TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Videos & DVDs Product Category

Play With Me Sesame – Playtime With Grover by GENIUS PRODUCTS INC.

This two-disc handle case features a DVD in which Grover, along with friends Bert, Ernie, Prairie Dawn and others, encourages preschoolers to take part in interactive play while being educated about concepts such as size relationships and opposites. It also comes with a bonus 60-minute CD-ROM. Launch date: October 23, 2007. 10/11/2007 (Price: $16.95)

I Can Sign by BabyFirstTV

From BabyFirstTV, a network tailored to babies, toddlers and their parents, this DVD helps parents learn how to use sign language to communicate with their baby before he or she can speak actual words. The program offers a fun, easy and engaging way to learn key words and their correlating signs. 10/11/2007 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rainbow Dreams by BabyFirstTV

From BabyFirstTV, a network tailored to babies, toddlers and their parents, this DVD features lullaby music and soothing images to offer quiet time for both baby and caregiver. The programs feature soft classical music, calming ever-changing shapes and peaceful colors. 10/11/2007 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Knuffle Bunny… and More Great Childhood Adventure Stories! by SCHOLASTIC

Part of the Scholastic Storybook Treasures collection, this DVD is based on the book Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale, by Mo Willems. This animated DVD is over an hour long and features digitally-enhanced content, a read-along feature, kid-friendly authoring and more. Launch date: October 30, 2007.
— Bob Breneman, owner of G. Willikers in Portsmouth, N.H., told TDmonthly in April 2008 that “Knuffle Bunny” books with a rabbit rag doll are his best-selling licensed product.
— The book, on which the DVD is based, won a Carnegie Medal in Literature Award in 2007.
— The book, “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale,” is written and illustrated by Mo Willems. 10/2/2007 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BabyFirstTV 6-DVD Collection, Volume 1 by BabyFirstTV

Suitable for ages 6 months to 3 years, BabyFirstTV, the nation's only 24/7 channel dedicated to babies and their parents, now offers its award-winning programming on DVD. The line of developmental DVDs features content specifically tailored to meet the needs of infants and toddlers. It is created by leading child development experts, features on-screen parenting tips and a unique 3-step introduction method to topics, and is available in English and Spanish. The six-DVD collection includes Vocabulary Seeds, Numerical Concepts, Cognitive Beginnings, Night Symphony, Visual Inspirations and Social Explorations. “The BabyFirstTV DVD line is ideal for the specialty toy market since the products are not currently offered in mass retail outlets,” Marketing Director Kristin Feltz of BabyFirstTV told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 1, 2007. ( Watch Video) 9/25/2007 (Price: $69.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Suzi Shelton Live at Southpaw by SUZIMUSIC LLC

This DVD features kindie-rock artist Suzi Shelton live in concert at Brooklyn’s Southpaw nightclub. It showcases ten original Shelton songs, including “Goin’ on a Road Trip” and “So Long Chocolate Cake,” plus special interviews with Suzi and The Gumdrops. “This DVD gives kids and parents the next best thing to a live concert with Suzi Shelton, an up-and-coming family recording artist,” Beth Blenz-Clucas of Sugar Mountain PR told TDmonthly. This product is a National Parenting Publications of America Gold Award winner. Launch date: September 2007. 9/25/2007 (Price: $20.00)

Angelina Ballerina: The Silver Locket Special Edition by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

Hit Entertainment and 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment join to bring kids this special edition DVD set. Based on the storybooks by Katharine Holabird and Helen Craig, this set comes with a DVD, a book and a silver locket. The DVD has a running time of 49 minutes. Launch date: October 16, 2007. 9/18/2007 (Price: $14.98)

The Reef by GENIUS PRODUCTS INC.

This G-rated children’s DVD tells the story of an orphaned fish named Pi who moves to live with his aunt in an exotic coral reef, where he meets the love of his life. But before he can live happily ever after with Cordelia, Pi must battle the bully tiger shark who also desires her heart. The story features voiceovers by Freddie Prinze Jr., Evan Rachel Wood, Rob Shneider and Fran Drescher. Launch date: October 9, 2007. 9/17/2007 (Price: $19.95)

Aprendamos Inglés: Let's Learn English by ROCK 'N LEARN INC.

