TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Category: Award Winners

Moey's Music Party by LEMONADE PRODUCTIONS LLC/ MOEY'S MUSIC PARTY

"Moey’s Music Party" is a 17-song CD with fun songs that entertain and educate children — and get parents dancing, too. The songs are about manners, sharing, listening to parents, getting dressed, tasting sushi, and being a kid in New York City. They were inspired by award-winning, Off-Broadway songwriter Melissa Levis's (aka Moey’s) own experiences as a mother. “I Gotta Go Potty” was her son’s potty training mantra, and “Pierre Wouldn’t Wash His Hair” was her solution to his six-month hair-washing strike. The CD is a winner of Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Product 2008. Launch date: June 2008. 12/12/2008 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jinks Tattoos by JINKS TATTOOS

This high-quality iron-on patch (tattoo) for kids' clothing and jeans allows kids to express themselves. The product earned a 2008 Creative Child Magazine Award of Excellence. "We have creative designs and also offer a website to bank your points and earn prizes," Owner Carolyn Thiel of Jinks Tattoos told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2, 2008. 11/18/2008 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Alphabet Rockers by SCHOOL TIME MUSIC

With hip-hop, reggae and R&B grooves, the CD gets everyone dancing and singing while counting, spelling and learning. Kids love the high-energy sound and educational messages, and parents will be surprised and engaged by the cool and unconventional songs. The CD has been applauded nationally by parenting publications, teachers and music critics. It received a 2008 Parents' Choice Award and a 2008 National Parenting Publications Award. "Alphabet Rockers provides educational hip-hop to the preK-1st grade market, which is more often saturated with folk and traditional children's music," Kaitlin McGaw, co-owner of School Time Music, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 23, 2007. 10/29/2008 (Price: $14.99)

Place Value Safari by DIDAX INC.

Players fill in their safari boards with base ten units and rods to escape the tiger. They'll learn about addition, subtraction and place value while trying to escape the tiger. "Place Value Safari is a great hands-on game for teaching math skills that's beautifully designed and includes materials children will have fun playing with while they're learning," Margo Hanson, marketing manager for Didax Education, told TDmonthly. This product received a 2008 Teacher's Choice Award and was a 2008 AEP(Association of Educational Publishers) Distinguished Award Winner. Launch date: February 2008. 10/27/2008 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Mini Treasury of 20 Storybook Classics by NEW VIDEO GROUP INC. / A&E HOME VIDEO

This four-DVD set includes 20 award-winning and best-selling children's stories colorfully adapted for the small screen. It provides hours of educational fun, with a helpful Read-Along option. From recent children’s best-sellers like "Karma Wilson’s Bear Snores On" and "Bear Wants More," to classic tales like Beverly Clearly’s "The Mouse and the Motorcycle," this value-priced gift set offers parents and children true storytelling treasures, expertly designed to enhance the reading experience. Together, these stories-on-video have won 35 awards including the Caldecott Medal, the NAPPA Gold Award and the Parents’ Choice Gold Medal. "The Scholastic Storybook Treasures series is produced by Weston Woods Studios. The stories are carefully adapted from the original books, and producers work with authors and illustrators to be sure the productions are faithful to the original stories," Beth Blenz-Clucas of Foundry Communications told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 18, 2008. 10/27/2008 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Fish Who Wished He Could Eat Fruit Book with Read-A-Long CD by SMARTPICKS INC.

Will this fish get his wish?  Join Theo on an amazing underwater adventure. Bonus features: Read-A-Long CD, read by the author, over 20 mouth-watering illustrations, a matching game, 15 ways to get your kids to eat more fruit, and green smoothie recipes using fruits and veggies. Hardbound. 36 pgs. 9/23/2008 (Price: $18.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Fruit Flies Picnic Interactive CD-ROM by SMARTPICKS INC.

The award-winning Fruit Flies Picnic Book is now a fun interactive learning tool including 100 pop-up windows with fun fruit facts and history. Learn about 48 fruits, 16 fruit-veggies, and 25 vegetables. Bonus features: audio narration, animated characters, clickable graphics, printable nutrition facts and supplemental documents with over 130 discussion questions. Can be used individually or as a whole class activity. Windows and Mac compatible. Winner of the 2008 Dr Toys 100 Best children’s Products Award and 2007 Best New Product of the Year Finalist- Stevie’ Awards for Women in Business. 9/23/2008 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Fruit Flies Picnic Book with Read-A-Long CD by SMARTPICKS INC.

After reading this book, kids will want to have their own fruit flies’ picnic. Join these bug buddies as they gather a feast of fruit. Kids will learn the importance of eating fruit in all sizes and shapes. Bonus features: Read-A-Long CD, read by the author, filled with music, sound effects and 30 mouth-watering illustrations. Reviewed in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. Hardbound, 32 pgs. This product has received the following awards: 2007 Best New Product of the Year Finalist- Stevie’ Awards for Women in Business, 2007 Best Book Award Finalist - USA Book Awards, 2005 iParenting Media Award, and the 2005 Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Children's Product 9/23/2008 (Price: $18.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Food Pyramid Bingo Updated Deluxe Edition by SMARTPICKS INC.

