TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Interactive Product Category

LeapFrog Scribble and Write by LEAPFROG

Light the way to early writing with Scribble & Write Children trace the lights to get practice drawing simple shapes and pictures, then graduate to learning upper- and lowercase letters with step-by-step guidance. Fun learning games help reinforce letter knowledge.
— As of 12/13/2011 this product had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 212 reviews on Amazon.com. 12/16/2011 (Price: $21.99)

Crayola Color Wonder Sound Studio by CRAYOLA LLC

Kids draw on the coloring pad as usual, but can select from 60 sound effect and add them anywhere on the Color Wonder coloring page.
— As of 12/13/2011 this product had 3.1 out of 5 stars from 46 reviews on Amazon.com. 12/16/2011 (Price: $34.99)

Discoveroo Windmill Stackeroo by BUG IN A RUG / DISCOVEROO

A great variation on the classic ring stacker. This one has 7 rings and the top one spins like a windmill. The round pieces have 2 holes so kids can learn about 3D. Height is 18cm. Launch date: September 2011. 11/14/2011 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

TeeGee: The Smartest Stuffed Animal in the Universe by TEEGEE

TeeGee is a fully interactive, customizable stuffed animal capable of telling stories, singing songs, and playing games with children. TeeGee is able to interact with the world through smart accessories, speech recognition, and other modes of communication. Parents can customize TeeGee's behavior by downloading age-appropriate apps from our online app store or the iTunes app store. Launch date: August 2011. 11/11/2011 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Discoveroo Bi-Plane by BUG IN A RUG / DISCOVEROO

A Bi-Plane in which parts turn. Ideal for little aviators. The propeller and steering wheel spin and the little pilot comes out. The size is 28cm x 20cm x 18cm (3y+). "Dicoveroos toys are 100% Plantation Wood and only use non-toxic paints," Jane Wood, president of Bug In A Rug, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2011. 11/8/2011 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Password Journal 2011 by MATTEL INC.

This updated Password Journal includes a new look and feel with some of the cool features tweens love most about previous versions including a microphone to record voice for security access. Also, a voice recording alerts you when intruders have tried to access your journal. This version has a new feature: a hidden compartment that only the user can access by using a second voice—activated password. The Journal comes with a pen and an assortment of fun stickers to decorate with. Light allows girls to share special messages with friends.
— As of 11/04/2011 this product was 19.99 on Amazon.com
— As of 11/04/2011 this product had 3.2 out of 5 stars from 26 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Sound quality is poor; batteries ran out quickly. 11/7/2011 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Kids learn how to recognize animals through sight and sound with the Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo from Fisher-Price. This interactive set recognizes model animals, like the included lion, gorilla, and polar bear, names them out loud for children, and demonstrates the noises they make in the wild.
— As of 11/04/2011 this product was $34.88 on Amazon.com.
— As of 11/04/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Cute; interactive; large; handle is useful for transporting it. Cons: Extra animal figures are expensive; one person reported missing/defective pieces came in her box; animal sounds can be annoying and even though children seem to like them, they don't add much educational value to the toy. 11/7/2011 (Price: $49.99)

AnyBook Reader - 60 Hour Edition by FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS

AnyBook Reader is a reading enhancement and reinforcement tool enabling language and reading enjoyment and improvement. This flexible record and playback tool with 60 hours of recording time enables read-out-loud record and playback by parent and/or child, building experience, confidence and reading ability. By recording their own reading voice the child can reinforce their own reading performance and the ability to record and playback any book or text tailors the reading and learning experience to the individual child. With ease parents can “read” to their child whenever he or she desires. The AnyBook Reader uses a simple touch, record, playback process that allows users to record the words on any page of any book so they can read to their children or grandchildren even when they’re not there. The AnyBook Reader comes with a selection of AnyBook Reader stickers. Each sticker uses a unique code which allows users to associate different recordings with every page of the book. These stickers use special glue that won’t damage the book so they can be removed and re-used at any time.
— As of 10/25/2011 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros:  A great way for distant family members to stay connected with kids; can be used with any book; stickers are reusable. Cons: Takes a little while to set up. 10/25/2011 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

AnyBook Reader - 15 Hour Edition by FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS

AnyBook Reader is a reading enhancement and reinforcement tool enabling language and reading enjoyment and improvement. This flexible record and playback tool with 15 hours of recording time enables read-out-loud record and playback by parent and/or child, building experience, confidence and reading ability. By recording their own reading voice the child can reinforce their own reading performance and the ability to record and playback any book or text tailors the reading and learning experience to the individual child. With ease parents can “read” to their child whenever he or she desires. The AnyBook Reader uses a simple touch, record, playback process that allows users to record the words on any page of any book so they can read to their children or grandchildren even when they’re not there. The AnyBook Reader comes with a selection of AnyBook Reader stickers. Each sticker uses a unique code which allows users to associate different recordings with every page of the book. These stickers use special glue that won’t damage the book so they can be removed and re-used at any time.
— As of 10/25/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Easy to use; Can be used with any book; a good way for parents and family members who live far away to connect with children. 10/25/2011 (Price: $34.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wow Stuff My Keepon Interactive Dancing Robot by CHINA INDUSTRIES LTD

