The only parts of the business growing fast are computerised games and learning toys, which are often sold by specialist stores.

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As for toys and educational materials, Lakeshore Learning Materials offers one of the broadest selections--books, toys, paints, tricycles, climbing equipment and more--at decent prices, says Michael Olenick, president of Child Care Resource Center, a child care facility located in Van Nuys, Calif.

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Many of the learning resources, such as toys, booklets, games and drawings, were produced by the teachers themselves (sometimes with the help of students and parents) who used local fabrics and other non-expensive components, such as paper, leaves, wood, and clay.

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The title character, bored and frustrated with his work, toys with the facts of his charges' lives before learning that he may be next.

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