TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Category: Language

Lightning Bug Literacy Kit, Level K by LIGHTNING BUG LEARNING

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.” ( Watch Video) 8/17/2010 (Price: $99.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cabbage Patch Nascar Kids Dale Earnhardt Jr. by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

This 16" doll is designed to resemble Nascar driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., and wears a racing uniform and cap. A miniature Nascar car is included. 8/17/2010 (Price: $49.50)

I is for Inuksuk: An Arctic Celebration by OWLKIDS

As the official symbol for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the image of the Inuksuk was everywhere. This book teaches children all about life in the Arctic and these amazing stone statues. The acrostic poem, complemented by paintings, celebrates the Arctic landscape, culture and traditions. "Words are written in both English and Inuktitut, with an Inuktitut pronunciation guide included at the back of the book, so children can sound out the words in both languages," Kendal Gerard, Marketing Associate, Owlkids, told TDmonthly.

TDmonthly Review:

Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product. 6/25/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spanish/English Multicultural Feelings Poster by ABC FEELINGS INC.

This full-color 22" x 28" poster depicts 26 different feelings in correlation to the alphabet. It contains both an English word and a Spanish word for each feeling. "This product teaches about feelings, but it also teaches both Spanish and English words," ABC Feelings Vice President Gene Abrams told TDmonthly. 5/27/2010 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

WhisperPhone Element by HAREBRAIN INC.

This easy-to-use educational tool promotes accelerated learning, literacy and new language skills. The WhisperPhone Element is adjustable for fit and comfort, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. 5/17/2010 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Math-o-matic Bilingual Math Game by SMART PLAY LLC

Math-o-matic is a fun puzzle card game that teaches numbers and math concepts. Children can learn numbers (from 1-20) and their spelling in English and Spanish. Kids can play the self-checking math game using numbers and symbols to learn number sequencing, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. 4/30/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ingenio Bilingual Alphabet Puzzle by SMART PLAY LLC

This reversible alphabet puzzle has English letters on one side and Spanish letters on the other side. Color-coded puzzles makes it easy for the child to complete the floor puzzle and learn the English/Spanish alphabet. 4/30/2010 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ingenio North America Map Bilingual Puzzle by SMART PLAY LLC

This colorful and informative puzzle is designed to help develop an early appreciation for geography. It icludes illustrations of all 50 U.S. states, 32 Mexican states and other North American countries, allowing kids to learn country and state names in both English and Spanish. The puzzle has 48 large, easy to grasp pieces and measures over 6' square when fully assembled. Durable, extra-thick pieces store easily in the reusable box. Ilango Sankaralingam, president of Smart Play, told TDmonthly, "All Ingenio products are bilingual. In addition, this map puzzle covers the entire North American region and has colorful illustrations of all countries in this region." 4/30/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bilingual Alphabet Flash Cards by SMART PLAY LLC

Bilingual Flash Cards are designed to help children learn all 26 English letters and 27 Spanish letters. Brightly colored illustrations help children recognize letters and identify beginning sounds. There are two convenient ways to play: using in a stand position or carrying anywhere using the handle. Award: 2009 Creative Child Seal of Excellence Award. Launch date: October 2009. 2/4/2010 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Smart Projector by SMART PLAY LLC

This compact, easy to use projector is designed to provide hours of entertainment and creativity. It teaches how to trace and write the alphabet and numbers (for ages 3 to 4 years). Kids over 4 years can trace and draw 24 animals and write their names in English/Spanish. A bright LED provides a clear image along with long battery life. The size of the image can be adjusted to suit the drawing surface. Awards: 2009 Creative Child Preferred Choice Award. Launch date: October 2009. 2/4/2010 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Crossword Blocks by SMART PLAY LLC

This blend of alphabet blocks and crossword games is designed to grow with the child and is fully bilingual. Children start off by learning the English and Spanish alphabet using the blocks. The learning continues as they spell first words while playing the 12 crossword games in English and Spanish. Launch date: October 2009. 2/4/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Joe and the Pirates by BOGGLENOGGIN MEDIA INC.

