April 2011 Notable Toys — Musical Toys

12" Elephant and mouse duet. They sing verses together and separately. Mouths move while singing the Irving Gordon song made famous by Nat King Cole, "Unforgettable." The elephant's baritone is offset by the mouse's sweet soprano.

This plush 11" stork flies on his blue plane with precious cargo. A jaunty blue cap and gingham bow in pale blue continue the baby boy nursery theme. Propeller spins and displays the light up message "Special Delivery!" while the Stork sings, “Hush Little Baby."

Easily take playtime to bedtime with Mimicking Monkey. Mimicking Monkey’s unique dual track voiceover option allows parents to record personal messages along with each sound to personalize their child’s play, relax or bedtime environment. Familiar voices and soothing sounds can help children achieve a more peaceful, deeper sleep. Caregivers can record a soothing message to their child to help ease separation anxiety. Mimicking Monkey features include: Plays three unique sounds - Monkey fun, angel falls, lullaby; Records voices over all sound options; 30 minute sleep timer; Velcro hands for securing to cribs and strollers; 2 AA batteries included; Illustrated storybook and adoption certificate.
— As of 05/27/2011 this product had 3.3 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Cute; users liked the recording features; on an automatic timer so it doesn't stay on all night. Cons: one user said the monkey excessively shed its fur.

This product features colorful metal bars with matching color plastic resonator tubes that share the same color template as the Boomwhackers tuned percussion tubes. Line bells up to play solo, or separate them for use with small groups. The set is flexible enough to be used in classrooms as an educational tool, or at home for the sheer fun of making music. Standard contents include a carrying case, eight bells (C-c Diatonic Range), and eight mallets.

All picks contain guitar riffs of three iconic rock songs that play with the flick of the pick. Each pick has a whammy bar button and an attached carabiner clip. Assortment includes Rolling Stones, Classic Rock and Rebel Rock picks. Peg-ready, footed clamshell package.

This microphone was developed in conjunction with the eponymous hip-hop artist, notorious for his auto-tuned jams. The hand-held wireless microphone plays three different beats to sing over, and records your voice. It features pitch-correction. Launch date: Fall 2011.

This watercolor paintbrush allows kids to assign a musical scale to their drawings and control the sounds as they slide their fingers over the strokes of the brush. Can be used with water colors or even plain water.

Soft drum features numbered circles that make different drum sounds and say the number or color with every touch. Bottom of drum features opening with Velcro-like closure that provides access to sound device. Lanuch date: January 2011.

Learn sounds and colors with Manhattan Toy’s Rockin’ Sounds Guitar. Guitar features numbered keys that play different musical notes or say numbers and colors with the touch of a key. Change between different sound categories: numbers, colors and musical sounds with the touch of a button. Launch date: January 2011.

Moona Luna is the new musical project brought to you by the Latin-Alternative group Pistolera. Inspired by the birth of her first child—during the making of the last album—Pistolera's lead singer and songwriter Sandra Velasquez now brings us family-friendly songs in Spanish and English that continue the band's tradition of positive messages and toe-tapping beats. Moona Luna's debut album, Piñata Party, features eleven original songs as well as a cover of the Latin American folk song De Colores. Brooklyn based family music hero and Moona Luna fan, Dan Zanes, makes a guest vocal appearance on Brinca, Jump. "This is bilingual party music for the whole family," Beth Blenz-Clucas, PR, told TDmonthly. Launch Date: March 2011.

Includes Harmonica, Mini Chimalong, JingleBand, Kid's Accordion, Ukulele, and Mini Tambourine.  "The pieces are for children, but are created with a professional musician mentality," Garry Kvistad, CEO of Woodstock Chimes, said in a press release. Launch date: February 2011.

Includes Maracas, Triangle, Hand Drum, and Jingle Stick. "While part of our goal is to provide entertainment for children, much of our focus is on delivering instruments of the utmost quality and sound, combined with educational elements," Garry Kvistad, CEO of Woodstock Chimes, said in a press release. Launch date: February 2011.

This wooden set allows children to creatively and artistically embellish each item. Includes Tambourine, Maraca, and Train Whistle. "The pieces are for children, but are created with a professional musician mentality," Garry Kvistad, CEO of Woodstock Chimes, said in a press release.