This nutrition game is SmartPicks' top selling game for over 12 years. This updated version makes learning about basic food groups and healthy alternatives a treat for players of all ages and appetites. Based on the new MyPyramid, this game provides a variety of food choices that will improve the quality of an average American diet. Winner of the Learning® Magazine 2008 Teachers' Choice Award. For 2-30 players. 9/23/2008 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Treasures and Traps: The Adventure Card Game by STUDIO 9 INC.

Treasures and Traps™ is a complete card game that puts you in the role of the hero. Your quest is to collect three treasures before anyone else. Sounds simple enough, but throw in a two-headed troll, a maze of dangerous doors, and a few cunning thieves and you won't know what might happen next. With 100 different cards, each game is a unique journey of wild adventure never to be repeated again. Awards: 2007 Origins Award Best Card Game of the Year Silver Award. "Treasures and Traps is a game that the family plays. Kids, youth, and adults all enjoy it. This features makes it unique-we have heard countless stories of parents and kids, young and old, boys and girls, spending time together enjoying this one," C. Aaron Kreader, Designer, Studio 9 Inc. Launch date: 8/1/2006. 9/19/2008 (Price: $12.95)

BearHands Mittens, Scarf and Hat Set by BEARHANDS LTD

The mittens, scarf and hat in this set can also be purchased individually. "Our unique, adorable accessories appeal to kids and adults alike; they are both fun and functional," Julie Dennis, designer at BearHands & Buddies, told TDmonthly. Available in a rainbow of fleece colors with a variety of animals. BearHands received a 2008 Product of the Year award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: July 1, 2008. 9/19/2008 (Price: $47.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tail Wags Lucky Lady Helmet Cover by TAIL WAGS HELMET COVERS INC.

Ladybugs are often considered a symbol of good luck! This delightful red with black spots ladybug will bring a smile to every child lucky enough to wear one. Fun and safety team up in the adorable helmet covers from Tail Wags, useful for biking, skating, skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and equestrian riding. Tail Wags Helmet Covers increase visibility, especially in low-light conditions, and are themed to work for both children and adults. "Kids WANT to wear their safety helmet when they have a helmet cover that they love!" stressed Karyn Climans, owner and creator of Tail Wags Helmet Covers. MSRP ranges from $30 to $45. Tail Wags was selected as a JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) Innovation Award Finalist and was chosen as a “Best Product for Babies and Kids 2008” by Orca Communications. The ABC Kids Expo named Tail Wags one of the “Top 10 Innovative Companies in the Juvenile and Safety Products Industry Worldwide."Launch date: November 2008. 9/19/2008 (Price: $40.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Peanut Butter and JAM by Charity and the JAMband

The first CD by the rockin', groovin' Charity and the JAMband met with both critical acclaim and audience adoration. The groovin' hit, Peanut Butter and JAM, starts the collection off with an irresistible buzz, cool harmonies and funky rhythms. The music continues to inspire, telling stories to inspire dancing and dramatic play. "These songs are dancable and singable, well-crafted and joy-inspired, and appeal to parents and kids alike," said Charity Kahn, Owner/Artist of JAM. This compilation won a 2004 Parents' Choice Approved Award and a 2006 Children's Music Web Gold Award. Launch date: 04/04/2004 8/25/2008 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Steps4Kids to Write Cursive by Steps4Kids, LLC

This colorful DVD shows how to write all "contemporary cursive" upper and lowercase letters in cursive, tips to remember letter connections, reminders on correct pencil grips and posture, and colorful graphics to not only show how the letters are written but to introduce cursive sight words to help children learn to read cursive writing. The DVD has received the following awards: 2008 Toy Man Seal of Approval and Editor's Choice Award, Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products 2008, 2008 Parents' Choice Approved Award, and 2008 Preferred Product Award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: Summer 2008. 8/21/2008 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Steps4Kids to Write Their ABCs by Steps4Kids, LLC

This nationally acclaimed DVD, teaches children to write upper and lowercase manuscript letters on lined paper, teaches ways to remember the proper pencil grip, introduces the children to letter sounds and 100+ sight words to develop early reading skills, and even provides tips on how to avoid letter reversals! It includes fun drawing breaks using letters to keep kids interested. 8/21/2008 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Horse Fairy Music Box by ENCHANTMINTS

This beautifully illustrated and designed music box features four drawers for storing treasures as well as a main compartment for jewelry, etc. "The unique design and illustration of our products make them ideal for the specialty market," said Liz Bjornstad, sales administrator for Enchantmints. This product won a Creative Child Magazine top toy award for 2008. Launch date: 2008. ( Watch Video) 8/21/2008 (Price: $29.00)

WordWorld Bucket Set - Barn by MEGA BRANDS

The WordWorld BARN comes with A to Z letter blocks and two buildable WordFriends. Kids can build and rebuild the farm scene as they learn new words and role-play with the engaging WordFriends. The playset includes a WordWorld DVD and a bucket for convenient storage. "WordWorld, a new innovation in the literacy landscape, brings words to life through a patent-pending methodology that embeds words into the objects they represent" said Rona Iny, marketing and outreach manager of WordWorld. "WordWorld toys help kids understand that letters form words and words have real meaning in their lives." This toy won a 2008 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award. Launch date: 2008. 8/21/2008 (Price: $29.99)

