J.J. Cardinal site navigation J.J. Cardinal site navigation
follow the link stretchy stuffpuzzles & brain teasers,   
outsidewind-up action,  kits & projects
puppetstoo fun, dino-land
rocks & minerals, explore-more 

it's a silly toy but still fun: "poppers" (see 'em below)

 

Kids (of all ages) have fun
learning about nature at J.J.'s!


Be sure to check out the calendar of events & programs - our activities are certain to delight and expand young minds of all ages.

Stay active and join the fun Mother Nature has in store for us!

stretchy stuff

the one and only: GUMBY!Gumby! the ultimate toy; forever cheerful, perky & quite the jokester. Proudly stands 6” tall, made of flexible green rubber. Gumby can sit, stand, hang on, twist, and bend. He'll listen to all your stories without interrupting. (He is) one amazing guy! Item# 4511. $5.95 PokeyPokey - Standing 4¾” tall (when standing on 4 legs). Taller when posed dancing a waltz with Gumby. Pokey is a bendable orange rubber wonder - handsome and proud, and very stable. (A staple for every toy stable?) Item# 4512 $5.95
Mr. BillMr. Bill - Ohh Nooo!!! For ages thirty-five and up. (The packaging says 3 and up, but what 3-year old would know who Mr. Bill is?)
Bendable, and poseable. What does Mr. Bill have to do with a “nature store?” Absolutely nothing, but we just had to have him just the same; after having spent the last 30+ years in the freezer, his friend, Ms. Sally released him! 5¾” tall x 5¼” wide. $6.95.

 

 

Want to see more? Visit www.mrbill.com

Links to fun Mr. Bill Video Clips & Public Service Announcments
Mr. Bill Presents: New Orleans - The Natural History
Mr. Bill Meets Shelly the Starfish
Mr. Bill Meets Rocky the Raccoon
and much more from Walter Williams....

see Mr. Bill in action! See Mr. Bill in action in Chicagoland!
1   2  3   4

It's Slinky...it's Slinky...fun for a girl and a boy!Original Metal Slinky®
Everyone loves a Slinky®! This original spring toy is famous with children all over the world. It stretches, snaps back, and makes a "slinkity sound." Dimension: (H) 2-¼" x (W) 2-7/8" Ages 5 years and up. Manufacturer's warning: Choking Hazard - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years of age. Made in USA. $5.50

Slinky® logoOne of the greatest toys ever: The Slinky® debuted at Gimbel's Department Store in Philadelphia, PA in 1945. The Slinky® was invented by a naval engineer, Richard James, who was conducting an experiment with tension springs. During the experiment, one of the springs fell to the floor and began to "walk." James and his wife, Betty, had a vision for a toy...hundreds of millions of the famed Slinkey® Toys have been sold since it's debute at Gimbel's.

Watch a vintage Slinky® TV commercial (link to Slinky® website)

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puzzles & brain teasers

memory gameBirds of North America Memory Card Game - This 100-piece memory card game is a great learning tool for ages 3 through adult. Knowing how to identify birds by sight is key to becoming familiar with different species.  $12.95

 

 

panoramic jigsaw puzzlePanoramic Jigsaw Puzzle - North American Wildlife Over 500 pieces. Actual size 11½" x 35½", $12.95
3d Mirascope3-D Mirascope - instant illusion maker. Create a 3-D holgram image. You won't believe your eyes...it looks completely real. But you can't touch it! 6" diameter. Item #79747.. $7.95 action in motion toySpinning Waterfall Tube - 12" tall. "Watch me fall" study in motion toy. $9.95
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outside fun

 6-way weather meter6 Way Weather Meter - measure weather by yourself! 1. rain gauge, 2. wind direction; 3. wind speed; 4. wind chill chart; 5. total rain; 6. temperature. Stands 6.5" tall. Model #283. $6.95
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wind-up action & puppets

"If you start me up I'll never stop" (says Mick Jagger)

Flip n' Spin Wind-up Action Lady Bug - Start Me Up! [try your best Mick Jagger imitation when saying that]
This little toy knows how to do back flips when stuck in corners, a handy trick we should all learn to master!  Overall size: roughly 2" x 2", and still just $2.59 each.

creativity inspiring Folkmanis® puppets

Folkmanis introduces new puppets in January and July of each year, and we have just about all of the new ones: camel, hatching dragon, flamingo, peacock, elephant, harbor seal, small wooly sheep, swan, brer rabbit, mini grizzly bear, donkey, eaglet in egg, red-legged frog, pet mouse, penguin, piranha, jack rabbit, loggerhead turtle, and mini velociraptor. The world-famous, award-winning Folkmanis brand has been recognized by nearly every parenting publication as one of the best toys of the year, including Parents, Child, FamilyFun, Parenting, Nick Jr., and Baby Talk. The overwhelming reason: kids (and adults) love them and can’t put them down. Stop in to see out new collection of Folkmanis puppets.
camelCamel - hand puppet - 18" long, workable mouth, #2532. $33.

