TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Interactive Product Category

Freaky Creatures by ABANDON ENTERTAINMENT

A cross-platform MMO game, Freaky Creatures allows players to build the ultimate, customizable creatures and then battle them against friends. The Freaky Creatures experience begins with a starter pack that includes 2 action figures and a 1 gigabyte reusable flash as the key to the Freaky Creatures universe with a random assortment of 50 parts, 20 powers and 4 lair objects that allows players to create more than 3 billion visual combinations. Booster packs add more to the customization. Once customized, players can enter the online world and interact with other players.
— Freaky Creatures bills itself as “the first player-customized, cross platform gaming universe you can take on the go.” Do such grandiose claims match the product itself? In short, no, but this does not mean Freaky Creatures should be ignored. Each starter pack contains two of the titular creatures rendered in action figure form along with a flash drive that unlocks a MMOG with exploration, character customization, and a simple battle system. Reviewers report the figures are nicely detailed and painted, especially for their size. KidsTechReview.com proclaimed the game “surprisingly well done.” Jacqueline Rupp of Common Sense Media recommended the toy for children ages 10 and up (not the advertised 8+), praising the online component for delivering fun game play while avoiding violence and adult content. With irresistibly grotesque figures and a solid online game experience, Freaky Creatures has genuine appeal. It’s not for everyone, but it can be used to reach older boys who spurn tamer and more traditional toys. 8/14/2008

Tell The Tale Thumball by ANSWERS IN MOTION

Tell The Tale Thumball has 32 Multi-colored panels, and is 4 inches in diameter. Each panel contains a story and an author, encouraging participants to retell familiar fairy tales, fables and modern classics to develop sequencing skills and oral expression. Inspires dramatic play, improvisation and cooperative team building. An ideal companion to Parts of A Story Thumball. 8/5/2008 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Parts of A Story Thumball by ANSWERS IN MOTION

Parts of a Story Thumball has 12 Multi-colored panels, and is 4 inches in diameter. It helps teach key elements of stories including plot, setting, characters, conflict etc. Improves verbal expression and organization of thoughts. A Book Report on a ball that increases motivation and participation. 8/5/2008 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tree House Bed Tent by PACIFIC PLAY TENTS INC

Sleep in the tree tops inside your very own “Tree House” bed tent. Between the leaves and branches, you will find warm colors and secret windows, making your new bed time “Tree House” a night in the outdoors. It’s like bringing the trees into your bedroom and sleeping under the stars, just in the comfort of your own bed. 7/18/2008 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Find-Me Multi Color Tunnel (6 Feet) by PACIFIC PLAY TENTS INC

When you can’t decide what color you like best, this multi colored Red, Blue, Yellow tunnel is the answer. Sturdy spring steel construction makes for long lasting fun. The Pacific Play Tents Find-Me Multi Color Tunnel excellent fun for developing cooperative play. Great for muscle development. Stimulate the imagination for creative playtime. 7/18/2008 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Webkinz Cocker Spaniel by GANZ

An adorable plush puppy, this Cocker Spaniel – like all of his Webkinz family – comes with a special code that grants access to the online Webkinz world. Kids can adventure with their plush pet, who is about 7” tall. Additionally, they can take their golden-furred buddy online to play games, care for their own virtual puppy, and explore the online world specially designed for children.
— “It's all about the Webkinz and things that can go on the Web,” said Donna Anderson, owner of Murphys Village Toy Store in Murphys, Calif., who told TDmonthly in June 2008 that Webkinz are her main seller in the plush category.
— “Ganz does an excellent job of … keeping interest; a lot of adults buy this product,” commented Pete James, owner of Brain Train in Burlington, NC.
— Thirty-one percent of the 62 retailers surveyed said Webkinz are their top-selling plush, with several stores selling more than 100 per month. Two of 66 retailers told TDmonthly in July 2008 that Webkinz are a top-selling gift for boys in their stores. 7/10/2008 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fishin' Buddy by AVIVA SPORTS

This 9.6V, 27 MHz remote-controlled boat can catch fish that weigh up to two pounds. Prop guards help prevent line tangles. Included are the RC boat and controller, telescoping retrieval hook, hook, botter and 2-lb. test line. A rechargable Ni-Mh attery and charger are also included. 7/8/2008 (Price: $49.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Talking Bedtime Teddy by TOEDESIGN INC.

