August 2010 Notable Toys — All

The Shock Troops are the first release in the Alien Suns series. This multi-part, multi-pose hard plastic set features six full sprues, each containing 38 parts.

These temporary tattoos are easily applied with water and can last for several days. They are guaranteed to be safe for skin and come in a variety of designs.

If you can bounce a ball you can play this fun party-ready game. With just two people, or a table full of friends, bounce the ball to victory. The first player to get all his/her coins in the cup wins. For two or more players.

Read anytime and anywhere with this cool new product from Mark-My-Time. It’s a bookmark with page clip, countdown and cumulative timer and bright LED book light all in one. The makers of the Mark-My-Time digital bookmark and digital metronome have created the perfect gift item for your young readers.  The Mark-My-Time digital booklight features a bright 3 LED light on an adjustable arm, a clip to attach the bookmark to the pages of your favorite book, and three cool camouflage prints in pink, blue and green; or, three animal prints in zebra, cheetah or pink leopard. All these features, plus the homework help timing functions: cumulative timer up to 100 hours, 60 second fluency timer, and countdown session timer that alarms when you are finished and even turns off the light. Take the work out of nightly reading homework logs.

Kids can play with all of their toys and stuffed animals with plenty of room left to move with this large tent. Because of the unique circular design, this large diameter tent can easily fit in one's house or be used outdoors. Easy to assemble and to clean.

Big enough to allow multiple children inside, kids can play with all of their toys and stuffed animals with plenty of room left to move. Because of the unique circular design, this large diameter tent can easily fit in one's house or be used outdoors. Easy to assemble and to clean.

This well-ventilated play tent for your child comes with 1½" removable soft pad w/ washable cover and completely washable polyethylene floor, which makes this tent a convenient shelter to change baby out of the sun. Two mesh side panels allow air to flow in. The mesh door secures with Velcro. Easy to set up and take down in minutes.

This science toy includes a 50-page illustrated Book of Science, a toy polariscope and glow in the dark and soft flexible toys that show beautiful prismatic rainbows when viewed with the polariscope. It includes Red Dolphin, Yellow Butterfly and Luminescent Dolphin color combinations.

This science toy includes a 50 page illustrated Book of Science, a toy polariscope and glow in-the-dark and soft flexible toys that show beautiful primatic rainbows colors when viewed with the Toy Polariscope. This set includes Green Dolphin, Blue Butterfly and Luminescent Dolphin color combinations.

This science toy includes a 50 page color illustrated Book of Science, a toy polariscope, and glow-in-the-dark and soft flexible toys showing beautiful prismatic rainbow colors when viewed with the polariscope. This set includes Dolphin, Red Butterfly and Luminescent Dolphin color combinations.

Bedrock Buddies are Pillow Pets straight from the pre-historic ages. Children can revisit the land of dinosaurs with these super-soft plush creatures that are snuggly companions for imaginative play and comfy pillows for bed, television or travel time. Bedrock Buddies include Pterodactyl, Triceratops and T-Rex pets. "The My Pillow Pets products have been safety tested and use high quality chenille to make a snuggly soft toy and pillow," Heidi Niehart, Director of Sales and Marketing for CJ Projects told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2009 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Product; 2009 iParenting Media Excellent Product Award; 2009 Mr. Dad Seal of Approval

This 26.5" x 19.25" puzzle illustrates more than 35 antique fire engines and fire trucks. The 1,000 durable, easy-fit pieces are made from recycled board, recycled paper and vegetable-based ink. Puzzles feature detailed illustrations and text in multiplie languages. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion; promotes both cooperative and independent play," Erich Fellinger, sales manager, EuroGraphics, told TDmonthly.

This 1,000-piece World War II Aircrafts jigsaw puzzle features many of the greatest warbirds such as the Hurricane, the Supermarine Spitfire, the Messerschmitt BF-109 and the Boeing B-29 SuperFortress. Aircrafts of seven different countries from both Allied and Axis forces are featured with detailed information on each plane. The puzzle measures 26.5" x 19.25" and is made from recycled cardboard and paper and vegetable-based ink. Puzzles feature detailed illustrations and text in multiplie languages. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion; promotes both cooperative and independent play," Erich Fellinger, sales manager, EuroGraphics, told TDmonthly.

This jigsaw puzzle features a beautifully rendered image with scientific charts of the solar system's planets, complete with full data on spin, distance from the sun, gravity and much more. Made from recycled board and paper and printed with vegetable-based ink, it includes 1,000 durable easy-fit pieces and measures 26.5" x 19.25." Puzzles feature detailed illustrations and text in multiplie languages. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion; promotes both cooperative and independent play," Erich Fellinger, sales manager, EuroGraphics, told TDmonthly.

