June 2009 Notable Toys — Educational

Mr. Twiddles the cranky cat is unexpectedly visited by a noisy stranger, Clara the housekeeper. But, there’s something amazing about Clara: her Very Special Powers (VSP) let her talk and listen to Mr. Twiddles. Should Mr. Twiddles try to be her friend, or get her out of his cozy, quiet home for good? "[Author] Murray-Gibson was born in Monrovia, Liberia, [and] has actively supported the cause of literacy and education for the people of her homeland. She also volunteers for a number of charities in and around her current hometown in Minnesota. Her book is also dedicated to the children of Liberia, and Murray-Gibson has planned to donate the proceeds from Clara and Mr. Twiddles to build schools and clinics around the rural areas of Liberia — an area that has been extremely impoverished by an 18-year war. With her support, children will be able to attend school free of charge," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 15, 2009.

WordTeasers: Junior is designed to help children improve their vocabulary while providing laugh-out-loud fun. Players simply open the box, pull out a card, read the Challenge Question out loud, and then answer it. Answers may cause uncontrollable laughter or interesting debate. The game may also be used for writing prompts in the classroom. "It's both an education game and a party game. It's fun for kids and their families — a great dinner-time activity," Jack Roberts, senior vice president of Elm Education Marketing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 15, 2009.

This all-in-one learning kit for babies includes 15 teaching tools to give babies a head start. Babies can learn First Words, First Numbers, Self and Sounds, and Touch with four board books, five finger puppets, nesting blocks, one-piece puzzles, two-piece puzzles, mirrored flashcards, textured flashcards and more. Launch date: July 15, 2009.

Global Ody-see is a strategic educational game designed to teach geography and history by using competitive fun and stunning images. It can be played by children and adults alike. There are two game versions, Time Limit and Home City, that may be played in school, in homeschool settings, or for family time at home. Launch date: July 2009.

American Ody-see is a strategic educational game designed to teach American geography and history by using competitive fun and stunning images. It can be played by children and adults alike. It includes reference to all 50 states plus the territories of the USA. "American Ody-see boasts two versions in each game (Time Limit and Home City), as well as being able to be played by children as young as 8 who can outplay adults, so it has an extraordinarily wide market appeal from schools, homeschooling, families and adults, even to 'serious' gamers," Len Wicks, chief executive of ody-see.com ltd, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009.

Global Ody-see is a three-dimensional educational game designed to teach geography and history by using competitive fun, stunning images and kinaesthetic learning. It is a model of the Earth, as well as a game that can be played by children and adults alike. "Global Ody-see boasts two versions in each game (Time Limit and Home City), as well as being able to be played by children as young as 8 who can outplay adults, so it has an extraordinarily wide market appeal from schools, homeschooling, families and adults, even to 'serious' gamers," Len Wicks, chief executive of ody-see.com ltd, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Award-winning children's author Carole Marsh incorporates history, geography, culture and more in this White House Christmas Mystery. Each book includes SAT words, an Accelerated Reader quiz, the Lexile measure and the Fountas and Pinnell guided level. Launch date: June 2006.

With facts, trivia, puzzles and more, this kid-friendly book is all about America's 44th president. It includes interesting facts about Barack Obama’s childhood, parents, educational background and career, while also introducing the First Lady Michelle Obama and following her journey to the White House. Readers will also meet their daughters, Malia and Natasha, who have a story all their own. Launch date: November 5, 2008.

Written by award-winning author Carole Marsh, "Mary America: First Girl President of the United States," covers Mary's exciting adventures. Orphan Mary Americ, who becomes president at age 12 through a fluke in the law and a high IQ, is busy with slumber parties, balls, home school and the Situation Room. She must learn about the government, diplomacy and the White House, while being dependable, responsible and 12. Launch date: June 2009.

With these three activity books, children and students can learn about different holiday traditions surrounding Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, while participating in engaging activities, delicious recipes, seasonal trivia and more. Launch date: June 2003.

This 160-page, reproducible activity book covers all 50 states, plus U.S. Territories, and lots of activities in history, geography, people and more. It may be used in the classroom or on the road. "It's the biggest, coolest, funniest, smartest, greatest USA Activity Book you've ever seen," Camille Chansteen, marketing manager for Gallopade International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2008.

This set includes 17 vivid pieces, a 13" x 15" Playboard and a carrying case with handle.

Part of the Klever Kidz  series, this set includes 9 Pieces of felt and 4 page lesson guide with bilingual rhymes and activities.

12 Plastic, double-sided hand-held white boards, each with integrated marker holder, 12 sm. markers & erasers, 4pack Lg. markers, activity booklet, and storage.

This 40-page hardcover explores "wonderfully weird" parts of the human body, such as skin sells that shed and holes in the head, while also covering facts about the appendix, wiggling ears and fingernail growth. Launch date: 2009.

This Jacabee Code Satchel is 10.5" x 9" x 4" and can be used to store one's Membership Card, Trade Book, Sketch Book, Pencil, Pouch, and Whistle-Compass.

The “Gift of Adventure” is a gift card which includes a one month subscription to the Jacabee Code and allows the child to create one Personalized Journal online. The gift card is packaged in a greeting card with step-by-step instructions for the child to login to the Jacabee Code website, play the quests and create their journal.

The 12-book series unlocks the virtual world quests of the Jacabee Code that mirror the stories. With knowledge you gain opportunities so each book has clues inside that give the child an advantage online. The first book will feature Sacagawea in her historic role leading Lewis and Clark across the Louisiana Purchase. Available in summer 2009.

This Personal Journal serves as a chronicle of the player's unique adventure in the Jacabee Code MMO Game. It is the only place you can see the secrets behind the glyphs. The Jacabee Code is part of a larger “story” that will be revealed in good time. When you take part in the quest to crack the code you have the exclusive ability to write your very own book starring Abby, Dooley, Baldy and YOU!

These wooden play watches are a must for any little girl's costume wardrobe. They also teach her how to tell time. Designed in Italy, produced mostly in the Phillippines.