The award-winning Joe Rock and Friends interactive stories are now available on iPhone and iPod Touch. Featuring two languages (English and Spanish), original fun songs, 3D graphics, instant switching between languages, optional narration, and word tracking, these stories can provide a great reading experience for emerging readers (ages 3-8) and a great tool for language learners. "The multi-language features ... allow instant switching of any page between the two languages," Allan Crossley, CEO, BoggleNoggin Media Inc., told TDmonthly. Awards: 2008 Outstanding Product - iParenting Media Awards, Preferred Choice Award - Creative Child Magazine, June 2008, Editor's Choice Award - Children's Technology Review, June 2008 & Dec 2006, Recommended - Parent's Choice FOundation, March 2008. Launch date: September 2009. 12/16/2009 (Price: $2.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My First Bilingual Notebook by SMART PLAY LLC

This toy looks like the real thing and is designed to be very sturdy. It is also lightweight, compact and portable. There are eight early learning activities in English and Spanish. The interactive bilingual toy teaches the alphabet, words, numbers, shapes and colors. Includes 3 AAA batteries. "The Ingenio line is affordable and innovative, making it attractive for the specialty market," Ilango Sankaralingam, President, Smart Play, LLC, told TDmonthly. Awards: 2009 Creative Child Toy of The Year. Launch date: October 2009. 12/16/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Book Box Animal Stories by MASTER COMMUNICATIONS

Conceived by child literacy expert Dr. Brij Kothari, BookBox Series stories are designed for child entertainment while simultaneously improving reading skills. Using scientifically tested same language subtitling (SLS), children are assisted in the improvement of listening comprehension and reading and foreign language skills — while watching fascinating “Stories from Around the World” that bring cultural and educational values to children. The "Animal Stories" DVD features three stories: Based on an ancient Indian fable, "Four Friends" is about animal friends that work together to outwit a hunter and protect each other. "The Turtle’s Flute" is about a turtle that is a gifted flutist. When the turtle played her flute, everyone danced. One day, she is trapped by a greedy man. How will she escape? "Zippy the Zebra" is about a zebra that is bugged by a hide full of fleas. No amount of tail swishing or tree trunk scratching would give him any relief. Finally a pair of birds help him out by making a meal of his unwelcome guests. "This DVD helps children to read in English, Spanish, Chinese, French, German or Italian. With three ways to use the program - Read to me, Let me read and Let me listen plus you can print the PDF of the book from a computer," Selina Yoon, President, Master Communications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 6, 2009. Awards: Kids First, Dr. Toy's 100 Best Products, Dr. Toy's 10 Best Audio/Video. 12/16/2009 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Let's Go Guang! Chinese for Children by AHA!CHINESE INC.

Let's Go Guang! Chinese for Children is a kit for kids to learn Chinese as a second language. Children join Ling and Kai while they visit their grandparents and discover Guang, a fun-loving dragon. It's designed for kids to learn how to properly pronounce about 50 useful everyday Mandarin Chinese words, phrases and sentences, including greetings, introductions and numbers. Each kit includes: DVD: "Meet Guang, the Chinese Dragon" (Animated Feature), "Making Dumplings" (Live footage), and "Mini Lessons and Songs," all in English and Mandarin Chinese; illustrated hardback book: "Story of Meet Guang, the Chinese Dragon with Pinyin"; English audio CD; flash cards with simplified Chinese characters, Pinyin; English Parents/Educator Guide; and vocabulary list.
— "This is a unique, high-quality, high-production toy/product that is effective, yet fun and engaging for kids," Karen Wu Audi, Co-Founder of aha! Chinese, told TDmonthly. "Kids learn Chinese and don't realize that they are learning the language." Awards: 2009 iParenting Media Award; and Dr. Toy's 10 Best Educational and 100 Best Children's Products Awards. Launch date: August 8, 2009. 11/25/2009 (Price: $49.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