This 54-minute DVD uses energetic performers and catchy songs that feature useful vocabulary words and conversational phrases to help native Spanish speakers learn English. It covers greetings, survival phrases, school conversations, subject pronouns and more. “It is ideal for the specialty market because it helps build confidence by using catchy songs and colorful action, and allows independent practice,” Communications Manager Jessica Cates of Rock ‘N Learn told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2007. 8/29/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Math Test-Taking Strategies by ROCK 'N LEARN INC.

Marko the Pencil helps kids prepare for tests by teaching students how to read problems carefully, identify relevant words and numbers, eliminate extra information, use pictures and diagrams, and look for patterns. This 58-minute program is suitable for grades 3 and 4. “Math Test-Taking Strategies was developed by Rock 'N Learn with a group of teachers known for getting high scores from their students on state-mandated math tests. Rock ‘N Learn also examined standardized tests in several states and discovered the winning strategies for boosting scores and reducing stress,” Communications Manager Jessica Cates of Rock ‘N Learn told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2007. 8/29/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Thomas & Friends: Thomas' Halloween Adventures by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

Are there really ghosts in the fog and mist on the Island of Sodor? Thomas, Toby and Henry believe there are, but things are not always as they appear. Gordon and Percy encounter other mysteries on the Island. Can Thomas help explain them? Viewers can join all of their Island of Sodor friends as they solve Halloween mysteries that are exciting all year round. Launch date: September 4, 2007. 8/22/2007 (Price: $14.98)

Scary Godmother Halloween Spooktakular by ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT

In this Halloween special, little Hannah Marie is excited to be going trick-or-treating with the older kids. But when her mean cousin Jimmy tries to ditch her in the dark basement of a spooky house, Hannah is rescued by her Scary Godmother and whisked away to the best Halloween party ever. It’s a ‘who’s-boo’ of monsters with Skully Pettibone, Harry The Werewolf, Orson, Bug-A-Boo and more, all in one unforgettable night of big screams, strange pizza and the ultimate plan for revenge on Jimmy and his friends. Launch date: September 14, 2004. 8/22/2007 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Saddle Club Volume 2 – Storm at Pine Hollow by ALLUMINATION FILMWORKS

In this film, Lisa takes a beautiful, but violent, foster horse for rehabilitation. Storm has been abused and is scheduled to be put down, and Stevie and Carole are concerned for Lisa’s emotional state if efforts to re-train Storm are unsuccessful. Drew, meanwhile, is facing financial difficulties and bank loans are due. When Red decides to sell Pine Hollow’s surrounding land and riding trails, The Saddle Club girls must help save Pine Hollow and Storm. The series airs in 14 countries, pointed out Mariakay Chakos of Sue Procko Public Relations, and is shown on Discovery Kids in the United States. Also, there are cross-promotional opportunities with the books by Random House and toys by Breyer. Launch date: August 7, 2007. 8/22/2007 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Saddle Club Volume 1 – Horse of a Different Color by ALLUMINATION FILMWORKS

Carole fears her friends have forgotten her birthday amidst the excitement of a valuable show horse arriving at Pine Hollow. When the horse, Hugo, escapes, Carole, Stevie and Lisa find him, and then unveil Carole’s surprise party. Hugo’s owner, French dressage champion Dorothée Doutey, who fell months ago and shattered both her pelvis and self-confidence, becomes the girls’ riding instructor and learns lessons that heal her emotional wounds. ”The girls of The Saddle Club … have all become breakout stars,” Mariakay Chakos of Sue Procko Public Relations told TDmonthly. “The series has also been hailed by animal rights groups for its treatment and handling of the horses that play such an important part of the show’s success.” Launch date: August 7, 2007. 8/22/2007 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

So Smart! Spanish by SO SMART! PRODUCTIONS

Created by artist and infancy researcher Alexandra Tornek and media-producer husband Scott Tornek, this educational program is a collection of colorful, animated adventures with illustrated animals moving to the tunes of classic Spanish children’s songs, including “Pajarito (Little Birdie)” and “El Tren (The Train).” The 16-song DVD comes with a Lyrics and Translation guide that can be printed from any personal computer. Songs can also be played separately with a Jukebox feature. It is suitable for children 6 months to 3 years. “So Smart! is an independent creator and producer of top-rated young children’s media, and has won over 30 national parenting awards since its inception in 1997,” CEO Scott Tornek told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 1, 2007. 8/22/2007 (Price: $16.98)

