December 2012 Notable Toys — Audio & CD

Men of Iron relates the thrilling adventures of a young man seeking justice for himself and his family in fifteenth-century England. With his father unfairly outlawed by King Henry IV, Myles Falworth faces enormous odds before he can become a knight and champion his family’s cause against powerful foes. With the help of loyal friends, Myles demonstrates courage and persistence as he confronts his opponents one by one, winning self-understanding and love along the way. In addition to being a classic adventure, Men of Iron offers fascinating details of castle life and of the long road to knighthood. This book is sure to become a favorite of any boy or girl who loves adventure, and will turn anyone new to the medieval era into a lifelong devotee. Written by Howard Pyle, unabridged reading by Jim Weiss.

Everywhere in the world, there are poems and songs especially for children—rhymes that are sung from generation to generation and never forgotten. In Japan, nursery rhymes speak of nature, of everyday joys and of Japan's own special culture. In Japanese Nursery Rhymes fifteen well-loved verses are colorfully presented in a format that makes language learning easier. The included audio CD features kids singing in both Japanese and English.

The first-ever Christmas album from kids' music superstar Laurie Berkner, featuring classic seasonal and Christmas songs as well as three original tracks. "The CD is set apart from other holiday albums for kids because Laurie Berkner is the biggest name in children's music in the country - dubbed 'The queen of children's music' by People Magazine and 'The undisputed queen of kindie rock'" by USA Today.  The reason she is the biggest name in kids' music is her appeal to parents, not just kids," Sarah Geist Rosen from SKG Publicity told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— As of 12/6/2012 this product had 4.9 out of 5 stars from 23 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Features many Christmas classics; interesting vocal arrangements; enjoyable for kids and adults. Cons: One reviewer wished there were more original songs.

Singer-Songwriters Lydia Adams Davis and Kathy Byers have collaborated on this album of original songs about nature, recycling, animal habitats, global warming, conservation and environmental awareness. Highlights include the sprightly "Shy Raccoon," the appropriately tropical and lyrically transformative "Chameleon," and the easy picking tale of the great northern environment "In Alaska." Elsewhere, we are treated to tales of the decidedly un-limbed "I Am Snake," the busy "Be a Bumble Bee," and the complexity of ecosystems in "Think About the Ocean." Other favorites include "We Study Frogs" which will be a welcomed song for any science teacher to learn, and the pressing question of "Why Do Turtles Cross the Road," answered in the song of the same name. The album closes with the lovely and spirited "Song of Life" which should become the theme song for every nature center and school. The CD comes in mostly paper packaging, with nature-themed illustrations, a full booklet of lyrics and credits. Launch date: January 2012/
Awards: 2012 A Parents' Choice Award-Music Category

For over 40 years, Bobby Susser has entertained and educated millions of children through his songs. In his new, 25th collection, containing 12 songs, titled WO!, he continues his work, and quite remarkably, sounds better than ever. The songs are joyful, optimistic, and lots of fun. They encourage the young listeners to sing along, dance, and/or exercise; they develop a sense of rhythm and oral expression, and promote the significance of friendship, and togetherness through appreciation and understanding of songs, and their ability to enrich our lives. The first song , Any Time Of Day, is an exceptional song that's very inviting as soon as it's heard, as are, The Wo Wo Song, Smiling Face, Oooh Good Morning, and all the rest. The entire collection is filled with very catchy songs that will have everyone singing and dancing, learning and having lots of fun. Launch date: April 2012.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Children's Product; 2012 Dr. Toy 10 Best Audio/DVD

Developed under the guidance of a wide range of doctors, teachers and child development specialists, and approved by babies and parents of all ages, Baby Blanket Music takes songs from parents' favorite artists and arranges them just right so that now they can be babies' favorites too.  Albums feature songs made famous by The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Michael Jackson, John Mayer, Garth Brooks, Simon & Garfunkel and more. Launch date: April 2012.

A fun collection of classic cowboy songs for buckaroos of all ages by artists such as Western music stalwarts Riders in the Sky and Don Edwards. "Cowboy Playground includes a 24-page booklet featuring archival photos from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming," Marie-Louise Sturm, Co-Manager of Putumayo Kids, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2012.
— As of 9/25/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com.