The Wow! Stuff My Keepon is the dancing robot that moves to any music. The tiny microphone in My Keepons nose allows him to hear the music kids play or even the rhythms they make themselves. My Keepon listens for the tempo of the music and matches the beat with an uncanny sense of timing. My Keepon can dance to any style of music, from slow ballads to pop music. Each performance is an original and unique interpretation. With an array of touch sensors underneath his playful textured skin, My Keepon responds to poking, patting, squeezing or tickling by looking around, showing his mood and making expressive sounds. As soon as My Keepon wakes up, he wants to play and will try to attract attention. My Keepon sits on top of his very own performance stage, which contains most of the robotic mechanism, so My Keepon himself can be soft and squishy to touch. Launch date: October 2011.
— As of 10/18/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on ToysRUs.com. 10/21/2011 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Dance and Play Puppy by FISHER-PRICE INC.

The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Dance and Play Puppy is baby's puppy friend that will encourage him to move, dance and sing along through familiar songs. With over 25 sung songs and phrases, baby will learn about ABCs and letters, counting and numbers, parts of the body, actions, manners, greetings and first words. Takes 6 AA batteries (not included).
— As of 10/21/2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 1 review on ToysRUs.com.
— As of 10/21/2011 this product had 4.1 out of 5 stars from 25 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Engaging; moves well; interactive; large. Cons: Volume is not adjustable and can get annoying; the motor itself is loud. 10/21/2011 (Price: $39.99)

FurReal Friends Cookie by HASBRO INC.

With real-as-can-be movements, sounds and actions, COOKIE MY PLAYFUL PUP lets kids experience the joy of having a puppy of their very own. When kids pet her on her head or back, she barks, moves her head and wags her tail. Give her cheek a little scratch and she'll turn toward their hand to ask for more. When they tell her just how sweet she is, she'll respond with puppy babble that sounds just like she's talking. She loves her squeaky toy — when kids make it squeak, she'll turn her head toward the sound. When kids put her toy bone in her mouth, she'll make crunching sounds like she's chewing it. This pup is about 14 inches tall and can either sit up or lie down.
— As of 10/18/2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews on Walmart.com. Pros: Realistic; fun; entertaining. Cons: Dog doesn't "walk" so many reviewers reported their kids lost interest after a couple days; batteries run out quickly. 10/19/2011 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Playskool Poppin' Park Elefun Busy Ball Popper by HASBRO INC.

Once the balls pop out of the elephant's trunk, it's anybody's guess which way they'll roll — into the belly for put-and-take play, across the room for baby to crawl after, or back through the trunk for more poppin' surprises. With 10 fun tunes to play and this elephant's trunk controlling the poppin' direction, the play is exciting, engaging, and fun.
— As of 10/18/2011 this product had 2.9 out of 5 stars from 8 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Entertaining; helps develop hand-eye coordination; music is cute. Cons: Fan that blows the balls is loud; balls don't blow automatically so younger kids may have trouble using it. 10/19/2011 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders™ Soothe & Glow Seahorse™ by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Sometimes baby needs a little help falling asleep. With a gentle squeeze, the cuddly Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Soothe & Glow Seahorse glows and plays soft music, lullabies and soothing sounds of the ocean. After 5 minutes the music fades, the lights dim and baby drifts off to sleep. There are 8 lullabies to please baby and power/volume control for quiet play.
— As of 08/08/2011 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 331 reviews on ToysRUs.com. Pros: Comforting; the soft glow helps babies who don't like being in the complete dark. Cons: Velcro closure doesn't stick after a bit of use; the music can be too loud for some babies.
— As of 8/22/2011 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 96 reviews on Amazon.com. 8/8/2011 (Price: $14.99)

Vehicles Sound Puzzle by MELISSA & DOUG

Featuring detailed images of 8 favorite noisy vehicles, this wooden peg puzzle makes the vehicle sound when a piece is placed correctly in the puzzle board. Eight sounds in all. Full-color, matching picture under each piece. Dimensions: 1.2" x 8.5" x 11.7" Assembled. AAA batteries not included.
— Michael O'Dell of Toys from the Attic in Rehoboth Beach, Del., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that he sells 10 Melissa & Doug sound puzzles each month.
— As of 7/12/2011 this product had 3 out of 5 stars from 23 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Affordable; engaging. Cons: Many reviewers said the sounds were poor quality.
— In a February 2012 survey about wooden toys, three out of 14 retailers said that puzzles from Melissa & Doug were their best sellers in the category. “Melissa and Doug has been a core of the store for years and years," Mike Snyder, owner and manager of Cville's Hobbies, Games and Toys in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly. 7/12/2011 (Price: $12.99)

