February 2010 Notable Toys — Educational

This beautifully sculpted, giant serpentine replica depicts a powerful swimmer with a long, streamlined body. This mosasaurus measures 8.75” L x 3.25” H (22 cm x 8 cm). Meticulously painted by hand, this replica is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Each figure includes educational information in five languages and also name identification on its underside. 

The Liopleurodon’s highly detailed long, sharp teeth display its readiness to attack. Meticulously painted by hand, this replica is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Each figure includes educational information in five languages and also name identification on its underside. This replica measures 7” L x 4” H (17.8 cm x 10 cm). Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010
— As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Two users said they wished there was a larger version available.

Highly detailed from its massive wings to its outwardly-pointed sharp teeth, this pterosaur is meticulously painted by hand, phthalate and lead free, and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Each figure includes educational information in five languages and also name identification on its underside. This replica measures 8” L x 7.5” H (20 cm x 19 cm).

This “King of the Sea” was thought to be extinct until one was caught by a fisherman in 1938. The replica measures 5.75” L x 3” H (14.6 cm x 7.6 cm). Meticulously painted by hand, this replica is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Each figure includes educational information in five languages and also name identification on its underside.

The Brachiosaurus, or “arm lizard” is unique to the dinosaur kingdom because of its long front legs and short hind legs. The replica measures 14.25” L x 7.75” H (36 cm x 20 cm). Meticulously painted by hand, it is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Each figure includes educational information in five languages and also name identification on its underside.

This set includes the President of the United States, his podium and the American flag in an attractive stand. This lifelike presidential figure stands 4” (10 cm). Platform size: 4.25” W x 3” D x 6.5” H (10.8 x 7.6 x 16.5 cm). Podium size: 1.4” L x 2.5” H (3.5 x 6.3 cm). Flagpole size: 4.25” H (10.7 cm). Items are not sold separately. Meticulously painted by hand, this set is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Each figure includes educational information in five languages and also name identification on its underside.

This long-haired, red ape, known as “the old man of the forest” stands on all fours at 5” L x 5.22” H (12.75 cm x 13.5 cm). Meticulously painted by hand, this replica is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Each figure includes educational information in five languages and also name identification on its underside.

Past videos: Product Demonstration

This jumbo-sized elephant with its trumpeting nose and lifelike eyes measures 10.25” L x 6” H (26 cm x 15.2 cm). Meticulously painted by hand, this replica is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Each figure includes educational information in five languages and also name identification on its underside.

This replica of two adult prairie dogs with baby shows their close family ties. These figures measure 3.5” W x 3” H (8.8 cm x 7.6 cm). Meticulously painted by hand, this replica is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Each figure includes educational information in five languages and also name identification on its underside.  

This lifelike baby crocodile is depicted breaking out of its shell. The replica measures 4.75” L x 2.25” H (12 cm x 5.7 cm). Meticulously painted by hand, this replica is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Each figure includes educational information in five languages and also name identification on its underside.

Almost prehistoric in appearance, the replica of this amazing creature measures 11” L x 2.5” H (28 cm x 6.25 cm). Meticulously painted by hand, this figure is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Each figure includes educational information in five languages and also name identification on its underside.  

This colorful crustacean is 7.5” W x 1.75” H (19 cm x 4.5 cm). Meticulously painted by hand, this replica is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Each figure includes educational information in five languages and also name identification on its underside.

Safari Ltd.’s 2010 Mythical Realms collection features magical creatures of land and sea. These authentically sculpted miniatures range in size from 1.5” to 3” (4 cm to 7.5 cm). The collection is conveniently packaged in a reusable acetate take-along container with educational information included. Meticulously painted by hand, these replicas are phthalate and lead free and meet or exceed all safety standards.

The authentically sculpted replicas in this 2010 collection include 10 tiny versions of fascinating prehistoric sea creatures, including the Frilled Shark. Items range in size from 1.5” to 3” (4 cm to 7.5 cm). The collection is conveniently packaged in a reusable acetate take-along container with educational information included. Meticulously painted by hand, these replicas are phthalate and lead free and meet or exceed all safety standards.

