April 2011 New Specialty Toys — Award Winners

This Music for Little People 25th Anniversary world music collection features classic tunes gathered from Ireland, South Africa, France, Columbia, Jamaica, Italy, Ghana, and many points in between. With performances from some of the world’s most gifted musicians including multi-Grammy winner Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Taj Mahal, music and movement specialist, Aaron Nigel Smith, Grammy winning Zydeco star, Buckwheat Zydeco, and more. "Music for Little People is an iconic children's record label with a history of producing award-winning world music recordings for the whole family, and this is their 25th anniversary 'best of' collection," Kate Dockins of Music for Little People told TDmonthly.

Zelosport has transformed the age-old pastime of paper football into a series of Finger Sports games for all ages. Now sports fans can enjoy football, baseball, golf, and soccer on the kitchen table. "There is nothing like it on the market," Sara Eddy, project marketing manager at SCI, told TDmonthly.

Music, mishap and adventure guides kids on an animated and live action journey exploring the great outdoors. Join Chipper the squirrel as he meets creatures big and small and learns the importance of respecting the environment. Camping, hiking, and outdoor fun - Chipper teaches young children good character and a love for the environment in this award winning, animated children's DVD. Originally launched with limited release in 2009, Let's Go Chipper! Into The Great Outdoors will be available everywhere in March 2011. "Chipper appeals to a young audience (ages 2-6) and starts kids off with enthusiasm for and appreciation of nature. Age appropriate lessons and storytelling, plus wonderful imagery and music, make this an unparalled treat," Kate Dockins of Music For Little People told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2009 iParenting "Hot Product" Award; 2009 "Top Ten Video" on Family Fun/Disney.com

Join award-winning children's music artist Aaron Nigel Smith as he takes young ones on a musical journey through the world of imagination. From thoughtful, spacious melodies to rockin' rhythmic danceable jams, Aaron performs new and familiar favorites written to get young children singing and moving and learning. "Recording artist Aaron Nigel Smith brings a unique island vibe to his songs, and he's skilled at involving his young listeners in the stories and melodies. Aaron has been a featured musical guest on the Emmy Award Winning PBS show Between the Lions, and works with the NEA Read Across America program to promote literacy through music," Kate Dockins, from Music For Little People, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2005 NAPPA Honors, 2005 iParenting Media Award

Celebrating it's 25th "Jubilee" year in 2011, Cuboro is a wooden block marble maze system from Switzerland. The Jubilee set, only available in 2011, features 25 blocks, including 4 completely new blocks. Precisely crafted from ecologically harvested European beechwood, the variety of Cuboro blocks allow for seemingly infinite marble run creations. Cuboro stimulates creativity and spatial sense. What sets this item apart is "The infinite creativity possible within a system where every element is a cube of the same size," Ken Kahn, owner of Oh! Toys, told TDmonthly.

Cycle Flyr is a home playground ride that combines the fun of riding a bicycle with the "flying sensation" of a carousel. Kids pedal on the bicycle-style seat and are lifted into the air, rotating for as long as they keep pedaling. "There are no similar products on the market and this is a first one-of-a-kind playground/backyard ride," Michael Bishop, partner at Cycle Flyr, told TDmonthly. (Prototype Only.)