Lego Juniors (also known as Lego Jr. and stylized as LEGO Juniors) was a product range of the construction toy Lego, designed for children aged 4 to 7 years old.[2] It acted as a transition from the Duplo to the regular Lego System. Lego Juniors initial release was on February 14, 2014, with the tagline Easy to build. It was the successor to the Bricks & More line released in 2009.[3] Unlike its predecessor, Lego Juniors offered specialized bricks to make builds look more realistic while using fewer pieces for an easier build.[4] The product line was discontinued by December 31, 2018 and rebranded as "4 " in 2019.[5] 

Lego Juniors
Sub‑themes
SubjectEasy to build
Licensed fromThe Lego Group and others
AvailabilityFebruary 14, 2014–December 31, 2018
Total sets67 (including promotional sets)[1]
Official website

Overview

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Each of the sets featured a small number of larger pieces, in order to be easy to build. The toy sets were marketed at children aged 4–7.[6]

Development

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Lego Juniors theme aimed to provide children to gain confidence, whether they are transitioning from Duplo or just starting to build with classic Lego bricks. Michelle Wilson, senior brand manager, LEGO Systems, Inc. said, "We know that construction play benefits young children on multiple dimensions nurturing cognitive and motor skills along with developing social, emotional and imaginative skills; we're thrilled to offer a new line to make it even easier for children to have a great first experience building."[7]

Launch

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Lego Juniors theme was launched at the American International Toy Fair in February 2014. As part of the marketing campaign, The Lego Group released thirteen Lego Juniors sets of a variety of sub-themes.[7]

Construction sets

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According to BrickLink, The Lego Group released 67 playsets and promotional polybags as part of the Lego Juniors.[1] The product line was eventually discontinued by December 31, 2018.[8]

Marvel Super Heroes (2014-2018 sets)

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In 2014, Spider-Man: Spider-Car Pursuit (set number: 10665) was released on 18 February 2014. The set consists of 55 pieces with 2 minifigures. The set included Spider-Man and Venom.[7]

In 2015, Spider-Man Hideout (set number: 10687) was released on 18 May 2015. The set consists of 136 pieces with 3 minifigures. The set included Spider-Man, Police Officer and Green Goblin.[9]

In 2016, Iron Man vs. Loki (set number: 10721) was released on 1 March 2016. The set consists of 66 pieces with 2 minifigures. The set included Iron Man and Loki.

In 2018, Spider-Man vs. Scorpion Street Showdown (set number: 10754) was released on 1 January 2018. The set consists of 125 pieces with 2 minifigures. The set included Spider-Man and Scorpion.

DC Super Heroes (2014-2018 sets)

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In 2014, Batman: Defend the Batcave (set number: 10672) was released on 18 February 2014. The set consists of 150 pieces with 3 minifigures. The set included Batman, Robin and The Joker.[7]

In 2016, Batman & Superman vs. Lex Luthor (set number: 10724) The set consists of 150 pieces with 3 minifigures. The set included Batman, Robin and The Joker.[10][11] was released on 22 May 2016.

In 2017, Batman vs. Mr. Freeze (set number: 10737) was released on 2 January 2017. The set consists of 63 pieces with 2 minifigures. The set included Batman and Mr. Freeze.[12][13]

In 2018, The Joker Batcave Attack (set number: 10753) was released on 1 January 2018. The set consists of 151 pieces with 3 minifigures. The set included Batman, Robin and The Joker.

City (2014-2018 sets)

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In 2014, the three sets were released on 18 February 2014. The three sets being released were Pizza Shop (set number: 10666), Construction (set number: 10667), The Princess Play Castle (set number: 10668), Race Car Rally (set number: 10673), Pony Farm (set number: 10674) and Police – The Big Escape (set number: 10675).[7] Later, Knights' Castle (set number: 10676) was released on 27 May 2014 and Fire Emergency (set number: 10671) was released on 24 October 2014.[7]

In 2015, the five sets were released on 1 March 2015. The five sets being released were Beach Trip (set number: 10677),[14] Pirate Treasure Hunt (set number: 10679)',[14] Garbage Truck (set number: 10680),[14] Supermarket Suitcase (set number: 10684) and Fire Suitcase (set number: 10685). Later, Family House (set number: 10686) was released on 18 May 2015.

In 2016, Police Helicopter Chase (set number: 10720) was released on 1 March 2016. In addition, Racer (set number: 30473) polybag set was released as a promotion.

In 2017, the two sets were released on 27 November 2016. The two sets being released were Demolition Site (set number: 10734) and Police Truck Chase (set number: 10735). Later, Fire Patrol Suitcase (set number: 10740) was released on 27 November 2016. In addition, Fire Car (set number: 30338) polybag set was released as a promotion. Later, Road Repair Truck (set number: 10750)[15][16] and Mountain Police Chase (set number: 10751)[15][16] was released on 26 November 2017.

In 2018, City Central Airport (set number: 10764) was released on 2 June 2018. In addition, Traffic Light Patrol (set number: 30339) polybag set was released as a promotion.

