HOPTIMIST

Hoptimists are all about smiles and a surplus of energy. Hoptimists are good for something. They can bring smiles and give life and the desire to do something.

Most smiles start with another smile. Hoptimists smile at you and wait for your response: maybe a smile, maybe even a little slap that sets the figure in motion. It acknowledges the attention and jumps on the spot with vigour and energy. Predictably and every time. Children know this intuitively. They immediately see what the Hoptimist gives back if they touch it, and it's the same childlike anticipation that makes adults want to raise their hand and give the Hoptimist a little push. The rest is mechanics: when the energy from the hand compresses the spring, the figure comes to life. Not much, not for long, but exactly what we expected.