Our own little beach monster

After the discovery of Theo Jansen's mesmerizing beach creatures (from the previous post), I realized I had to see and feel them up close. 

The beach launches in the Netherlands take place only in the summer, which seemed ages away, and it was hard for me to sit and wait. 

I needed something more immediate and accessible to satisfy my enthusiasm (and this was even before I knew that the Corona would hop in and lengthen the wait). 

To my surprise, I discovered there was a cute-looking DIY creature kit on his website. 

So I ordered... 

We received the package before the Corona outbreak, but we only got around to sitting and building it during the first lockdown. 

There was a lot of anticipation (mainly mine, the other family members joined in only to do me a favor).

As soon as we opened the box, however, their eyes suddenly opened and even some excitement was registered. 

The sight of all the monochromatic pieces arranged in rows made an impact, and when they discovered that the pieces had to be disassembled from the frame, cute arguments suddenly arose as to who would do what, and turns were set (a positive sign for sure).

The instructions in English, accompanied by explanatory illustrations, are not entirely intuitive, and in some cases, it took me a few minutes to decipher exactly what needs to be done. 

However, after going through the process once or twice, it went fluently. 

Once I figured it out myself and showed the kids what needed to be done, they got down to business quickly and assembled enthusiastically.

Because the design consists of multiple identical moving parts, it enabled each of the kids to have a go and even master the assembly process.

The 10- and 8-year-olds enjoyed the process very much. 

The four-year-old enjoyed helping to disassemble the parts and then began to lose interest a little until the creature was completely ready. 

From that moment on, he’s been the main operator of the new pet that joined the house, and it's a little hard for anyone else to play if he's around. 

The truth is, I can totally understand him - from the moment you watch the little creature move, it's very hard not to fall in love with it.

Love this insect like walk...

Things you should know

• It took us about an hour and a half to assemble the whole kit (including disassembling half a creature that was built the wrong way around, and we had to go back and start again).
• Although the pet can be operated by blowing on its fan with your mouth (very difficult), and also by using a manual that comes in the kit, a good battery-operated pocket fan increases the level of enthusiasm and the amount of engagement in the play.
• The purchase was made through the online store on Theo Jansen's website, but it can also be found on Amazon and all kinds of other online shopping websites.
• It cost us 25 euros for the kit itself + about 19 euros for shipping to Israel (shipping is very expensive).
• It took about a month for the shipment to arrive.

We had a great time!