Ninjago (2016-2018 sets)

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In 2016, the two sets were released on 1 March 2016. The two sets being released were Snake Showdown (set number: 10722) and Lost Temple (set number: 10725).

In 2017, Shark Attack (set number: 10739) was released on 1 August 2017. The set consists of 108 pieces with 3 minifigures. The set included Kai, Lloyd Garmadon and Shark Army Great White.[17][18]

In 2018, Zane's Ninja Boat Pursuit (set number: 10755) was released on 1 January 2018. The set consists of 131 pieces with 2 minifigures. The set included Chopper Maroon and Zane.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014 set)

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In 2014, Turtle Lair (set number: 10669) was released on 27 May 2014. The set consists of 107 pieces with 2 minifigures. The set included Foot Soldier and Leonardo.[7]

Disney Princess (2016-2018 sets)

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In 2016, the two sets was released on 1 March 2016. The two sets being released were Ariel's Dolphin Carriage (set number: 10723) and Cinderella's Carriage (set number: 10729).

In 2017, Anna and Elsa's Frozen Playground (set number: 10736) was released on 2 January 2017.[13] Later, Snow White's Forest Cottage (set number: 10738) was released on 1 August 2017.[19]

In 2018, Belle's Story Time (set number: 10762) was released on 2 June 2018. Later, Ariel's Underwater Concert (set number: 10765) was released on 1 August 2018.

Friends (2016-2018 sets)

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In 2016, the three sets would be released on 22 May 2016. The three sets[20] being release were Stephanie's Car (set number: 10726),[10][11] Emma's Ice Cream Truck (set number: 10727)[10][11] and Mia's Vet Clinic (set number: 10728).[10][11]

In 2017, the two sets were released on 2 January 2017. The four sets being released were Mia's Farm Suitcase (set number: 10746)[13] and Andrea and Stephanie's Beach Holiday (set number: 10747).[13]

In 2018, the two sets were released on 26 November 2018. The two sets being released were Emma's Pet Party (set number: 10748)[15][16] and Mia's Organic Food Market (set number: 10749).[15][16] Later, Stephanie's Lakeside House (set number: 10763) was released on 2 June 2018.[21]

Cars 3 (2017 sets)

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In 2017, the seven sets[22][23][24] based on the Cars 3 film was released on 2 May 2017. The seven sets[25][26][27][28] being released were Lightning McQueen Speed Launcher (set number: 10730),[29] Cruz Ramirez Race Simulator (set number: 10731),[29] Guido and Luigi's Pit Stop (set number: 10732),[29] Mater's Junkyard (set number: 10733),[29] Willy's Butte Speed Training (set number: 10742),[29] Smokey's Garage (set number: 10743)[29] and Thunder Hollow Crazy 8 Race (set number: 10744).[29] Later, Florida 500 Final Race (set number: 10745)[30][31] was released on 1 August 2017.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018 sets)

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In 2018, the three sets based on the Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom film was released on 17 April 2018.[32][33][34][35] The three sets[36][37] being released were Pteranodon Escape (set number: 10756), Raptor Rescue Truck (set number: 10757) and T. Rex Breakout (set number: 10758).[38]

Incredibles 2 (2018 sets)

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In 2018, the three sets based on the Incredibles 2 film was released on 21 April 2018.[39][40] The three sets being released were Elastigirl's Rooftop Pursuit (set number: 10759),[41][42] Underminer's Bank Heist (set number: 10760)[41] and The Great Home Escape (set number: 10761).[41] In addition, Edna Mode (set number: 30615)[43][44][45][46][47] polybag set was released as a promotion. Each of the sets featured five core characters, named Mr. Incredible,[48] Mrs. Incredible,[48] Violet Parr,[48] Dashiell 'Dash' Parr[48] and Jack-Jack.[48][49]

Retirement of branding

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On October 22, 2018, The Lego Group announced that they would be retiring the "Lego Juniors" branding on December 31, 2018 and replacing it with "4 " in 2019. The Lego Group cited the reason as to make it easier for children to see which sets were meant for their age range. The Lego Juniors theme remains, however, boxes do not feature the logo and feature an all-colors design.[5]