Discovering Shapes DVD by BABY EINSTEIN

Little ones will discover shapes everywhere they look with our playful introduction to five basic shapes. As babies develop, their understanding of the world and how its pieces ''fit'' together continues to progress. You'll enjoy sharing in the fresh sense of wonder that takes shape as your child greets each new discovery in ''Discovering Shapes.'' 8/20/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Ugly Duckling and Me: School Days by ALLUMINATION FILMWORKS

Everyone knows the Hans Christian Anderson story about the ugly little duckling that changed into a swan. What most people don't know is the story that happened in between, when a weird looking little duckling named "Ugly" was adopted by a city rat named Ratso. Big laughs along with life's lessons are guaranteed as Ugly struggles to find his place in the world in this animated series. Episodes include “Ugly’s First Day of School,” “Educating Ratso” and “What Would Ratso Do?” Launch date: August 28, 2007. 8/16/2007 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Maggie & The Ferocious Beast: Trick or Treat DVD by SHOUT! FACTORY

The DVD includes a series of short pieces, including “Three Little Ghosts,” “Hide and Go Beast” and “Strings, Pumpkins and Hats.” Each full-cover, animated DVD contains Spanish language tracks and a fun color-your-own cover. Launch date: September 25, 2007. 8/15/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Maggie & The Ferocious Beast: Somewhere in Nowhere Land DVD by SHOUT! FACTORY

The full-color, animated DVD highlights the relationship between five-year-old heroine Maggie and her best friends. Maggie loves her favorite stuffed toys Beast and Hamilton so much that she creates a whole world – Nowhere Land – for them to explore. Each DVD contains Spanish language tracks and a fun color-your-own cover. Launch date: September 25, 2007. 8/15/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spanish for Children Volume I by THE BILINGUAL FUN COMPANY

Children can sing, dance and learn Spanish with this upbeat and exciting video that presents colors, numbers and animal vocabulary. The two-DVD combo featuring Volumes I and II has an MSRP of $30.99. “Using upbeat music, chants and movement as well as repetition and visual stimulation, Bilingual Fun introduces Spanish by teaching to the multiple intelligences of children,” Co-founder Jennifer Manriquez of The Bilingual Fun Company told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2005. 8/7/2007 (Price: $13.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spanish for Children Volume 2 by THE BILINGUAL FUN COMPANY

Kids can expand their language skills and learn useful, everyday vocabulary and phrases, learning along with the children of Bilingual Fun as they introduce greetings, body parts and food in this fun and interactive video. “Viewers enjoy Bilingual Fun videos because they can participate along with the real children in the programs, as they learn and practice their new language skills,” Co-founder Jennifer Manriquez of The Bilingual Fun Company told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2006. 8/7/2007 (Price: $13.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Learn Hindi Alphabet by BABY HINDUSTANI

This DVD introduces Hindi letters through catchy songs, familiar rhymes and interactive quizzes. Children learn to recognize and sound out Hindi letters and associate each letter with an object and its beginning sound, and they also learn to name the parts of their body. With the Interactive Quiz feature, children can practice letters and test their knowledge. “Our products … supplement parents’ efforts to create a language-rich environment for children of Indian origin. They teach the language using colorful visuals of everyday objects,” Owner Ruchira Agarwal of Baby Hindustani told TDmonthly. “They also blend Indian language with western classical music, bringing the two cultures together.” This product was a 2007 Dr. Toy Best Products winner and received a Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: March 2007.
  8/7/2007 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Thomas & Friends: Thomas Gets Tricked by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

In this video, little viewers see why Gordon gives Thomas a lesson he won’t forget, and how Henry comes to the rescue when disaster strikes. And…Thomas gets a chance to pull his very own train on the Island of Sodor. Bonus features include seven episodes, a sing-along song, a DVD game and a character gallery. 7/26/2007

Thomas & Friends: James Goes Buzz Buzz by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

James boasts about his bravery, but when a swarm of bees start buzzing around him, he wishes they would get back to making honey. Kids will see what happens when Bill and Ben have trouble on the turntable and end up face to face. Bonus features includes seven episodes, a sing-along song, a DVD game and a character gallery. 7/26/2007

Cab Ride From Kansas City to Chicago by A-TRAINS.COM

Travel on-board an Amtrak P-42 "Genesis" locomotive pulling the Southwest Chief between Kansas City and Chicago. See the entire line, and listen to the comments of the crew as they point out railroad and historical features along the way. 7/23/2007 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]