June 2009 Notable Toys — Videos & DVDs

Wild Animal Baby is created to have kids laughing and smiling at the antics of Izzy, Rosie, Sandy and Skip as they solve mysteries and learn about the natural world. Brought to you by the National Wildlife Federation and Sunwoo Entertainment featuring high-quality animation and live action footage, these endearing animals aim to make learning fun and keep children glued to every educational episode. "Wild Animal Baby helps preschoolers develop important skills through 3-D animated characters, footage of real-life animals, animal sounds and intriguing puzzles. This multi-sensory approach is a feast for the eyes, ears and the entire body!" Aaron Zeigler, national account manager for TOPICS Entertainment, told TDmonthly. Single titles received a 2006 iParenting Media Award. Launch date: June 9, 2009.

This DVD includes six award-winning music videos, a 45-minute live concert, six karaoke videos, an in-depth, behind-the-scenes "Film 101" documentary, and a bonus 45-minute live audio concert CD. Launch date: September 29, 2009.
Awards: 2010 Parents' Choice Gold Award; 2009 Independent Music Awards Best DVD of the Year

From the "It's Our Planet" series, this DVD is designed for kids to learn about the animals, people and plants that call this region home. They can discover what a rainforest needs to survive, and how this beautiful natural resource is disappearing. In collaboration with rainforest conservation organizations, One Smart Cookie has compiled an educational and informative DVD that uses imagery and video. "The DVDs in the 'Let's Explore' series and in the 'It's Our Planet' series use a multi-level format to cover background knowledge, as well as appealing to a wide age group (pre-K through age 10). Multi-level learning (or differentiation of instruction) is a critical factor in our children's education. Being able to move at their own pace allows your child to feel a sense of pride as they complete a level and move onto the next. Each level in the 'Let's Explore' series expands on the teachings of the previous level, adding more facts, vocabulary and scientific knowledge," Keli M. DiRisio, CEO of One Smart Cookie Productions, told TDmonthly. It was named a 2009 Dr. Toy Vacation Product of the Year and was a 2009 Gold Award winner in the National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA). Launch date: May 2008.

Three-dimensional anaglyphic glasses are used for viewing print, movies, Web sites, games and computer applications in 3-D, defined as two views of the same subject (either moving or still) in contrasting colors and slightly offset for two different perspectives. These IYF (In Your Face) 3-D anaglyphic glasses are re-formulated and supercharged with red and cyan filters, designed to punch full four-color 3-D with depth-defying clarity without compromising colors, flesh tones and light. "With the phenomenon of 3-D movies and with all the new movies planned to be released in the next two years, you need to be prepared for the rush. More and more children are having 3-D movie-watching parties. Most DVD rentals only come with two glasses and only four are packed in a DVD when you purchase them," Mark Nidzgorski, director of retail for American Paper Optics, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009.

This DVD promotes fitness and imaginative play while teaching children about letters. Young learners may enjoy performing new and traditional exercises, developed with a certified fitness trainer. It runs approximately 37 minutes. "Children get exercise and build coordination while learning their ABCs," Cindy Burleson, communications coordinator for Rock 'N Learn, told TDmonthly. The product received a Best Vacation Product award from Dr. Toy. Launch date: 2003.

This four-DVD set in the Scholastic Storybook Treasures collection features nearly five hours of colorfully animated, action-packed stories-on-video based on classic children's picture books. The series has won numerous awards. Many of the stories on both sets also feature an enhanced Read-Along function, making it easy for early readers to follow along. "The series features carefully crafted adaptations of classic children's story books that stay true to the original text and illustration," Beth Blenz-Clucas of Sugar Mountain PR/Foundry Communications told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 18, 2009.

The DVD's images of peaceful, flowering gardens and multidimensional stones transitioning in an artistic display of creation, accompanied by tranquil nature sounds, are designed to shift the mind to right-brain thinking and free viewers from anxiety and stress. It comes with colorful 5” x 7” postcards to mail or frame. "'Healing Stones and Gardens' suspends time for an extraordinary moment and facilitates a journey to a sacred place where we can reconnect with inner divinity," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

On this DVD series, professional Las Vegas magicians Will Roya & Joan DuKore  teach some of the most amazing magic tricks that kids will be able to perform for family and friends with little or no practice.  From the basics of magic to some of their all time favorite tricks, kids will be able to watch, learn and perform along with 20 other kids! Lessons include: Rules of Magic, Linking Paper Clips, String Surprise, Jumping Rubber Band, Up the Nose, Coin Thru Hanky, Vanish #1 (Confederate Method), Vanish #2 (Rubber Band Method), Vanish #3 (Pant Pocket Method), Vanish #4 (Shirt Pocket Method), Disappearing Wrapper, Straw Challenge, Static Straw, Sticky Straw.  Bonus Trick:  Penetrating Coin.  Extras:  Interview with Will & More! Running time: 84 minutes. DVD is not Regionally Coded.
 — “A fun and easy way for kids to learn magic, along with other kids!  A top notch product, highly recommended,”  said Dan Rodriguez, Society of American Magicians Past President and Co-Founder of the Society of Young Magicians.
— “The Magic Tricks R 4 Kids DVD series is an excellent resource for enterprising magicians planning their own lessons or classes for kids.  I urge you to buy it and get ready to take your magic classes to the next level!” raved Al Jensen, International Brotherhood of Magicians Las Vegas Ring President

Every parent deserves R.E.S.T (Relaxation, Entertainment & Sensory Stimulation for your Tot), and they can soothe and relax baby with delightful animations, adorable puppet scenes and calming visuals. This must-have for anyone trying to quiet a fussy child was created by parenting expert and author of "Baby Prodigy: A Guide to Raising a Smarter, Happier Baby." Baby Prodigy products have won more than 19 national awards. "It is the only product on the market that provides REST to both mom and baby while simultaneously entertaining and stimulating their tot," Barbara Candiano-Marcus, president of Baby Prodigy Company, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 5, 2009.