 

Eaglet (in egg)Eaglet-in-egg - finger puppet - 4" long, retracts into egg, #2677.  $7.

 

 

harbor sealHarbor Seal - hand puppet - 19" tall workable mouth, #2537. $31.

 

loggerhead turtleMini Loggerhead Turtle - finger puppet - 6" long,  #2676. $9.

 

pet mousePet Mouse - finger puppet - 4" tall, #2674.     $7.

 

SwanSwan - hand puppet - 15" long, flexing neck action, workable wings,  #2543. $34.
red legged frogRed-Legged Frog - finger puppet - 5" long, #2673.  $8.

 

peacockPeacock - hand puppet 18" tall, workable tail, #2539.  $45.

 

Brer RabbitBrer Rabbit - character puppet - 20" tall, #2542 . $29. (Folkmanis says: Does not stand up alone as shown)

 

flamingoFlamingo - hand puppet - 22" Tall, flexing neck action, workable wings, #2536. $31.

 

jack rabbitJack Rabbit - hand puppet 21" tall, workable mouth, movable head and arms, back opening, #2429. $31. Mini Grizzly BearMini Grizzly Bear - finger puppet 6" Long, #2671.  $8.
DonkeyDonkey hand puppet 16" long, workable mouth, "kickable" back legs #2415. $33. VelociraptorMini Velociraptor - finger puppet - 9" tall, #2670 . $9.
small wooly sheepSmall Wooly Sheep - hand puppet 15" long,  workable mouth, #2535.  $19.

penguinPenguin - hand puppet - 13" tall, animate his head and beak. #2177 (baby penguin separate). $27.

piranhaPiranha - finger puppet - 7" long, workable mouth, #2678.  $9. elephantElephant hand puppet 20" long, flexing trunk action, workable mouth,  #2534.  $45.
to toptop hatching dragonHatching Dragon - hand puppet - 8" Tall, workable mouth and arms, #2544. $33.

too fun

Maple Landmark - quality woodcraft products made right here in the greater US of A!Maple Landmark Woodcraft of Vermont
Quality wooden toys and projects constructed by dedicated craftspersons right here in the greater US of A. 

American Made to American Standards - While much is being made of the dangers of imported products, there are alternatives. Maple Landmark crafts a wide range of wooden toys, games, and gifts following American standards of product safety, employee safety, and environmental protection. The shortcuts of doing it any other way are not what Maple Landmark is about. These toys provide the best in hands-on learning and exploration. Surely it is becoming an electronic world but children still need to learn basic manipulation and construction.

Pull Along FrogPull Alongs by Maple Landmark Woodcraft
Pull toys feature wobble wheel construction so they bounce and tip as they roll along. Approx. 5” long. Frog, #73102. $15.25
Maple Landmark Lace-A-ShapeLace-A-Shape - Made out of wood, making them very durable for years of enjoyment. Includes four shapes: monkey, fish, butterfly and bear (4 to 6 ½” high) per set plus four 52” laces. $26.00 Maple Landmark's pull-along bunnyPull Alongs by Maple Landmark Woodcraft
Pull toys feature wobble wheel construction so they bounce and tip as they roll along. Approx. 5” long. Bunny, #73104. $15.25
Maple Landmark tic-tac-toeTic-Tac-Toe - The maple board is approximately 4½" square, with a clearcoat finish for protection and durability. Colorful pegs, die-cut squares, model #50105.  $10.00

Learn Colors with Color Cube by Maple Landmark Woodcraft (right) - This is an easy take-along game for entertaining. There is more than one solution. #50240, 2-3/8” square. $8.50

Color Cube
Maple Landmark train-whistleTrain Whistle by Maple Landmark Woodcraft
All aboard! Get your train whistles here. Model #41297, great four-tone sound, 8½” long. $4.75
Maple Landmark Made-by-Me!Made by Me Kit (with a little help from Maple Landmark Woodcraft)
Kit includes a vehicle body, four axels, and four wheels plus smokestack on the engine. The bodies are approx. 4” long. Kids can decorate with crayons, markers, paints, glitter, etc. (not included). #78250, $15.25
growth stickGrowth Sticks by Maple Landmark Woodcraft
These growth gauges include two 24-inch scaled sections made from pine. The measurements are printed, and the finish is clear, making them easier to mark. Measurements go from 2 feet up to 6 feet. Available with dinosaur, #25225, or kitten, #25224 topper, $24.50
Maple Landmark puzzlesPuzzles by Maple Landmark Woodcraft
These 20-piece jigsaw puzzles are made from ¼” birch plywood, and fit in an 8 x 10” frame. Countryside Railroad, #42101, Train Station, #42112, and both $18.50
secret soundsSecret Sounds
Ultrasonic listener Ages 7 and up - Hear all the noises around us that humans can’t hear. Includes: listening device, bat sound emitter, and earphones. $32.00
radiometerSolar Powered Radiometer - 5½" tall - glass - harness the power of light! Based on actual drawings from Sir William Crookes (US Patent No. 182,172 granted on Sept. 12, 1876 "Apparatus for indicating the intensity of radiation"). $13.95

