TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Category: Music

Anni Zola - My Story by GENERATION Z LLC

Featuring a hip, virtual teenage pop star, "Anni Zola - My Story" is an enhanced CD incorporating four songs interwoven with three short stories (in audiobook format), bonus videos and images. Anni Zola sings, dances, talks about her dreams, and encourages her peers to live a meaningful life. "'Anni Zola - My Story' is a sophisticated enhanced CD without the sexual content," Generation Z Founder Zuriana Zonneveld told TDmonthly. 5/14/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Final Funktier by RECESS MONKEY

"The Final Funktier" presents Recess Monkey on an intergalactic voyage in outer space: 15 songs of high-energy funk and new-wave grooves, taking listeners on a stratospheric dance party that occasionally touches down on solid ground with moon boots, jet packs, sunglasses, satellites and booster seats in hand. Jack Forman of Recess Monkey told TDmonthly, “We think of our classrooms as focus groups for what's on kids' minds. ... Laughter permeates our experiences with kids, in the classroom and out!” Launch date: June 15, 2010. 5/10/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Celeste Sings, Kids Dream by ROMANTIC REALIST RECORDS LLC

This album is a blend of classic and original lullabies sung by Celeste over an accompaniment of keyboards, strings and harmonica. Classic titles include "Edelweiss," "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod" and "All Through the Night."  Awards: 2009 Nappa Gold Award; 2010 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval; 2009 Family Choice Award.
— The National Parenting Center gave “Celeste Sings, Kids Dream” its Seal of Approval award and labeled it as “an ideal CD for ‘wind down’ time or to enhance the pre-bed ritual.” Celeste’s “soothing voice” fosters a “gentle feel” that is both “engaging” and relaxing.
— Winner, Family Choice Award
— Winner, National Parenting Publications Awards NAPPA GOLD 5/3/2010 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Baby Banana CD by VERY DERRYBERRY PRODUCTIONS

Debi Derryberry (the voice of Nickelodeon’s Jimmy Neutron) combines jazz, folk, calypso and reggae styles with her whimsical flying Baby Banana character in this CD of nine original songs about freckles, tropical fruit, an orangutan and more. The 10th track features Debi reading her story “Baby Banana and the Licorice Tree.”
— The Casual Perfectionist’s JoAnn listened to the CD several times with her daughter. Both enjoyed the silly subjects of the songs and Debi’s “magical” singing. JoAnn concluded, “This is a CD that will stay near the top of our collection for a while!”
— Michelle from Flying Giggles and Lollipops reported that her family “took this CD with us on our camping trip and all the children had a blast when we played it.” She laughed to the CD along with her kids, explaining, “This is one you will not mind listening to, which is a good thing, because your children are going to be requesting it over and over again!” 4/27/2010 (Price: $14.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tiny Cool by ROCKETNYC

Princess Katie and Racer Steve bring their combination of singing, musicianship and kid-oriented comedy to their third studio CD. "Tiny Cool" delivers messages about honesty, individuality, acceptance, kindness, helpfulness, the power of love, and the amazing capabilities kids will exhibit, if they’re only given a chance. Elizabeth Waldman Frazier, president of Waldmania Public Relations, told TDmonthly, "'Tiny Cool' captures the vibrant energy, daring innovations, and positive spirit of the NYC-based group’s tremendously popular live performances." Launch date: April 4, 2010.
— CPA Mom of Did You See That? reported that her “daughter loves the beat of the music” and “her favorite was ‘Clelia's Party’ because it just like an entire FIESTA in a song!” Though both mom and daughter felt the skits between songs fell flat, after listening to the CD, CPA Mom loved “the lyrics and the messages they give – (about) dealing with bullies, celebrating our uniqueness (like shyness), and really, that kids can pretty much do anything.”
— Carrie of Growing a Baby in Seattle listened to the CD with her whole family, and “it only took a few minutes for us all to be big fans.” The between-song skits had Carrie and her kids “laughing out loud.” She also noted that, “it's nice to listen to a CD that's so encouraging — this CD is ‘kid power’ at its best.” 4/16/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Personalized Music CD's by KIDS JUKE BOX

A retailer can carry over 5,000 names in a space as small as a counter display. This retail-friendly personalized music CD uses a child´s name to be the main character and is personalized in other ways at home by the customer using "grab and go" internet technology. No rack system and no special equipment or mass amounts of inventory are required. The CDs come pre-packed in a colorful and informative countertop display with built-in audio samples. Company President Kurt Penberg told TDmonthly, "Kids Juke Box is the only company in the world that offers Any Name personalized music. No other product gives a better return on space than Kids Juke Box." Launch date: Dec. 25, 2008. 4/14/2010 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Green Golly & Her Golden Flute by TUGBOAT MUSIC

