Product Description

Get a cute plush toy that's a real "star!" A secret code allows you to log on to www.shiningstars.com, register and name a real star with the International Star Registry. The secret code also allows you unlimited access to the virtual Shining Star World. System Requirements - Pentium 111 800 MHz or higher, Windows OS 98/2000XP, Ram: 128MB recommended, Browsers: Internet Explorer 6, Netscape 7.2, AOL 9.0 with Flash 8 installed, Resolution: 800X600 minimum high speed internet recommended. Measures approximately 10 inches tall.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4576 in Toys & Games
• Brand: Shining Stars by Russ
• Model: 34430
• Released on: 2007-07-01
• Dimensions: 7.50" h x 4.50" w x 4.50" l, .45 pounds

Features

• Features a cute plush blue dragon
• Comes with a star motif on his paw
• Measures 8" tall
• Comes with a secret code in the tag to enable you to access the shining stars web site and name your own star
• A portion of the proceeds from each sale will also be donated to the Starlight Starbright children's foundation. So, reach for the Shining Stars and get ready to embark on a magical virtual journey where everyone can Wish Share and Shine

From the Manufacturer
Give a Shining Star to your shining Star.The Shining Stars byRuss is 8” plush, crafted in China with the finest materials.It is identifiable by the international star registry icon on its paw. A sealed hangtag containing a secret code allows you to log on to www.shiningstars.com, register and name a real star with the International Star Registry.You can then print a certificate and star chart, showing the exact coordinates of your star. This code also allows you unlimited access to the virtual shining star world.

Customer Reviews

Shining Stars
After purchasing the Shining Stars Dragon for a review on my website I was impressed with the quality of the toy itself. I have purchased many stuffed animals in my time and the quality of the Shining Stars toys are above average, although they are not perfect they are above average. The fur does not "tuft out" (come out in tufts when played with) like many stuffed toys do, the shedding of fur is minimal which is a definite plus as there is nothing worse than a bald stuffed animal! The only negative aspects of the construction of the toy for me were the presence of felt which in my opinion lowers the quality standard and the construction of the wings on the dragon. The dragon's "spines" and nostrils are both constructed out of the felt but since these aren't major aspects of the toy construction they don't worry me too much. The wing construction doesn't present a huge flaw, the stitching is the problem I have as it could and will be easily separated by a child trying to make the dragon "fly" but should the wings come unstitched that is no loss as they are still secured in a central location.
The website registration aspect of the toy is easy enough and the interactive backend of the "members only" section of the site is a fun process which can give minimal entertainment to a child as well as give them an opportunity to characterize their toy and give it a personality. While the star naming and star chart aspect of the Shining Stars may seem "cheesy" to an adult, I firmly believe it would be a fun and educational experience for a child.

Pros
Astrologically educational, Imaginative, Interactive and durable

Cons
Interactive website encourages sedentary activity.

Cute toys and concept, but "non-existant" customer service
We have been waiting over 2 months for username approval. No rejections or responses of any type from Shing Stars moderators. You need username approval to do certain things on the site (like have buddies, which is a "BIG" thing most of the kids want!)
The only way to contact them is through e-mail form on their site, 90% of the time you get a canned response. It took me 3 e-mails to even get a response from them (and guess what- they answer they gave implied it was a canned response or did not read the entire e-mail).
Stick with Web Kinz! At least there is plent of FAQ's on their site (something else Shining Stars has very little of)
It's not very compatiable with FireFox either.

I love my little Apollo
My husband bought me this dragon, and I named him Apollo after a friend of mine from Greece who is a power metal singer. Apollo is the cutest little stuffed dragon I've ever seen and his fur is so soft you can bury your face in him. This dragon is very, very, very well-made with the most adorable face I have ever seen on a stuffed toy. It is so expressive and comical I was laughing the first time Tony (my husband) handed him to me in the FYE store. He turned out to be the last little SS dragon in the place and we got him.

I took him to the Emergency Room with me when I went into breathing trouble and everyone was commenting on what a cute little dragon he is. One lady even wanted to get her own "Apollo" for her daughter. Others who have seen him have fallen in love with him, except the (obviously blind) woman who thought he was a cow with wings.

This dragon is even cuter in person than on this site and if you are a dragon lover, this needs to be in your collection.

Also, the star-naming feature is really cool and different and makes this toy not your average stuffed dragon. My star is in the "Draco" constellation and as for the website, I have made several pictures of Apollo in funny costumes (One picture features him in ballerina drag, as he is a male, it makes the whole thing even funnier!)

I highly recommend for dragon (and stuffed toy) lovers of all ages...too cool!