A-B-C OY! by DREAM GREEN

A-B-C OY! contains eight surprisingly adaptable word, spelling and alphabet based games for any age or ability level. Players can learn letters backward and forward with ZOOM OY! or speed spell with SLAPSPELL OY!. They can use the blank cards included to make their own foreign alphabet. The deck contains 120 cards, which includes both capital and lower case letters. Instructions are in English, French and Spanish and include comprehensive information for parents and educators. Launch date: 1996. 10/29/2009 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Vibrating Textures Teething Ring by SASSY

When baby gums or bites the largest soft disk on this teething ring, it vibrates, offering comfort and a lesson in cause and effect. A disk with bold, red and white stripes catches baby’s eye. Raised stripes and smooth sections encourage teething. Completing the ring are six chewy, textured disks filled with orange, purple and red beads. Some are water-filled and, when refrigerated, provide a cool diversion from sore gums. Varied textures cultivate tactile sensitivity, helping to develop communication skills. Launch date: October 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Refreshing Rings by SASSY

Caregivers can refrigerate this colorful, water-filled rattle to bring cool relief to teething babies. On one end, a red, squishy, water-filled, oval ring with nubby bumps invites baby to soothe his gums. In the middle, a curved, white handle features raised, black stripes and three colored rings click-clacking around it. The handle is thin enough for even young babies to grasp. There is a black ball with white polka-dots on the other end of the handle to help baby focus. Launch date: October 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ladybug Teethers by SASSY

These sleek, boldly colored ladybugs can be refrigerated so that their water-filled sections provide cool comfort for sore gums. Bendable, squishable textures and raised polka-dots encourage exploration by mouth. A smooth, black head provides bold contrast in color and texture to the rest of the little bug. Nubby antennae offer additional teething fun. They are available in two-packs with either a red and a purple ladybug or a red and an orange ladybug. Launch date: October 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Entire World of R Flip Books by SAY IT RIGHT

Based on The Entire World of R™ program, this 8-book set targets each of the eight variations of /r/ [ar, air, ear, er, ire, or, prevocalic r, and rl]. Also included are /r/ blends and recurrent /r/. Children can change stories by flipping one of three panels that comprise each sentence story. The books can be an aid to focus on single words, phrases, sentences or conversational speech. Stories are divided and color coded by word position (initial, medial, and final) for  focused therapy. Books vary in size from 51 to 72 panels (17-24 pages). 10/6/2009 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

C'est Si Bon by YADEEDA.COM

This 12-track album features the alphabet, the days of the week, the rooms of the house, colors, food and more. It may be used by teachers and French students. "With its upbeat and easy-to-learn songs, this CD is a great introduction to French for children 3 to 10," Alain Le Lait, owner of Yadeeda.com, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 25, 2004. 8/27/2009 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Soyons Amis by YADEEDA.COM

This album offers French songs for children ages 3 to 10. It may be used in classrooms and immersion programs. "A great way to introduce children to French, the songs on this CD are upbeat and easy to learn," Alain Le Lait, owner of Yadeeda.com, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 23, 2003. 8/27/2009 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

WhisperPhoneŽ Reader's Theater by HAREBRAIN INC.

WhisperPhone® Reader’s Theater includes 10 scripts, 10 scene setters and 10 coordinating exercises written by literacy experts and teachers. The scripts feature two characters in a telephone conversation about “How Things Are Made.” Students practice reading with expression in pairs. Launch date: March 2009. 8/19/2009 (Price: $33.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

"Parapluie" by YADEEDA.COM

14 great songs that include body parts, recess time, vegetables, family members, and 2 well-known comptines, 'Alouette', and 'Savez-vous planter les choux?' 8/19/2009 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zoey and the Yok-Yok Man by YADEEDA.COM

Who is the piggle? And more importantly, will it end up on a bun? To find out, follow Sam and Sally in the search for Zoey, their unusual dog with a fondness for reading and a deep appreciation of art. In this adventure, they will meet the lonely, sensitive Yok-Yok Man and the impish, capricious oygoys ruled by their king, 'The Grumpiness.' 8/19/2009 (Price: $12.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]