[read more about Sir William Crookes' invention at Wikipedia: link]

fuzzy face - magnetic artFuzzy Face
Magnetic drawing fun. Create a character; change hair styles, grow a beard, create some interesting faces with wacky whiskers! Contains iron filings and magnetic pen attached on string. $2.49
get creative or silly!

Buzzerks - fireant styleBuzzerks - the bug-goggles that let you "Look like a bug - see like a bug!" Flip forward the specially designed inner compound "bug-eye lenses" to see how a real bug sees.  Available in 3 styles: Fireant, Mantis & Hornet. $9.95

Buzzerks models sporting the new Mantis & Fireant designsEach Buzzerk features realistic insect features - antennae, spines, leggy earpieces and mandibles; and bright, eye-popping metallic colors. Special flip-forward, rounded prismatic lenses break up the visual world into sections just like an insect's compound eye. Seeing the world like a bug is a real "Wow!" educational experience, too!
Backyard Birds - a genuine paint & play bird setPaint & Play Bird Set - Paint realistic models of adorable backyard birds with non-toxic, water based paints. Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, Hummingbird, Chickadee. Set includes 4 birds, 6 paints, 2 brushes. (Model birds are nearly "life-size" - for example, the Cardinal is 5½" long from beak to tail x 4" tall). $17.95 (temp. out of stock)
colored pencils24 Colored Pencils by Faber-Castell - Brilliant colors, non-toxic, premium quality, and perfect companion to the variety of coloring books we offer. $6.95. Inquire at time of order about assortment of learning coloring books we offer. pin art“The original” Pin Art in Classic Black - Make three-dimensional sculptures in seconds. Design free-form art by setting Pin Art on the side and pushing pins forward to create your own shapes. $22.95
Electric Bug....discovery series from Middlesex University Electric Bug (above) - it's out of control! Discover how a tiny spinning weight is used to make your own shaking bug. Created by specialists who teach teachers at Middlesex University, England. (Completed kit requires one AA battery, not included.) $15.95
Harrisville Designs (logo)Harrisville Designs was established in 1971 to preserve the textile heritage and economic vitality that had sustained the village of Harrisville, NH since 1794. Beginning with a line of high quality woolen handweaving, HD soon branched out into handweaving and equipment: "Friendly Loom Products" to introduce children to the joys of working with their hands. pegLoom by Harrisville DesignspegLoom…weaving for beginners    The pegLoom is a great and affordable way to discover the excitement of real weaving. Winner of the Teacher’s Choice Award, and the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal “Best Toy” Award. pegLoom includes everything needed for a complete woven project! Hardwood loom with rugged nylon pegs, cotton warp string, bright colored 100% pure wool yarns. Plastic needle for easy weaving Illustrated instructions; recommended for ages 5 to 95. dimensions: 7” x 10” - Item# 530. $19.95
to toptop Lap LoomLap Loom by Harrisville Design - portable, handy - can be woven on while resting on a table, floor, or yes, your lap! Lap Loom includes: 12” x 16” hardwood loom, cotton warp string, 100% pure wool weft yarn, one tapestry needle, 2 wooden shed sticks, and complete illustrated instructions. Recommended for ages 7 to 97.   Item# 376   $39.95

J.J.'s dino-land

dino-videoDinosaur VHS Video - Based on the revolutionary book series, Eyewitness video Dinosaur is the ultimate guide to the natural history of dinosaurs. Narrated by Martin Sheen: the man who SHOULD be our next President! For ages three and up. $14.95 Eyewitness Books: Dinosaur Eyewitness Books: Dinosaur 
Discover the fascinating world of the dinosaurs and their evolution, behavior, and extinction. 73 pages, hardcover, full color illustrations and photographs.  $15.99
soft-dino-figures“Squeeze Me, I’m Soft” - Creatures from the past. Soft and huggable dinosaur figures. 6" to 12" in length. For ages three and up. small $2.75 and larger: $8.95 mini dino projectorMini Dinosaur Projector - Mini projector with three disks containing 24 awesome dinosaur photos. Project fierce dinosaurs on bedroom ceilings at night. Required 2 AA batteries (not included.) For kids age three and up. $5.95
Golden Books: DinosaursGolden Guide: Dinosaur - A classic guide for all ages. Paperback, 160 pages, full color illustrations. $6.95 Peterson Guides: DinosaursPeterson First Guide: Dinosaur  The concise field guide to more than 100 dinosaurs and the world they lived in. Paperback, 128 pages, full color illustrations. $5.95
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rocks & minerals

start a rock collection today! Start a rock collection, today!
All rocks: $1.25 each