Awards and nominations

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In 2015, Lego Juniors was awarded "Toy of the Year" and also "Preschool Toy of the Year" by the Toy Association.[50]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "LEGO Super Heroes 2014 Rumored Sets". thebrickfan.com. 16 September 2013.
  2. ^ "All About Bricks: LEGO Super Heroes 2014 Rumour List". allaboutbricks.blogspot.com. 16 September 2013.
  3. ^ "Lego Junior Instructions, Childrens toys". brickinstructions.com.
  4. ^ a b "LEGO Juniors to become 4 in 2019". Brick Fanatics. 22 October 2018.
  5. ^ "LEGO Systems, Inc. Unveils Hundreds of Building Sets and Complimentary Digital Experiences to Champion Imaginative Play in 2017". PR Newswire. Retrieved 17 February 2017.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g "LEGO JUNIORS Joins the Playroom". PR Newswire. 14 February 2014.
  7. ^ "Juniors LEGO Sets". BrickEconomy. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  8. ^ "LEGO DC & Marvel Super Heroes Summer 2015 Official Box Art Images". thebrickfan.com. Retrieved 23 April 2015.
  9. ^ a b c d "LEGO London Toy Fair 2016 Set Details". thebrickfan.com. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
  10. ^ a b c d "LEGO Disney Princess & Juniors Summer 2016 Official Images". thebrickfan.com. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
  11. ^ "Juniors 2017 images". Brickset. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  12. ^ a b c d "LEGO Juniors Winter 2017 Official Images". thebrickfan.com. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
  13. ^ a b c "LEGO Juniors 2015 Official Images Revealed". thebrickfan.com. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  14. ^ a b c d "2018 Juniors sets revealed!". Brickset. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  15. ^ a b c d "LEGO Juniors 2018 Official Set Images". thebrickfan.com. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  16. ^ "NINJAGO Movie Juniors set revealed". Brickset. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
  17. ^ "LEGO Juniors The LEGO Ninjago Movie Shark Attack (10739) Revealed". thebrickfan.com. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
  18. ^ "Summer Friends, Elves and Disney Princess images". Brickset. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  19. ^ "More LEGO Summer 2016 Set Names (City, Creator, Disney, Friends, Nexo Knights, Ninjago)". thebrickfan.com. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  20. ^ "LEGO Juniors Summer 2018 Official Set Images". thebrickfan.com. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  21. ^ "Disney Pixar Cars 3 confirmed for LEGO Juniors". Brick Fanatics. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
  22. ^ "2017 LEGO Juniors Cars 3 Movie Set Images 10730 10731 10732 10733 10742 10743 10744". toysnbricks.com. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  23. ^ "LEGO Juniors Reveals Some of the Speeding Cast of Disney's Cars 3". Brickshow. Retrieved 14 April 2017.
  24. ^ "Juniors Cars 3 images". Brickset. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  25. ^ "LEGO Juniors Cars 3 Official Images". thebrickfan.com. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  26. ^ "LEGO Juniors Cars 3 images available". Brick Fanatics. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  27. ^ "Put Your Game Face On and Go Full Throttle With These New LEGO Juniors Cars 3 Sets". Brickshow. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
  28. ^ a b c d e f g "Take To The Track With LEGO Juniors Cars 3 Range". Brickfanz.com. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
  29. ^ "LEGO Juniors Cars 3 10745 Florida 500 Final Race announced". Brick Fanatics. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  30. ^ "LEGO Juniors Cars 3 Florida 500 Final Race (10745) Revealed". Brickshow. Retrieved 2 July 2017.
  31. ^ "Universal Announces New Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom License Partners Including Funko and More!". Jurassic Outpost. Retrieved 10 October 2017.
  32. ^ "JURASSIC WORLD LEGO PARTNERSHIP". JurassicWorld.com. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  33. ^ Foster, Elizabeth (January 30, 2018). "Universal, LEGO expand Jurassic World offerings". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  34. ^ "LEGO reveals Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom sets". ToyNews. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  35. ^ "JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM LEGO SETS TEASE T-REX BREAKOUT, VELOCIRAPTOR HELICOPTER CHASE". Syfy Wire. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  36. ^ Milligan, Mercedes (January 31, 2018). "Universal, LEGO Hatch 'Jurassic World' Product & Animation Plans". Animation Magazine. Retrieved September 13, 2019.
  37. ^ Radulovic, Petrana (February 16, 2018). "Lego unveils 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' sets and we're pretty darn excited". Mashable. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  38. ^ "Lego Systems, Inc. Introduces Hundreds Of New Building Sets To Inspire Creativity In Children Of All Ages". PR Newswire. 16 February 2018.
  39. ^ "LEGO Juniors Incredibles 2 Official Set Images Revealed". thebrickfan.com. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  40. ^ a b c "LEGO Juniors The Incredibles 2 Sets Now Available on Shop@Home". thebrickfan.com. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  41. ^ Leane, Rob (June 1, 2018). "Movie LEGO sets: 9 brilliant new kits for 2018". Den of Geek. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  42. ^ Farshtey, Gregory; Lipkowitz, Daniel; Hugo, Simon (2020-10-01). LEGO Minifigure A Visual History New Edition. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 236. ISBN 978-0-241-50202-0.
  43. ^ "LEGO The Incredibles Video Game Edna (30615) Polybag First Look". thebrickfan.com. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  44. ^ "LEGO The Incredibles Video Game Exclusive Edna Minifigure Confirmed". thebrickfan.com. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  45. ^ "Edna Mode minifigure availability revealed". Brickset. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  46. ^ "Review: 30615 Edna Mode". Brickset. Retrieved 14 July 2018.
  47. ^ a b c d e "Incredibles 2 minifigures". Brickset. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  48. ^ "The LEGO Group's best baby minifigures, from Grogu to Groot". Brick Fanatics. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  49. ^ "2015 TOTY Winners". The Toy Association. Retrieved 2021-07-01.
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