Do we like them?

Do we like Humpty?

A character from Play School (1964–present)

Our score: 9 out of 10. Gentle, curious and endlessly patient with small children. He's a cosy, harmless presence, and we'd happily back him.

Humpty is one of the soft toys on Play School, the preschool programme that began in Britain in 1964. The ABC then launched its own Australian version in 1966, based on the British original. Presenters sing, tell stories, make crafts and look through the show's famous windows. The toys are part of the gang.

Humpty is modelled on the nursery-rhyme egg. He has no villainous streak and no secret agenda. He is there to be played with, to sit in on the stories, and to keep children company. The British Humpty toy is now held in the Science Museum Group collection.

That is why he scores so high. He has no real flaws beyond being a bit fragile, and the show has kept him around for decades. He isn't an action hero, but as a comforting, kind presence he's hard to fault.