(From right to left, top to bottom)
top row - quartz point, tumbled jasper, fuchsite, rough rose quartz, pyrite (fools gold!);
2nd row from top: chalcopyrite (peacock rock), rough orange calcite, tumbled sodalite, hematite, amethyst cluster;
middle row: chrysocolla, citrine, rubellite tourmaline, sandstone, orchid calcite;
4th row from top: banded agate, red tiger eye, tumbled adventurine, copal amber, jasper;
bottom row: silicon, fluorite, amethyst point, blue kyanite, snowflake obsidian.

Another great product from Mother Nature!
Each piece varies in shape & size - how big are they? Think golf ball-size.
Velvet pouch - ideal for holding your treasure - $1.50

breakyour own geodesBreak Your Own Geodes
Ages 8 and up; adult supervision suggested for children under the age of 12 Find hidden crystals. Contains 10 geodes. $10.95

geode sample - what you may find inside!
National Audubon's 1st Guide to RocksRocks and Minerals
A National Audubon Society Guide. Inviting and easy to use. A great deal of information in large colorful format. 160 pages, $8.95
great collector's box for rocks! (and other neat stuff)Collector’s Box
Heavy-duty clear plastic box with 17 compartments is perfect for rock collecting. Includes cards for each slot to write in name of specimen when collected. Length 10½" Width 7" Depth 1¾". $6.95  (out of stock)
great lil' reference: "Dig Into Rocks"Dig into Rocks
A little beginners guide for collectors. All the rocks we offer are featured in this handy book. $1.25
National Audubon's guide to Rocks and MineralsAudubon Society Guide to Rocks and Minerals
Photographs organized visually by their subjects color with thumb tab index makes identification quick and easy. Twice as many descriptions and color plates as any other guide. 850 pages, $19.95
rocks & minerals - a guide by Simon & SchusterSimon and Schuster’s Guide to Rocks and Minerals
Over 1,000 spectacular illustrations, 600 in full color, color photographs, practical and easy to use. Contains everything that the rock and mineral enthusiast needs to know. 607 pages, $17.00
Audubon's Guide to FossilsAudubon Society Guide to Fossils
Photographs organized visually by their subjects color with thumb tab index makes identification quick and easy. Twice as many descriptions and color plates as any other guide. 850 pages, $19.95
Peterson's First Guide series on Rocks & MineralsPeterson’s Rocks and Minerals
A handy pocket guide to more than 250 common gems, ores, and other rocks and minerals. Full color photographs, 128 pages, $5.95
A Complete Guide to Petoskey StonesThe Complete Guide to Petoskey Stones Everything you ever wanted to know about Petoskey stones. 70 pages, $12.95
Golden Guide: Rocks, Gems & MineralsA Golden Guide to Rocks, Gems and Minerals
Fully revised, and easy-to-use guide to the most common kinds of rocks and minerals with fascination information. 160 pages, $6.95
compact Audubon Guide to RocksFamiliar Rocks and Mineral of North America
Indispensable, portable pocket guides to the creatures, plants, and natural phenomenon you are most likely to see. 192 pages, full-color photographs, $9.00
to toptop see Petoskey Stone Polishing Kit below  »

explore-more...and dig dirt!

glovesKid’s Gloves (right) made of cotton duck, soft leather palms & knit cuffs: $4.95 the original Audubon birdcallsAudubon Bird Call - simple device ideal for attracting a variety of species. How does it work? Twist the birchwood roller on the zinc plug, and an audible "squeak" resonates. With reasonable care, and periodic re-application of rosin from the included capsule, the call will last a lifetime. $6.95

Meet the Backyard Bunch!

Manny - Kids Tools by Insect Lore™

 Flutter - Kids Tools by Insect Lore™

Tools for Budding Gardeners
Finally, gardening gear just for kids. Insect Lore™ has loved bugs and nature for 35 years, and children have loved bugs and diggin’ in the dirt for even longer than that. So Insect Lore™ took it upon them selves to devise some kid-sized, kid-friendly, kid-licious gardening tools that are just a bit buggy. Kids love ‘em, and you’ll love ‘em, too!