Pull-Apart WordFriend - Bee by SPIN MASTER TOYS

Kids can build their favorite words over and over again with this fun pull-apart set that can be mixed and matched with other pull-apart WordFriends to create new words. "WordWorld, a new innovation in the literacy landscape, brings words to life through a patent-pending methodology that embeds words into the objects they represent. WordWorld toys help kids understand that letters form words and words have real meaning in their lives!" Rona Iny, marketing and outreach manager for WordWorld, told TDmonthly. This product received a 2008 Seal of Excellence Award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: 2008. 8/21/2008 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Plate-Mate by HATCH

My Plate-Mate is a first-of-its-kind children’s learning tool for eating. My Plate-Mate is a convenient spill-guard that attaches to the rim of any 8” to 9-1/2” round plate. It promotes independence and minimizes frustration for youngsters mastering self feeding. As a spill-guard, it also reduces messy clean up for parents. "My Plate-Mate is the only product available that offers toddlers the ability to eat confidently and independently while minimizing the mess that comes with meals at home or at a restaurant," said Paige Akabane, co-founder of Hatch. This product won a 2008 Outstanding Product, i-Parenting Media award and a 2008 Seal of Approval, The New Parents Guide. Launch date: 04/29/2008 ( Watch Video) 8/21/2008 (Price: $8.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

A Bailar! Let's Dance! by WHISTLEFRITZ

This award-winning CD of Spanish songs for children is full of fun, upbeat songs that teach children Spanish vocabulary, including letters, numbers, colors, parts of the body, activities and more. It surveys the wide landscape of Latin rhythms from salsa and merengue to corridos, cumbias, rumbas, rancheras and rock and roll. "The CD includes a Parents' and Teachers' Translation Guide that translates every word in the CD, as well as including all lyrics," CEO Heidi Stock of Whistlefritz told TDmonthly. This product received a 2008 iParenting Media Award. Launch date: May 21, 2008. 8/21/2008 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Portable Playtime™ Airplane Backpack Playmats by PORTABLE PLAYTIME™

Portable Playtime is a backpack that converts into a playmat designed to fit airplane tray tables.  Pack up the toys and fold into a backpack.  Pockets zipper to keep toys secure.  Holds over 20 toys, snacks and games. Playmat designs include Plane Fun, Aero-Playin', Princess Adventure, Pirate Passage, and Enchanted Journey. ( Watch Video) 8/8/2008 (Price: $35.00)

Cards by Kids custom Greeting Cards by CARDS BY KIDS

Cards by Kids turns your children's artwork into one-of-a kind greeting cards. Children's masterpiece artwork are transformed into items such as birthday cards, party invitations, thank you notes, etc. The 4.5" x 6" cards are blank inside and come with 100% recycled paper envelopes. Parents can order directly to preserve their child's artwork forever, and to have cards on hand for any occasion. For schools and organizations, these cards present a creative fundraising idea. Cards are sold in a pack of 10. 7/17/2008 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The COMMUNICATION Game by MINDAMICS LLC

Mindamics COM-MU’-NI-CA’-TION makes it easy for fathers & daughters to communicate with each other while going out to a meal together. The game includes fill-in-the-blank statements that the father & daughter read and answer during the meal. The game includes 365 statement cards divided between 26 different packets lettered “A” thru “Z”. Each of the 26 packets contains enough statement cards to promote stimulating conversation between a father and daughter during the meal. Example statements include, “I’ll never forget the time you ----.” The game is housed in a metallic box and includes a keepsake journal, two instruction sheets, one straw and a Mindamics decal. 7/1/2008 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wolves! Folk Stories Featuring Our Best Friend's Wild Cousin by EASTERN COYOTE RECORDINGS

Wolves! is performed by Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponder (considered two of America's best folk storytellers) with a distinctive duo-narrative style, voices overlapping and interlocking. Weaving through the tales, the couple plays Celtic music on harp and concertina. The album is a live family show of traditional folk tales where wolves are not the enemy. Sometimes heroes, sometimes chumps, they are characters with whom we can identify, and always worthy of our love and respect. Funny, emotional, thought-provoking, and mesmerizing -- adults enjoy listening with their kids!
— Parents' Choice Silver Honoree
— Children's Music Web "Best Spoken Word Recording Young Children" and "Best Spoken Word Recording Older Children" 6/13/2008 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Molar Mate™ Toothbrushing Timer & Holder by SPECIALTY PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT INC.

Molar Mate is the FUN, interactive, entertaining way to be SURE children actually enjoy brushing their teeth! This loveable character's freckles, eyebrows, and tongue light up during a 2-minute or 3-minute time countdown; entertaining, engaging and motivating your child to brush their teeth for the dentist recommended time. The included Toothbrushing Guide is educational, teaching kids how to brush properly and more effectively. It makes brushing fun! The lightshow and sound makes kids WANT to brush! Give the gift of health! (four "AA" batteries required) 5/22/2008 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]