DINGaRINGs' natural wooden teething ring, luxuriously soft body and gentle rattle are designed to make them ideal gifts for newborns and teething babies. This product is "the ultimate non-plastic baby toy," Kate Nicolson, director of O.B. Designs, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2009 Life InStyle Trade Fair Top 10 Kids Products

With huggable soft plush bodies, luggable detachable straps, lovable personalities and stuffable zip open mouths, these multi-play toys are designed to be an adventure buddy, soft toy or pajama keeper. "A usable toy from toddlers to school aged kids," Kate Nicolson, Director O.B. Designs, told TDmonthly.

Who said a giant squid can't find the perfect job? Sid has scoured the ocean but now he gets a lead: go ashore! But how can a squid out of water find suitable work? Luckily he meets a girl named Alice, who helps him on his quest. Kids are encouraged to try many activities and pursue their dreams. Adults, who want a steady paycheck but yearn for personal fulfillment, will also identify with Sid's experience of trials, errors, and finally, success. This book is illustrated by a Dreamworks animator.

This book is designed to help children unlock the door to imagination and possibilities with easily readable text. Kids transform strange shapes into words and experience the adventure of reading. This 9" x 9" hardcover features 90 full-color pages. "Magic Words: Discovering the Adventure of Reading is designed to empower beginning readers with fun, predictable stories that encourage the decoding of simple words and reinforce sight word knowledge," Lightning Bug Learning President Julie Rebboah told TDmonthly. 
Awards: 2010 Reader's Favorite Finalist - Kindergarten Category

This reading adventure is designed to teach children the connection between letters and sounds. Predictable stories promote participation and sight word knowledge, and aim to give children the keys to the mysterious world of words. This 9" x 9" hardcover edition includes 136 full-color pages. "Magic Letters: The Keys to the World of Words was written by an experienced kindergarten teacher and sets beginning readers up for success with predictable stories that help children build a storehouse of sight words," Lightning Bug Learning President Julie Rebboah told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Reader's Favorite Finalist - Kindergarten Category

Lightning Bug Literacy Kit Kindergarten Edition is designed to teach children essential skills that build a strong foundation for reading and writing. This program aims to help kids gain confidence while mastering grade level phonics, reading and writing skills. "This comprehensive, teacher-designed kit builds a foundation for literacy: reading, writing, reading comprehension and handwriting," Lightning Bug Learning President Julie Rebboah told TDmonthly.
— The mom blogger at Welcome to Our Wonderland read both Magic Letters and Magic Words from the kit. She stated that the “text is predictable so your child can learn the story and participate,” leading to “the clicking moment” when letter sounds and words are associated in the child’s mind. The reviewer and her daughter enjoyed the books “more then most other word family books.”
— Jenny Thompson of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine reviewed Magic Letter, Magic Words and the audio CD from the kit. Jenny exclaimed “I am not exaggerating when I say that these books changed our lives! These were the first books my daughter was enthusiastic about reading. She could not wait to read each story.”

This toy is designed to be a playful, interactive adventure with shapes, colors and sizes to stack, fit, share, compare and “wear.” The set includes one 12" Eebee doll and four soft “wearable” shapes that easily slip on and off of Eebee’s arms and legs. "This truly interactive doll is a modern, playful twist on classic stacking toys. Rather than just a spindle and four shapes, If The SHAPE FITS Eebee provides babies and parents with countless explorations beyond simple stacking," Every Baby Company President Stephen Gass told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2009 NAPPA Gold Award

The backpack-style Boba 2G is a baby carrier featuring removable foot straps ensuring babies and toddlers’ knees are supported while their legs are placed at a natural 90-degree angle, allowing for increased support for baby. Boba 2G also comes with a matching removable sleeping hood that provides extra head support when the child is sleeping, as well as added protection from the sun, heat, cold, wind, light rain and snow. The 2G is available in Organic and Classic versions.
Awards: 2010 Mom's Choice Award; 2010 iParenting Media Award; 2010 PTPA Winner; 2010 JPMA Certified

This miniature car makes realistic racing sounds when the doors are pressed and activates its headlights when the hood is pressed. the car measures 7.5."

Stroller time is much more fun when these flash cards come along for the ride. This bright, graphic set includes five touch-and-feel cards in five different shapes with engaging textures and pictures. Easy to attach to a stroller, backpack, or diaper bag, these cards are visually stimulating in the box as well as in baby's hand.