Kit includes: cushioned kneeling pad (keeps knees clean and happy!), kid’s gloves, hand shovel, and hand cultivator. Choose from: "Flutter the Butterfly", "Manny the Mantis", or $21.95 each

EthanWare® vests for growing explorers by Sally Bach

EthanWare® Adventure Vests 

Extra small, children’s size 2 - 4
Small, children’s size 4 - 6
Medium, size 7
Large, size 8 - 10
Extra large, size 10 - 12

Adventure Vest "hardware" included: compass, mini flashlight, magnifying glass, and tin whistle. Pockets zipper shut so child does not loose important items! Rugged, durable cotton blend twill. Colorful jungle-print lining. Roomy enough to be worn over a sweater or PJ's for the young naturalist who just can not bare thought of taking the vest off at the end of the trail! Skillfully hand crafted with loving care. $45.00 reduced to $22.00, available in small only.

Ant WorksAnt Works: illuminatedAnt Works Fascinations® - the perfect indoor habitat for ants, and it requires no maintenance. 3-D tunnels provide easy viewing of the ants as they work in their new habitat. Clear, non-toxic gel specially formulated for the nutritional needs of ants included. NO food or water required. Includes ant catcher, tunnel starter tool, magnifying glass, extreme zoom lens, instruction book, and interesting facts about ants. $22.00; with optional illuminator (right) $32.00
Solar Print KitSolar Print Kit - Contains everything you need to make your own solar prints including sun-sensitive paper, blank note cards, stencils, frames, and complete instructions. $14.95 sshhh.....curious mind at work
Moth, Butterfly & Critter HabitatLarge Butterfly, Moth and Critter Habitat - Features large 24" x 12" x 12" chamber, super-fine mesh screening for excellent ventilation and keeping out parasites, one side is clear vinyl for easy viewing of contents, and large all-around side zipper for easy access and cleaning. Folds into a compact little package when not in use. $16.95 medium-sized habitat chamber for bugs, moths, butterfliesMedium Sized Butterfly, Moth and Critter Habitat - Features large 12" x 12" x 12" chamber, super-fine mesh screening for excellent ventilation and keeping out parasites, one side is clear vinyl for easy viewing of contents, and large all-around side zipper for easy access and cleaning. Folds into a compact little package when not in use. $12.95
Tweber nature houses - for little handsSmall Clear-view Nature House 5½" tall, 5½" tall, 4½" wide, by Tweber
They've taken everything children love about bug containers and put it all together into one awesome house. Features: screen side for ventilation & a clear side for close-up observation. Cricket-proof mesh keep tiny critters inside, easy-tote handle, swinging door for easy catch 'n release. #TWNH009 $14.95
pop-up Porta-Bug "tent"Port-A-Bug from Insect Lore - A safe haven for observing friendly insects. Observe butterflies, ladybugs, and other friendly critters in the airy mesh habitat, then let them go! It's lightweight and escape proof - convenient nylon carrying handle. Port-A-Bug compresses back into its tote-sack for storage. Great for show-and-tell, field trips, and insect excursions. Approx. 6" diameter x 12" tall.  $9.95
Critter CabinCritter Cabin - perfect for storing treasures found during backyard exploration: bugs, crickets, grasshoppers, praying mantis, and more. Wood ends and base, fine nylon mesh dome. 6" tall x 5½" x 7½". $15.95

quick link to GoodPlanet kits (below)
it's a mighty GoodPlanet

tweeber insect collect kitInsect Collection Kit - Museum-quality exhibit case with shatter-resistant removable front panel. Contains beginners professional quality insect identification guide, spreading instructions, spreading board, tweezers, professional mounting pins, collecting gear and reference materials. Includes TWO EXOTIC MOUNTED BUTTERFLY SPECIMENS! For ages six and up. 17" x 24"
$54.95
Raise Praying Mantis!
Praying mantis are considered “beneficial” because they eat insects that often become garden pests:
update-mantis.jpg (4733 bytes)
aphids, scale, spider mites, white flies, etc. Praying mantis egg pods contain 50 upward to 400 mantis eggs, which will hatch, spread and offer protection around your garden and yard. $3.29 each or three egg pods, $9.50. Three pods will keep a typical 1/4 acre yard protected. Complete instructions are included for the gardener and for those wishing to raise a mantis as a "pet". Available January through May (as of 5/14/08: out of stock for the season - please "bookmark" this site for next year). More "benefical insects" » »
Whap! Gotcha'!Insect Catcher - a great way to safely examine insects and bugs in your backyard and beyond. Just slide button forward and open catcher. Move bugs outdoors, and release. 11” L x 2½" W $6.95
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kits & projects

