Cat
The offering was placed before me on the high-pile savanna of the living room rug. My Human made cooing noises, which I ignored with the practiced dignity of my station. They opened the plastic shell, revealing a chaotic diorama of nauseatingly bright colors. My tail gave a single, dismissive thump against the floor. It was an entire civilization of tiny, fragile things, presided over by two miniature humanoids in mermaid attire. I yawned, showing a flash of fang. Another monument to cheap plastic and fleeting amusement. I was about to turn my attention to a full-body wash when I noticed a detail: a tiny, almost-hidden lever in the shape of a starfish. A flicker of scientific curiosity stirred within my magnificent brain. I crept forward, my gray tuxedo blending into the afternoon shadows. Lowering my head, I regarded the tiny kingdom. The two dolls, Polly and Lila, were perched precariously on their plastic thrones. With the delicate precision of a surgeon, I extended a single, perfect claw and nudged the starfish lever. Below it, a plastic shark and turtle began to spin in a slow, pathetic circle. An interesting, if underwhelming, mechanism. But it gave me an idea. I was not a mere observer of this world; I was its god. A fickle, furry god of chaos. My first act of divine intervention was to test the structural integrity of the "seashell swing." I hooked it with my claw and gave it a sharp tug. The Lila doll, who had been placed upon it by the Human, was launched unceremoniously into the air, tumbling end over end before landing near the sofa leg. Excellent. One down. My gaze then fell upon the Polly doll, which was affixed to a rocking surfboard. I nudged the wave with my nose, creating a gentle tremor. Then, a more forceful shove from my paw created a veritable tidal wave, rocking the board with such violence that Polly was dislodged. She didn't fly, however. She remained stuck to the spot, thanks to some bizarre adhesive technology the mortals called "Polly Stick." A challenge, then. This required a more direct approach. I was no longer a god, but a kaiju, rising from the deep to wreak havoc. I placed a mighty paw directly into the center of the kingdom, my claws carefully retracted. I batted at the spinning octopus, turning it into a vortex of terror. I nudged the little boat, capsizing it. Finally, I returned to the defiant Polly doll on her sticky surfboard. This time, I didn't nudge. I swatted. The sharp *thwack* of my paw against the plastic echoed in the quiet room. The adhesive gave way. The tiny doll went skittering across the hardwood floor, a perfect, sliding target. I pounced, trapping her beneath my paw. The conquest was complete. As a toy, it was passable. But as a stage for my epic saga of destruction and dominion? Utterly sublime. I will permit it to stay.