LITTLE KIDS SOAKS UP NICKELODEON'S SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS� EXPANDING THEIR SEASONAL LINE UP

Providence, RI � February, 2002 -- Little Kids, makers of the award-winning No-Spill Bubble Tumbler, and Nickelodeon, the #1 kids network, announce a new line of seasonal toys based on SpongeBob SquarePants, the quirky comedy about a bubbly, off-beat sea sponge whose enthusiasm always gets him in and out of trouble. Jim Engle, president and co-founder of Little Kids and Jim Davey, vice president, Nickelodeon Consumer Products, made the announcement.

Since its debut in July 1999 SpongeBob SquarePants has become the #1 show for kids 2-11 according to August, 2001 Nielson Media Research. SpongeBob SquarePants currently airs 19 times a week on Nickelodeon.

"We have captured the essence of the show in each toy's attitude and design," commented Engle. "The property fits perfectly into a line of outdoor and bubble toys, with appeal for kids of all ages."

The new product line features five new products including:

SpongeBob SquarePants� Soak N Grow Spongies�

Soak N Grow Spongies are an impulse/novelty item for kids of all ages. These thin sponges, in the shapes of characters SpongeBob and Patrick, magically expand into full form when put into water. They are perfect for outdoor splash and water play or indoors in the bathtub or sink. Ages 3 and up. MSR $2.99.

SpongeBob SquarePants� Jellyfish Soak 'N Splash�

Kids soak, swat and splash with this outdoor toss game. It's modeled after SpongeBob and Patrick's favorite game of catching jellyfish. The nets have a spandex center and are sculpted to look like bamboo, capturing the essence of - Jellyfish Fields (where they go jellyfishing). A fabric jellyfish is included for kids to swat around! Ages 4 & up. MSR $7.99.

SpongeBob SquarePants� Dancin' Bubble Blower

This sculpted dancin' SpongeBob holds a bubble wand in his left arm. A simple press of a secret button makes SpongeBob "bring it around town" � dancin' and jumpin' while kids are blowing perfect bubbles � just like he does under the sea. Ages 4 and up. MSR $4.99.

SpongeBob SquarePants� Sno-Cone Maker

SpongeBob SquarePants Sno-Cone Maker turns ordinary ice cubes into a refreshing frozen treat. Kids drop ice into the SpongeBob SquarePants Sno-Cone Maker. With a simple crank of the handle, shaved ice comes out of SpongeBob's mouth! The toy comes complete with cups, spoons and a tropical punch flavor packet that when mixed with water creates a wonderful tropical taste. Kid powered and no batteries required. Ages 4 and up. MSR $11.99.

Little Kids is the Providence, Rhode Island-based manufacturer of fun & innovative toys. Founded in 1989, the company has won numerous awards for its toys including the No-Spill Bubble Tumbler, Big Bubble Bucket, Bubblin' Glitter BugsTM and Blue's Clues Bubble Blowers. For more information and store locations consumers can call Little Kids at 1-800-545-5437 (1-800-LIL-KIDS) or visit the Little Kids website: www.littlekidsinc.com.

Nickelodeon, now in its 22nd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 84 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic-cable network for six consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

Stephen Hillenburg created SpongeBob SquarePants.

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