Petoskey stone polishing kits

Hand Polish a Petoskey Stone Kit - includes everything you need to hand-polish a Petoskey stone in one handy little kit. Contains:
  • Petoskey stone slab
  • Wet/dry sandpaper (220, 400 and 600 grit)
  • Polishing cloth
  • Polishing powder
  • Complete instructions

All you need is water, a thick towel, a shallow plastic plate, and in no time, you’ll have a lustrous stone with the familiar six-sided Petoskey image. Polishing the Petoskey stone would be a great group or classroom project. $5.00 each

happy, curious minds benefit from Insect Lore exploration toys

ladybug land kitCuriosity
(near left & far left) Lady Bug Land: a live ladybug kit for $19.95 that shows children the four life stages of the ladybug: egg, larva, pupa and beetle. Price includes live ladybeetles. Learn, raise, release. Enjoy.

 

Live butterfly gardenLive Butterfly Garden
Watch and learn as your tiny butterflies turn into beautiful butterflies. Kit includes sturdy reusable airy butterfly garden chamber, certificate for five live butterflies that are delivered to your doorstep, butterfly food, and complete care instructions bursting with fascinating information.  $24.99
(Live butterfly larvae sent by manufacturer in 7-10 days, additional $3 handling charge.)

Insect Lore's Earthworm Nursery

Earthworm Nursery - from Insect Lore (left)
You've never seen a nursery like this before!  Hatch baby earthworms from real earthworm cocoons, then watch them dig and grow in the special greenhouse habitat. Kit includes: multi-chambered nursery, coupon for 15 - 20 earthworm cocoons (mail-in fulfillment - allow 1 to 2 weeks), growth soil, built-in magnifier, egg net and forcepts, and fun-filled fact guide. $24.95

 

Mini Butterfly Bungalow - New table top size Butterfly Bungalow brings the sky indoors for three live painted lady butterflies. Includes: cozy mini bungalow habitat, coupon for 3 caterpillars and food, and fun-filled fact guide. $15.95 (no photo available yet)

Mini Ant Hill from Insect Lore

Mini Ant Hill - from Insect Lore
Now a mini home that ants can dig, at a price that you can dig, too! Features cutaway half-hill profile for easy double-sided viewing, certificate for free ants (mail-in fulfillment - allow 1 to 2 weeks), fun-filled facts, and locking lid for safety. $8.95
Butterfly LifecycleAnt Lifecycleearthworm lifecycles frog lifecylesLife Cycle Stages by Insect Lore
Accurate lifecycle replicas of some popular creatures: ant, earthworm, butterfly, and frog (shown left). Also available (but not shown): Life Cycle Stages for ladybug, and praying mantis.  $4.95 each

6-sided puzzle

Six-sided Puzzle
Buglacious puzzling fun! Sixteen, 6-sided cube pieces make for six puzzles in one. Amusing, and educational bug lifecycle illustrations are printed on the inside for lasting durability. Features clear plastic cubes, bright fun illustrations, and neat information. $15.95
garden stone kitEnchanted Garden Stones
Just add water to the magic stone mix, shape the stones, embed the images under the glass pebbles, add ceramic tiles, sprinkle with fine prism glitter, and viola! Your enchanted stones look beautiful indoors or outside. Includes enough material to make four, six-inch sparkly stones. $21.95
planet frog from Uncle MiltonPlanet Frog
Live Frog Habitat - ideal for ages 6 and up. Watch as tadpoles transform into frogs. Includes coupon for live tadpoles by mail, vented, see-thru lid for safe easy viewing with built-in magnifier; break resistant and escape-proof design; easy to clean pond, and complete instructions. $26.00
kaleidoscope making kitKaleidoScope Making Kit
Age 7 and up Build your own kaleidoscope. Create millions of dazzling patterns by filling in different trinkets into the object chamber. The fun is unlimited. $12.95
design-a-petDesign-a-Pet - Ages 5 and up Kit includes: 3, sand-filled pets; water soluble paints; paintbrush; adoption certificates, and habitats for your pets. Lizard, Fish, and Frog, $12.95
Sara's photo of a triops (read on, partner)Grow Your Own Triops - a fun project

Triassic Triops - hatch and watch the amazing life cycle of these ancient creatures; they live just 20 to 90 days. Kit includes 20-30 cultured Triops eggs, food, hatchery, gravel, instructions, thermo-strip. $10.95

«« Sara’s Triops - a customer, Sara Thompson provided us with this enlarged photo (about 10X) of her one-month old Triops. They live about two months, lay eggs and die only to start the whole process over again. Triops are pre-historic creatures believed to date back 350 million years.