His nightcap and sweet smile look cute and innocent, but this plush bear talks dirty: “I like it when you touch me there!” he proclaims when you squeeze his chest. Slightly less nasty than his cousins, he stands nearly 11-inches tall. Bedtime Teddy is the first-ever oversized Swear Bear ! Only 900 Bedtime Teddies are available. 7/1/2008 (Price: $29.99)

JumpStart® 3D Virtual World My First Adventure by KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURE, INC

Kids are invited to JumpStart Town! Inside awaits a colorful, musical place where there are exciting games, swimming, sliding and more, all contained in a safe 3D virtual world. While kids explore the land, JumpStart friends will provide encouragement and directions. Games incorporate the use of letter, number, shape and color skills so kids are learning while they play. 7/1/2008 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

JumpStart® 3D Virtual World The Legend of Grizzly McGuffin by KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURE, INC

Grizzly McGuffin is a Camp JumpStart legend. Kids are invited to discover why as they explore an endless 3D virtual world. With over 30 games, activities and missions, new friends to meet and new lands to discover, JumpStart will inspire kids’ minds through unique adventure-based learning. 7/1/2008 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

JumpStart® 3D Virtual World Trouble in Town by KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURE, INC

Someone or something is causing trouble in JumpStart Town. Frankie and the rest of the JumpStart gang are waiting for kids to come and figure out who or what it is and help fix the crazy mess. Kids play over 40 exciting games and endlessly explore an ever changing self contained virtual world. 7/1/2008 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

JumpStart® 3D Virtual World Quest for the Color Meister by KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURE, INC

Calling all heroes! The color is disappearing from Camp JumpStart and no one can figure out why. Frankie and the other JumpStart friends are asking kids to explore the 3D virtual world to find and stop the mysterious villain. While on the hunt, kids will get to play over 45 activities, games and missions and use brain power to solve challenges. 7/1/2008 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Penguin Rattle by TALENTOY FACTORY LTD.

This penguin rattler is filled with colored beads to entertain Baby's eyes and ears. The rattle's cute penguin face will attract attention, too. The textured handles provide tactile hand stimulation. It's a safe acoustic, tactile and kinesthetic stimulation for kids. 7/1/2008

Clickables™ Fairy Collections by TECHNO SOURCE

The Clickables technology enables girls to extend their virtual playtime in the Disney online virtual world, Fairies Pixie Hollow. Girls can bring the fun offline with friends, into the real world, with patent-pending technology. Launch date: Fall 2008. 6/16/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

KizMoto by KIZ TOYS

KizMoto is a line of originally designed toy vehicles that connect kids to the KizPlanet Virtual World. Here they can explore the vast digital landscape through their toy’s avatar while customizing and maintaining their Moto’s appearance and performance. From behind the wheel of their personalized Moto, kids can race in exciting 3D gaming environments, interact with other kids and earn KizCash to “purchase” items in the virtual world. KizMoto features fully developed Kiz Toys characters and storylines, fun, user-friendly gameplay and safe interaction for kids of all ages. Launch Date: March 2009 6/12/2008 (Price: $24.99)

Doko Disk by NSI INTERNATIONAL INC.

These collectible discs connect to a virtual world on the Dokodrop website, which tracks the location of the discs as trades are made and entered. Players can also safely chat, message and play hundreds of free games. The discs are 40 mm wide and 6 mm thick, and include an eight-digit, laser-etched Doko ID. A Doko can be traded up to five times after it is initially registered, and online points, which can be used on the website or for real-life discounts, are awarded as the Doko is registered by additional people. The company calls Doko the "world's first global trading game." Doko "combines the fun of trading and collecting with a safe, social network that lets tweens safely communicate with other Doko players around the world," Brian Waldman of Mammoth Toys, a division of NSI International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2008. 6/5/2008 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Gotz Doll: Aquini Girl with Bath Tub by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