"Green Golly & Her Golden Flute" introduces children to classical music via a lighthearted embellishment of the tale of Rapunzel. Green Golly relies on her musical abilities to help unravel the mysteries of life in this engaging tale of romance and rescue. Elizabeth Waldman Frazier, President of Waldmania Public Relations, told TDmonthly, "Green Golly & Her Golden Flute brings a breath of fresh air to kids’ recordings, combining classical music, storytelling, and comedy." Launch date: May 11, 2010.
— “The music is gorgeous!” enthused Heather, The 24/7 Mom. Heather felt that “the story is absolutely hilarious,” and that “this CD is an awesome way to introduce children to classical music without them saying, ‘Mom!  Turn on Hannah Montana.’ “
— Sheri of This Bird’s Day incorporated the CD into her daughter’s bedtime ritual: “The classical music is soothing and relaxing, and it has the added benefit of a beautiful bedtime story to kick off Baby Bird’s nighttime routine as well as mine.” 4/14/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Earthworm Ensemble CD by WESTERN SEEDS RECORDS

Earthworm Ensemble is a 22-piece folk/country group producing music the whole family can sing along to. Their self-titled CD contains 11 songs about worms, a pizza moon, growing corn and a superhero dog and bear.
— Dadnabbit’s Jeff Giles applauded the album’s ample heart, homespun feel and eco-friendly subject matter. He concluded, “Children’s records don’t get much timelier, or more well-meaning, than this.”
— Kathleen of Katydid and Kid enjoyed the lovely vocal harmonies. The casual feel of the recording made it perfect for her to dance to with her child.
— CanCan of Mom Most Traveled called the CD “fresh.” She shared the music with her pre-K students, leading an interpretative dance to “Bang A Drum” and humming along to “That’s What The Earthworm’s For.” 4/8/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights: I'm a Rock Star by LIMBOSTAR

Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights rock kids and parents alike with I’m a Rock Star. The 13 tracks on the album range from the rockin’ title track to the jazzy “I Like Jazz” to a game of “Joanie Says.” The CD also includes the soothing “Give Me a Hug” and Spanish song “En Español.”
— Katy Farber of Non-Toxic Kids exclaimed, “This music is hard to resist — infectious fun, that begs you to dance and move with your little people.” Both Katy and her kids had a great time singing and dancing along to Joanie’s pop-rock.
— Amelia Stewart, whose review on My Sentiment Exactlee includes a track-by-track breakdown of the CD, described it as “a perfect collection of songs for a daycare or preschool.” Though not all the songs were to her taste, Amelia reported that her son thoroughly enjoyed the music. 4/7/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Children's Accordion by CHINA TOYBIZ.CN

This handy accordion is a musical toy suitable for little kids. William Xie of China Toybiz told TDmonthly it is "good for practice and fun." Launch date: Feb. 20, 2010. 4/2/2010 (Price: $18) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Journey by ROCKABYE BABY!

With “Lullaby Renditions of Journey,” Rockabye Baby! tells parents “Don’t stop believing in peace and quiet!” Screaming guitars are replaced by pinging xylophones and croaking frogs to transform the power ballads of Journey into peaceful lullabies. It’s designed so that tots and parents alike will enjoy rocking out and dozing off to the sweet sounds of these rock classics.

— Kristen of Goodie Goodie Gumdrops found it “almost impossible not to hum along” while listening to the CD with her little ones. She found the transformation of the Journey songs to lullabies to be “spot on” and recommended the CD as an attention-grabbing baby shower gift.
— Even without kids, music blogger Nick Spacek of The Pitch enjoyed the CD, though he claims he “had difficulty making it through to the end without feeling the need to curl up.” 3/23/2010 (Price: $13.99)

The Playdate Kids Musical Book Series: The I Like Me Dance by PLAYDATE KIDS PUBLISHING

Part zoo adventure, part songbook and part early confidence builder, through this musical journey, children can appreciate their individuality and have loads of fun along the way. Dance routine, CD and sheet music included. 3/16/2010 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Playdate Kids Musical Book Series: Island Potty Party by PLAYDATE KIDS PUBLISHING

Musically motivate toddlers to get out of their diapers and onto the toilet seat with a bouncing island beat that will have children motivated to transition from diapers to the toilet. A full musical CD and sheet music are included. 3/16/2010 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kid-Tough Music Player by FISHER-PRICE INC.

FISHER-PRICE’s Kid-Tough Music Player is, as its name suggests, a mp3 player designed to be kid-friendly and kid-tough. Able to survive drops, the player features large buttons, simple controls, and easy-to-use software. Available in pink or blue, the Kid-Tough Music Player can hold more than four hours of music and works with most digital music file types. Launch date: July 2010. 2/16/2010 (Price: $49.99)

Sticky MosaicsŪ Girls Rock by THE ORB FACTORY LIMITED

Girls can create their very own rock band with this Girls Rock craft kit. Simply follow the numbered template, then peel and stick sparkling jewels and foam tiles to create. "Only with Sticky Mosaics® can any child achieve perfect results every time, simply by following our numbered template. It's as easy as peel & stick!" Damien Crocker, U.S. Specialty Sales Manager, The Orb Factory Limited, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 15, 2010. 2/11/2010 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sarah Lee Guthrie & Family - Go Waggaloo by SMITHSONIAN FOLKWAYS RECORDINGS