Triassic TriopsThey're alive!

Just add water.

Fiber fashion weaving kitFiber Fashion - Includes loom, knitting needles, and crochet hook, hundreds of colorful yarn, chenille and eyelash fibers, beads and spangles, designs and trendy accessories. Learn knitting weaving, and crocheting with this kit. Weave a purse, create a scarf; everything you need for fashion-forward designs. Loom size 11-13/16" x 9" x 7/8", contains lots of good stuff. $26.95 sea monkeysSea Monkeys Ocean Zoo
Ages 6 and up. Just add water, and watch ‘em grow! $12.50

Insect Planet: dragonfly model4 Cool Kits:

dragonfly   

Insect Planet  
Realistic wooden models of four insects: praying mantis, grasshopper, dragonfly, and monarch butterfly. Assembled sizes average 11" to 13½" in height and width! $8.95 each; collect them all (sorry - we're temp. out of stock of the mantis, below.)

Insect Planet: model mantis

 

praying mantis

Insect Planet: butterfly model

butterfly

Insect Planet: grasshopper model

grasshopper

 

[to toptop]

mosaic trayMosaic Tile Tray
11¼” x 7½” x 2”
For ages 8 to 98! Fun project for one child to do, or a family to do together. Includes different size tiles, colorful glazes, and wooden base  tray. $21.95
butterfly lampFlower and Butterfly Lamp
14” x 5”
For ages 8 to 98! Accent this sweet and petite table lamp with paint, markers, rhinestones, and glitter accents. Includes wood base, and light bulb. $24.95
wind chimeLucky Bamboo Wind Chime
For ages 8 to 98. Add peach and tranquility to your room or garden. $6.95
night lightSparkling Night Light
Perfect for nature lovers age 6 to 96!  Paint a plastic butterfly with sparkle 3-D paint. Bulb and socket included. $6.95
flower magnetsFun Flower Magnets
Cool project for anyone (ages 6 to 96); paint 5 chubby wooden flowers with super-strong magnets. $6.95 
beautiful butterfliesBeautiful Butterflies - Decorate dainty butterflies and display them in your bedroom. Kit includes three 10” x 7” butterflies, three 2 ½” x 1 ½”, hanging string, sparkle paints, shiny rhinestones, gem dots, hair clips, and illustrative guide. Item #1206. $21.95
Tie dye kitTie Dye Kit - It’s easy to tie-dye with this kit because the dye in "built-in" to the "ties". Just wrap and tie the fabric, soak in water, undo the ties, and be surprised! Everything included for sewing and stuffing a teddy bear and a heart shaped pillow. There are extra dye-ties to use with your own tee shirt, sock, or other projects. $16.95 paint flower potPaint a Flower Pot - Paint two 3.5" terra cotta flowerpots and turn them into pieces of art. Grow your favorite flowers in them. They are a beautiful home decoration, and a great gift, too! Ages four and up. $7.95
Paint a Tode Abode Kit for kidsToad Abode - Paint a resin toad house realistically or fantastically. Paint two toads too. They can play in and around the abode. Place your toad abode in your garden, on your deck, or even in your bedroom. Ideal for ages 7-97. Item # 1388. $10.50

If you would like to schedule an event for your scout group, child’s birthday party please give us a call.
Programs can be held at our store or at your location - assuming you're local to our area.
Call Louise for info (810-695-8733).

Bird House Kits - by Good Planet

courage not requiredBluebird houses are Ideal for bluebirds but enjoyed by chickadees, nuthatches and other cavity nesting birds too (entry hole 1½" diameter.). Design features: solid wood (pine or cedar), easy-open clean-out, plenty of ventilation to keep your house cool & drainage slots to keep it dry. Predator guards make it difficult for some critters to raid the box and damage eggs by extend the reach - they are effective so we include them on most all bird houses that we make. Kits are pre-cut, pre-drilled, with screws, nails, closure latch, sandpaper, and illustrated assembly plans. Tools typically required (not included): hammer, Phillips head screw driver. Note: Wood parts may contain knots and splinters.

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pinesolid cedarFlat Top Bird House Kit by GoodPlanet - includes solid wood pieces pre-cut, pre-drilled, lightly sanded, illustrated instructions, screws, nails, closure latch, & tiny sandpaper.

Also: side panel clean-out, roof vents, drainage slots, & attached predator guard. Finished dimensions: 10¾" x 5½" x 7" entry hole 1½" diameter. Tools required (not included): hammer, Phillips head screw driver. A great project for all ages!