Laffy Laffalot by CARE2 MEDICAL PRODUCTS INC

Laffy Laffalot is an innovative, interactive toy designed to bring laughter back into the lives of sick children. With its bright orange body and big engaging eyes, Laffy Laffalot is heart-warming and fun, but can take the tough love kids have for their favorite toys – withstanding a drop of up to 6 feet. Laffy Laffalot also can stand upright on a bedside table or desk - always a smiling companion, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  When kids touch one of the 20 pre-programmed blue buttons, they can hear a hearty belly laugh, the giggle of an infant or a silly snort. The contagious laughs will instantly put a smile on kids' faces and help distract them from the pain and challenges of medical treatment. Laffy Laffalot was created to lift the spirits of anyone who may be feeling blue or just needs a good laugh. Laffy Laffalot's unique features include: Four buttons to record and play custom, comforting messages from mom, dad, friends or loved ones; a hilarious helium effect dial that alters any laugh or custom message for endless hours of fun. Laffy Laffalot also comes with a built-in speaker, MP3 quality sound, headphones that won't hurt small ears and two AA batteries. 6/13/2011 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Aqua Pets by WILD PLANET

These Aqua Pets are updated versions of eight fan favorites from the original line. They feature redesigned aqua pods, offering new games and increased interactivity. Each Aquapet has its own look, sounds and songs. The creatures come alive when kids, or other Aquapets, interact with them. A microchip, microphone and speaker housed in the toy's base enable Aquapets to register and respond to sound. Each character replies with movement and melody. The more kids play with their Aquapets, the more songs they will perform and the livelier they'll become. Aqua Pets can also play three new interactive games: - Memory Moov (a memory-building sequence game) - Aqua Speed (a fast-paced reflex challenge) - Bubble Boogie (a fun and silly way to make your mini marionette dance) Place two or more Aquapets together for an AquaParty and the buoyant buddies will dance, chirp and converse with each other. Each energetic character has a sleep function, because even the most interactive friends need to rest. 4/13/2011 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Treefies by MARAI TOYS LLC

A tree will be planted for every collectible, plush Treefie that is registered online. Because children are so interested in doing their part, this line is geared toward educating them about our world, giving them the opportunity to plant a tree, and keeping them interested in the environment. Treefies combine the classic offline play and collecting possibilities of a plush toy with the modern twist of access to the internet. The line includes the following animals: monkey, elephant, eagle, frog, brown bear, lion, panda, shark, leopard, and ferret. 3/16/2011 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Peek-a-boo Bear by GUND INC.

Holding a cream-colored blanket, this beige soft plush bear will raise and lower his blanket to play a game of peek-a-boo when his foot is pressed.  The bear’s mouth moves as he says “Peek-a-boo, I see you,” to the child. Launch date: March 2011. 2/22/2011 (Price: $40.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

WILD! Science Fantasy Island by TREE TOYS CORP.

This habitat for ants and fighter fish allows children to examine the natural world. Including “swimming pools” and “food bars,” this habitat might be a little fancier than what its inhabitants are used to. 2/22/2011

Phone Frenzy by BUFFALO GAMES INC.

Phone Frenzy is a board game that uses everyone’s mobile phone as the primary game component for calling, texting, and sending photos.  Every turn, players are given a challenge or activity that can only be completed with the help of one or more of their phone contacts.  A challenge might be a race to receive a correct response to “Finish this lyric by Journey:  ‘Just a small town girl’…”  Players pick who they think are the right contacts from their phone and send them a text message with the question.  The first player to receive the correct text message wins the round. Launch date: Summer 2011. ( Watch Video) 2/22/2011 (Price: $22.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Skylanders Spyro's Adventure by ACTIVISION

Activision is back with Spyro. This time, characters in the video game are available as action figures that can be plugged into the game. Put the toy on the "power portal," and all of the power and skills that kids build up can be saved to the toy itself, so every time they play the game, no matter on what console, all of their statistics are in tact. Each character has its own unique powers, and two characters can be placed on the portal at once to play as a team or face of in one-on-one battle. Starter pack includes 1 copy of the game, 1 Portal of Power, and 3 Characters. Launch date: Fall 2011. 2/18/2011 (Price: $69.99)

Rock Star Mickey by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Mickey is decked-out in rock star gear. Kids can listen to him play a concert, or they can learn to play along with him. He sings, dances, and performs three classic rock songs. Launch date: September 13, 2011. 2/18/2011 (Price: $49.99)

Count N Crunch Cookie Monster by HASBRO INC.

Kids can feed cookies to this plush Cookie Monster and watch as he counts out loud and happily gobbles them up. Retrieve the cookies from his backpack to start the fun all over again. Count N' Crunch Cookie Monster also likes to be tickled - press his foot repeatedly to make him giggle and squirm. Includes 3 cookies; requires four 'AA' batteries, included. 2/18/2011 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Let's Rock Elmo by HASBRO INC.

Dressed in a concert style tee, Elmo takes the stage singing and making music. Elmo comes with his very own microphone and two instruments, a tambourine and a drum set. Preschoolers can choose which instrument Elmo plays, and he recognizes which one he is given. Kids can also play along on Elmo's instruments. Elmo also interacts with other Let's Rock instruments (each sold separately); he knows when kids are playing the instruments, and plays along. The Let's Rock Elmo toy sings six songs. Requires six 'AA' batteries, included. 2/18/2011 (Price: $69.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]