June 2011 Notable Toys — Musical Toys

These holiday hats come in festive colors with a white faux-fur trim. Press the trim and the hat dances about while playing the classic tune "Jingle Bells." Requires 3AA batteries.

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.