Available in ¾" pine (far left) $19.95  or 7/8" cedar (near left) $23.95

 

see pictures of bird house kit "action-photos"

see our bird house kit assembled and "in action"
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bat house kitBat House Kit from Coveside Conservation - features a simple, single chamber that holds up to 20 bats. Features an extended landing pad and an interior covered with screening to provide bats with a maximum foothold. Also includes echolocation slot to help the bats locate the cavity. It's a great educational tool for all ages. It comes with easy-to-follow instructions and information about bats, pre-cut solid pine and all the hardware required (nails & mounting hanger). Overall dimensions: 16"h x 8"w x 3-¾"d. Boxed - great for shipping. $24.95
pre-cut parts Great Kits - Rewarding & Fun To Build!

GoodPlanet Squirrel Feeder Kit - solid ¾ inch pine, pre-cut, edges lightly sanded, pre-drilled. Rust resistant zinc-coated screws provided for assembly and mounting. Illustrated instructions included. A Phillips-head screw driver is required for assembly (not included with kit).

Dimension of back panel is 5½" wide x 11¼" tall. It's a great feeder for offering cob corn to squirrels and blue jays, and loads of fun to build! #GPSQ  $14.

squirrel feeder kit
1/2 of a cob of corn fits this cute-lil-squirrel-feeder perfectly!Cute Little Squirrel Feeder Kit - a great, simple but effective little feeder ideal for a quick project. Build it in less than ½ hr - and that includes the time it takes to dig out your Phillips-head screw driver! Cob corn is secured by "spike" - we use ½ corn cob  'cuz it's just a lil' feeder. Fasten to post, deck or tree. 5¾" tall x 3" wide x 3¾"" deep. $6.95   
cob corn: $2.95/doz. (about 5 lbs. of corn)

[more photos: Kits being assembled @ October 2005 Story Hour]

build a great feederThe Fly-Thru Feeder Kit from GoodPlanet is a great general purpose feeder which can be hung or pole mounted. Just pour in a few cups of seed to attract an array of birds: cardinals, nuthatch, woodpeckers, goldfinch, chickadee and more! Featuring solid ¾" pine. Pre-cut parts, solid all-screw-assembly, holes pre-drilled, and edges rough sanded. Finished dimensions: 9" x 5½" x 5¼".  $14.00
leaf press kitLeaf Press Kit from GoodPlanet. A great project to assist you in tree and plant identification. The secret? Place a leaf, flower head or other portion of plant that you wish to observe on a sheet of blotting paper (to absorb moisture as planet dries out). Cover specimen with another sheet of blotting paper and place it under moderate pressure. Here's where the "Leaf Press" comes into play: specimens can be stacked, sandwich style, with a piece of cardboard between layers (corrugated cardboard aids air circulation and drying process). Insert the "stack" into press and tighten wing nuts. Tip: experiment with many plant materials. Some plant stock that we think press well includes: Ivy, daisies, violets, pansies, ferns, clover, lilacs, baby’s-breath, buttercups, forget-me-nots, euonymus, and hydrangeas. Kit includes instructions, 2 boards 7-7/8" x 7-7/8", 2-½" machine bolts, nuts, washers, pre-cut cardboard and blotting paper.    $16.95

More leaf press info (this link is to a non-commercial site outside of J.J. Cardinal.com) »

you supply the oranges - fruit lovin' birds will supply the fun. How simple is that?Two-sided Fruit Feeder Kit by GoodPlanet
Kit is made from solid pine, edge sanded and pre-drilled. Stands 10" tall, 5½" wide. Roof spans 3-3/8". Holds halved fruit on 3/8" diameter spikes with perches. Includes screws and eye-hook for hanging.  $8.95 

[see our photo album for action photo ]

 

you'll feel like a woodworker after building a GoodPlanet kit!Our Kits are easy-to-assemble; all pieces are precut and predrilled, solid clear ¾" pine (or cedar if specified). Each kit includes instructions, appropriate hardware -- nails, screws, and hanging hardware when necessary. Makes great fund raising & educational projects for scouts and school groups. Wood parts may contain knots. just who is this "J.J. Cardinal"?J.J.'s Tip for kids
Stay curious, be constructive, and always seek out positive aspects of all things and all people.  Oh...and try not to pester your parents too often to bring you to J.J. Cardinal's. Just do good things around the house, clean your room. Rewards come to those most deserving.
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(See our orders page for more information regarding shipping carriers and nominal shipping charges)

how to order...Okay, admittedly we're "low-tech" - but what we do, we do well, swift, accurate and honest. Your order should be in transit in less than 24-hours, often same day.

J.J. Cardinal's Wild Bird & Nature Store ®
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12830 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc, MI  48439  810-695-8733
updated 08/14/08 illustrations, text & fun © J.J. Cardinal's 1992-2008
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