The drink-and-wet doll is excellent for both potty training and bath time. The 13” doll features an articulated vinyl body, painted hair, blue sleep eyes and a beautiful, cotton, flower-print sundress. “Kids will love Aquini's pink scalloped-edge bath tub as well as a butterfly sponge, diaper, pink bottle and hooded terry cloth towel,” International Playthings Inc. Representative Nicole Tiedemann told TDmonthly. “The doll also includes a bath tub, sponge, hooded towel, diaper and pacifier.” Launch date: January 2008. 5/30/2008 (Price: $36.99)

Together Tunes Too by SMALL WORLD TOYS

The interactive sing-along, story time toy features hidden surprises on each side. For example, one side features “Pat a Cake,” where children can open the oven to see the lyrics and watch a cake pop out of the oven; another side features “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” where children can lift the flap to se the words to the song and pull the star to see it vibrate. The toy is intended for children over the age of six months. 5/30/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Color & Shape Ball by SMALL WORLD TOYS

The musical ball will teach kids all about shapes and colors. Soft and sturdy, it features bright colors and multiple textures for visual and tactile stimulation. As the ball asks children to find a color and shape, the music will play to encourage their exploration and keep them entertained. The toy is intended for children over the age of six months. 5/30/2008 (Price: $90.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sphereplay™ The Starter Kit by TRYOUT TOYS ENTERTAINMENT, LLC

Sphereplay™ is the freeform creative expression of transforming a sphere in motion into a playful, graceful and dyamic art.  This starter kit serves as an introduction to this art form. The dynamic DVD that comes with the kit provides extensive instructions.  The soft and durable Play Sphere is perfectly balanced and weighted for almost any age to succeed in learning this captivating skill.  Custom sphere pouch is also included.  Recyclable package can display on a shelf or hang on a hook. 5/27/2008

WorldTeasers™ World Culture & Geography Edition I by ELM EDUCATION MARKETING LLC

The fast-paced game introduces players to fascinating and intriguing facts about people, places and things. “It makes learning geography fun. It gets players talking, laughing AND learning simultaneously,” Christy von Kaenel of Word Teasers told TDmonthly. “WorldTeasers piques the interest of all players to want to learn more about the world outside the USA.” Launch date: January 2008. ( Watch Video) 5/21/2008 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cathy's Key by RUNNING PRESS BOOK PUBLISHERS

This book follows the original, Cathy’s Book. As this story begins, high school student Cathy is trying to keep a job, her journal is stolen, a cute crush turns out to not be who he seems to be and her best friend Emma’s side project/start-up company, Doubletalk Wireless, is about to get caught up in the mystery surrounding Cathy and her search for the truth about her father. Her presumed-dead father. Launch date: May 5, 2008. 5/19/2008 (Price: $17.95)

Cathy's Book by RUNNING PRESS BOOK PUBLISHERS

The interactive, part romance, part thriller, part mystery book enhances novel reading for teens. It includes an “evidence pack” and a list of operational websites, phone numbers and secret codes. Readers identify with Cathy, read her story, listen to her phone messages, check out the websites she mentions and leave her messages on her MySpace.com page and on a special voicemail. Launch date: February 25, 2008. 5/19/2008 (Price: $9.95)

Farm Vet by LEGACY INTERACTIVE

Players are in charge of dozens of barnyard critters. Diagnose and treat their ailments using more than 30 realistic vet tools. Ride around the farm while treating 60 medical problems. Play five different minigames on your way to becoming the head vet. Treat, feed and pamper horses, calves, bunnies, ducks, sheep, chickens and more. PC platform. Launch date: March 2008. 5/19/2008 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

iRead 2 You® Gift Set by CALI PUBLISHING

The gift set comes with an interactive voice recorder and The Adventures of Cali, a book about the friendship between a boy and a caterpillar. Using the voice recorder, caregivers can record up to four minutes of a children’s story at the push of a button, then clip the recorder to the inside cover of a book. The recorder will activate as soon as the book is opened and allow young children to enjoy hearing a story read by a familiar voice. Additionally, adults can guide kids through a book by recording cues to turn the pages, by spelling out difficult words, or by asking questions about words and pictures. Stories can be rerecorded at any time. Batteries are included, along with a full set of replacement batteries. Launch date: July 2008. 5/13/2008 (Price: $19.95)