February 2010 New Specialty Toys — Music

Joined by a host of family and friends including Arlo Guthrie, Pete and Tao Rodriguez Seeger, singer-songwriter Sarah Lee Guthrie presents thoughtful yet playful recordings of traditional songs and new compositions. The album includes three songs featuring lyrics by Woody Guthrie never before put to music and eight songs written by Sarah Lee and family. Awards: 2009 Dr. Toy ("Best Picks" Award) and 2009 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio (“PLATINUM” Award). Launch date: October 27, 2009.

This video and music kit is designed to educate children about safety and well-being issues in a fun way. Award winning early childhood safety educational music video and 3 music CD's. "Our programs have actually saved many children as young as age 2 from abduction, child predators and serious accidental injuires," Jim Tomaszewski, Executive Director of LICSF, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.
Awards: 2010 Kids First Award

"Eat A Bowl of Cherries" is from Rhythm Child, an award-winning family band and real-life "Partridge" family group of musicians. Featuring 10 high-energy songs, the CD is created to promote positive music and personal growth for kids by incorporating pulsating rhythms and movements that encourage parents and children to sing, drum and dance together. Launch date: August 2009.
— "Bowl of Cherries" single ranked #1 on SIRIUS/XM's Kids Place Live 13 Under 13 Countdown, and remained on the charts for 13 consecutive weeks (2009).

A smaller version of the Chimalong, the Mini Chimalong comes attached to an illustrated full-color spiral-bound songbook that can be propped up for both the player and the singers to read their parts simultaneously. It folds into a traveling toy.

Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck's latest musical endeavor. A jam-packed, rockin', rollin' enhanced EP. Includes six new songs, two re-mixes, a guest appearance by Roscoe Orman, a.k.a. Gordon of Sesame Street, and an animated music video.  Launch date: November 10, 2009.

13 original children’s songs that take you on a toe-tapping trip through a diverse range of musical styles, with terrific tunes, rockin’ rhythms and enough energy to make the whole family want to come along for the ride.

On "Road Trip," Rebecca Frezza and her band, Big Truck, continue to accomplish their goal of creating children's music that adults can also enjoy.

Road Trip includes two songs that have been featured on NOGGIN's "Jack's Big Music Show".

In Dr. Nicolas Bazan's first novel, neuroscientist Alvaro Cruz finds himself haunted by a recurring dream of a banjo player in a cornfield that leads him on a personal quest to uncover the mysterious past of a New Orleans street singer known as Una Vida. Stricken with Alzheimer's, Una Vida can only offer tantalizing clues about her past through her mesmerizing vocals, incredible recollection of jazz lyrics, and the occasional verbal revisiting of a fascinating life that's fading quickly. As Cruz searches for Una Vida's true identity, he learns profound lessons about the human psyche, the nature of memory, and himself. "'Una Vida' is filled with delightful twists and unexpected turns, all centering around one of the greatest gifts New Orleans has offered the world — jazz," said Five Star's Lisa Goldman. "But the story will also deeply touch anyone who has had to witness the heartbreaking deterioration of a loved one's memory as it is consumed by the unforgiving encroachment of Alzheimer's." Launch date: November 4, 2008.

"Dave Pratt, Behind the Mic: 30 Years in Radio" is the life story of a small-town boy who beat the odds to become the most prolific name in the history of Arizona radio. Over three decades, The Morning Mayor has been honored with more than 100 awards, sold-out arena and stadium concerts, topped ratings in three different formats, become one of the highest paid radio personalities in the nation, defeated cancer, and has raised millions of dollars for charity. More important, Dave has never forfeited his personal beliefs and has never sacrificed his personal character. The loyalty of his listeners and the love of his family have continued to be his driving force. Refreshingly, Dave Pratt has proven that an incredibly successful career and a deep love for family can find balance in one of entertainment's most turbulent industries. Enjoy this sometimes tear-jerking, sometimes humorous, but always sincere ride with one of radio's legendary performers. Launch date: November 1, 2008.

Contagious musical fun. Delightful characters help put those germs at bay! Original, easy to learn songs that really connect with young children.

Bilingual fun for young children. Includes songs for Spanish/English Alphabet, Colors, Numbers, Opposites, Dancing, and more.

A twist to new and old holiday favorites. Holiday fun that children will want to play over and over.

Celebrate the outdoors with music, movement and imagination as children explore and experience nature’s musical symphony featuring songs with movement and delightful character interactions like Let’s Go Green, Quackadoodlemoo, the Ugly Buglies and Waddle Waddle.

Encouraging young children to explore, experience and create through music and imagination for ages 2 to 8. Includes songs to use with rhythm sticks, drums, and lots of fun creative movement activities.