Joined by a host of family and friends including Arlo Guthrie, Pete and Tao Rodriguez Seeger, singer-songwriter Sarah Lee Guthrie presents thoughtful yet playful recordings of traditional songs and new compositions. The album includes three songs featuring lyrics by Woody Guthrie never before put to music and eight songs written by Sarah Lee and family. Awards: 2009 Dr. Toy ("Best Picks" Award) and 2009 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio (“PLATINUM” Award). Launch date: October 27, 2009. 2/4/2010 (Price: $11.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lil' Iguana's Be Smart, Stay Safe Video and Music CD Kit by LIL' IGUANA CHILDREN'S SAFETY FOUNDATION

This video and music kit is designed to educate children about safety and well-being issues in a fun way. Award winning early childhood safety educational music video and 3 music CD's. "Our programs have actually saved many children as young as age 2 from abduction, child predators and serious accidental injuires," Jim Tomaszewski, Executive Director of LICSF, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.
Awards: 2010 Kids First Award 12/16/2009 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Versus Scoreboard by CSE GAMES

The Versus Scoreboard is a fully digital scoreboard and time-keeping device with a powerful audio system. Special sound effects are designed to bring the feel of the stadium home. Featuring state-of-the-art MP3 playback, this sleek and highly-portable device functions as a classic boom box. Awards: 2009 Design Exchange Award for Engineering. Launch date: July 2009. 12/16/2009 (Price: $229.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

YBUDS by PASSIVE DEVICES LLC

YBUDS is the first music-sharing earphone that allows you to share music from your MP3, IPOD, PSP, CD or DVD player with up to two other people. It's designed to be great for use on the airplane, on a cruise while laying on the deck, on the beach with friends, in the back seat of a long car drive or just hanging out with friends. Launch date: October 2009. 12/16/2009 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Eat A Bowl of Cherries CD and Shaker Drum by THE RHYTHM CHILD NETWORK

"Eat A Bowl of Cherries" is from Rhythm Child, an award-winning family band and real-life "Partridge" family group of musicians. Featuring 10 high-energy songs, the CD is created to promote positive music and personal growth for kids by incorporating pulsating rhythms and movements that encourage parents and children to sing, drum and dance together. Launch date: August 2009.
— "Bowl of Cherries" single ranked #1 on SIRIUS/XM's Kids Place Live 13 Under 13 Countdown, and remained on the charts for 13 consecutive weeks (2009). 12/16/2009 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mini Chimalong by WOODSTOCK CHIMES

A smaller version of the Chimalong, the Mini Chimalong comes attached to an illustrated full-color spiral-bound songbook that can be propped up for both the player and the singers to read their parts simultaneously. It folds into a traveling toy. ( Watch Video) 12/14/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rockin', Rollin' and Ridin' EP by BIG TRUCK MUSIC LLC

Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck's latest musical endeavor. A jam-packed, rockin', rollin' enhanced EP. Includes six new songs, two re-mixes, a guest appearance by Roscoe Orman, a.k.a. Gordon of Sesame Street, and an animated music video.  Launch date: November 10, 2009. ( Watch Video) 12/10/2009 (Price: $8.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Music in my Heart by BIG TRUCK MUSIC LLC

13 original children’s songs that take you on a toe-tapping trip through a diverse range of musical styles, with terrific tunes, rockin’ rhythms and enough energy to make the whole family want to come along for the ride. 12/10/2009 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Road Trip by BIG TRUCK MUSIC LLC

On "Road Trip," Rebecca Frezza and her band, Big Truck, continue to accomplish their goal of creating children's music that adults can also enjoy.

Road Trip includes two songs that have been featured on NOGGIN's "Jack's Big Music Show". 12/10/2009 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Una Vida: A Fable of Music and the Mind by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

In Dr. Nicolas Bazan's first novel, neuroscientist Alvaro Cruz finds himself haunted by a recurring dream of a banjo player in a cornfield that leads him on a personal quest to uncover the mysterious past of a New Orleans street singer known as Una Vida. Stricken with Alzheimer's, Una Vida can only offer tantalizing clues about her past through her mesmerizing vocals, incredible recollection of jazz lyrics, and the occasional verbal revisiting of a fascinating life that's fading quickly. As Cruz searches for Una Vida's true identity, he learns profound lessons about the human psyche, the nature of memory, and himself. "'Una Vida' is filled with delightful twists and unexpected turns, all centering around one of the greatest gifts New Orleans has offered the world — jazz," said Five Star's Lisa Goldman. "But the story will also deeply touch anyone who has had to witness the heartbreaking deterioration of a loved one's memory as it is consumed by the unforgiving encroachment of Alzheimer's." Launch date: November 4, 2008. 11/25/2009 (Price: $25.95)