Featuring striking design and photography, these unique lacing cards teach shapes, colors, and textures while they develop hand-eye coordination. Bright, colorful cards with die-cut shapes can be used alone or laced together into a book or a piece of hanging art. Fundamental concepts have never been so fun! WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Inspired by classic stringing bead toys, this innovative collection of 10 books in various shapes develops motor skills while introducing color, shape, and pattern in a wonderfully playful way. Children will have hours of fun reading this set as books, playing with them as blocks, or stringing them as beads. WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

This 40-page hardcover delves into the Battle of Long Island during the Revolutionary War, as told by teacher Benjamin Tallmadge and other sources. It is written by Selena Castrovilla and illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. The book was named to the 2008 IRA Children's and Young Adults' Book Award Notable Book List. Launch date: April 2007.

The Torch Fire Truck lets children get a detailed look inside to see how it works. The Torch Fire Truck comes with an illustrated Howie Work’s adventure hardcover storybook that takes them through how each of the major parts work in real life. By pushing a simple, three-digit combination of buttons on the vehicle or the included Worx Storybook Transmitter, an infrared signal is sent to the Torch Fire Truck revealing a working engine, emergency lights, fire hose, and much more. Launch date: July 2011.
Awards: 2011 Creative Child Toy of the Year

Worx Toys line of toys lets the curious child get a detailed look inside how their favorite things work. Each Worx Toy also comes with a book that takes the child through how each of the major parts inside the toy works in real life. By seeing all of the components light up and move, children can discover what's inside the Apex Helicopter and learn all about it with the accompanying book. Components include rotor, rear prop, landing gear, and more. Launch date: 2011.

The Speedster Race Car lets children 6+ get a detailed look inside to see how it works.  The Speedster Race Car comes with an illustrated Howie Work’s adventure hardcover storybook that takes kids through how each of the major parts work in real life. Check out the working engine, transmission, steering and much more. The doors can be opened to get even closer to the action. Launch date: July 2011.

This set of 200 precision-cut pine planks for building features red, yellow, orange, pink and natural color planks. Each plank measures 1" x 4.5" x 0.25", and the color comes from water-based stain that is naturally absorbed by the wood. Fifty- and 100-piece sets are also available. Launch date: February 2010.
Awards: The National Parenting Center's Spring 2010 Seal of Approval; 2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Platinum; 2010- Dr. Toy Best Green Products, NAPPA 2010 Honors Award recipient, NAPPA 2010 Best Bang for Buck Award winner.
Watch Toy Fair 2010 Video

Hugg-A-Planet is a line of soft, squishable, detailed astronomical bodies. Each Hugg-A-Planet features hundreds of geographic features and destinations illustrated and labeled on the planet’s shell. NASA embraced Hugg-A-Planet as a teaching tool and sent the plush Moon, Mars, and Earth into space aboard the International Space Station. This set celebrates that achievement by including Hugg-A-Planet Earth, Moon, and Mars identical to those currently in orbit.
— Online Reviews: Parents attest to the set’s appeal to children of all ages. The youngest of children are drawn to the set’s bright colors and use the planets as pillows or safe balls. Slightly older children like to find where they live on the Earth. Older kids can use the set for a homework aid as they learn geography and astronomy. The Earth includes a pocket that can be used to store the Moon, and enterprising youngsters have turned this pocket into a storage compartment for their favorite possessions. See Potamus Prefers, Sara Plays House, and Night Owl Mama.

The Adventures of Tommy the Tomato is an alphabet book geared towards ages 4-9. It follows Tommy the Tomato through his days in school where he learns from his classmates as well as his teachers. When reading "The Adventures of Tommy the Tomato", children go on an educational adventure alongside Tommy the Tomato. Throughout the book, Tommy encounters other fruits and vegetables, all of whom explain how they are beneficial to Tommy, and in the same breath, to the child reading.

Kimochis are small pillows with a feeling (happy, sad, silly, brave) printed on one side and a corresponding facial expression on the other. Each Kimochis plush character comes with a set of three feelings and a how-to Kimochis Feel Guide. The characters — Cat, Huggtopus, Cloud, Bug and Lovey Dove — have a special pocket where kids can store their "Kimochis" or feelings. Using the characters and their Kimochis, kids can get in touch with their emotions through puppetry and play. “Getting back to the basics by playing and communicating with Kimochis™ is a simple, yet powerful way to teach children how to: be aware of feelings, choose how to communicate in emotional moments, and redo mistakes. Children will be drawn to the fun, adorable, accessible characters. Parents will be drawn to the high-quality craftsmanship and the valuable educational content," Susan Schroeder, director of marketing and communications for Plushy Feely Corp., told TDmonthly. Awards: 2009 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence, Best Vacation Products by Dr. Toy, and Kaboose.com's Top 13 Amazing Toys for Preschoolers. Launch date for Lovey Dove: 2010.