Lego Juniors


Lego Juniors is a discontinued product range of the construction toy Lego, designed for children aged 4 to 7 years old. 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. Unlike its predecessor, Lego Juniors offered specialized bricks to make builds look more realistic while using fewer pieces for an easier build. The product line was discontinued by December 31, 2018 and rebranded as "4+" in 2019.

Overview

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.

Development

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."

Launch

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.

Construction sets

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

''Marvel Super Heroes'' (2014-2018 sets)

In 2014, Spider-Man: Spider-Car Pursuit was released on 18 February 2014. The set consists of 55 pieces with 2 minifigures. The set included Spider-Man and Venom.
In 2015, Spider-Man Hideout 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.
In 2016, Iron Man vs. Loki 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 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)

In 2014, Batman: Defend the Batcave was released on 18 February 2014. The set consists of 150 pieces with 3 minifigures. The set included Batman, Robin and The Joker.
In 2016, Batman & Superman vs. Lex Luthor The set consists of 150 pieces with 3 minifigures. The set included Batman, Robin and The Joker. was released on 22 May 2016.
In 2017, Batman vs. Mr. Freeze was released on 2 January 2017. The set consists of 63 pieces with 2 minifigures. The set included Batman and Mr. Freeze.
In 2018, The Joker Batcave Attack 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)

In 2014, the three sets were released on 18 February 2014. The three sets being released were Pizza Shop, Construction, The Princess Play Castle, Race Car Rally, Pony Farm and Police – The Big Escape. Later, Knights' Castle was released on 27 May 2014 and Fire Emergency was released on 24 October 2014.
In 2015, the five sets were released on 1 March 2015. The five sets being released were Beach Trip, Pirate Treasure Hunt ', Garbage Truck, Supermarket Suitcase and Fire Suitcase. Later, Family House was released on 18 May 2015.
In 2016, Police Helicopter Chase was released on 1 March 2016. In addition, Racer 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 and Police Truck Chase. Later, Fire Patrol Suitcase was released on 27 November 2016. In addition, Fire Car polybag set was released as a promotion. Later, Road Repair Truck and Mountain Police Chase was released on 26 November 2017.
In 2018, City Central Airport was released on 2 June 2018. In addition, Traffic Light Patrol polybag set was released as a promotion.

''Ninjago'' (2016-2018 sets)

In 2016, the two sets were released on 1 March 2016. The two sets being released were Snake Showdown and Lost Temple.
In 2017, Shark Attack 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.
In 2018, Zane's Ninja Boat Pursuit 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)

In 2014, Turtle Lair was released on 27 May 2014. The set consists of 107 pieces with 2 minifigures. The set included Foot Soldier and Leonardo.

''Disney Princess'' (2016-2018 sets)

In 2016, the two sets was released on 1 March 2016. The two sets being released were Ariel's Dolphin Carriage and Cinderella's Carriage.
In 2017, Anna and Elsa's Frozen Playground was released on 2 January 2017. Later, Snow White's Forest Cottage was released on 1 August 2017.
In 2018, Belle's Story Time was released on 2 June 2018. Later, Ariel's Underwater Concert was released on 1 August 2018.

''Friends'' (2016-2018 sets)

In 2016, the three sets would be released on 22 May 2016. The three sets being release were Stephanie's Car, Emma's Ice Cream Truck and Mia's Vet Clinic.
In 2017, the two sets were released on 2 January 2017. The four sets being released were Mia's Farm Suitcase and Andrea and Stephanie's Beach Holiday.
In 2018, the two sets were released on 26 November 2018. The two sets being released were Emma's Pet Party and Mia's Organic Food Market. Later, Stephanie's Lakeside House was released on 2 June 2018.

''Cars 3'' (2017 sets)

In 2017, the seven sets based on the Cars 3 film was released on 2 May 2017. The seven sets being released were Lightning McQueen Speed Launcher, Cruz Ramirez Race Simulator, Guido and Luigi's Pit Stop, Mater's Junkyard, Willy's Butte Speed Training, Smokey's Garage and Thunder Hollow Crazy 8 Race. Later, Florida 500 Final Race was released on 1 August 2017.

''Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom'' (2018 sets)

In 2018, the three sets based on the Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom film was released on 17 April 2018. The three sets being released were Pteranodon Escape, Raptor Rescue Truck and T. Rex Breakout.

''Incredibles 2'' (2018 sets)

In 2018, the three sets based on the Incredibles 2 film was released on 21 April 2018. The three sets being released were Elastigirl's Rooftop Pursuit, Underminer's Bank Heist and The Great Home Escape. In addition, Edna Mode polybag set was released as a promotion. Each of the sets featured five core characters, named Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible, Violet Parr, Dashiell 'Dash' Parr and Jack-Jack.

Retirement of branding

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.

Awards and nominations

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