TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--School Supplies Product Category

Samurai Scorpion by OWI INC.

OWI’s aluminum, non-venomous invertebrate building kit features a Scorpion to be assembled from metal and bendable aluminum parts. The Samurai Scorpion is comprised of two major parts: head and body. The head consists of a pair of eyes, mouth and claws used to capture prey. The body contains eight legs, tail and a curved aculeus (stinger). The kit contains 30 hard and soft pre-punched aluminum parts, seven screws, seven nuts, three springs and assembly tools. Its claws, arms, legs and tail are moveable. Launch date: April 2008. 8/27/2009 (Price: $11.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mega Mantis by OWI INC.

OWI’s aluminum insect building kit features a praying mantis insect that the owner assembles from metal and bendable aluminum parts. The average size of the scientifically named “stagmomantis carolina” is 3" to 4" in length. Mega Mantis is twice this size, hence its name. Kids can hold it, bend it, and even move its legs, wings, head and fore legs. The kit contains 25 hard and soft pre-punched aluminum parts, seven screws, seven nuts, four metal springs and assembly tools. Launch date: April 2008. 8/27/2009 (Price: $11.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Attacking Inch Worm by OWI INC.

Attacking Inch worm has orange, spiky limbs to ward off any predator who seeks to challenge it as a delectable delight. Its initial defensive mechanism may fool intruders for a moment, but still requires a way to heed out of harm’s way. The sun’s rays power this mini solar kit to slither along to safety. The mechanical movements are designed to simulate the movements of its soft-bodied derivative. Because its home is above ground, Attacking Inch Worm has a hard plastic body to protect itself. No batteries or tools are required, and there are less than 50 parts to assemble. Launch date: April 2007. 8/27/2009 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Happy Hopping Frog by OWI INC.

This little green amphibian friend leaps with a joyful sense of freedom using its hind legs and rubber feet. Happy Hopping Frog jiggles its eyes as a dog would wag its tail, acknowledging its love and appreciation to its owner. The tailless, leaping mini solar kit is activated by the power of the sun’s rays; no batteries are required. Happy Hopping Frog is designed for easy assembly with approximately 25 parts, and demonstrates alternative energy principles. Launch date: April 2007. 8/27/2009 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Super Solar Racing Car by OWI INC.

Powered by the sun's rays, this alternative-energy toy car requires no batteries or tools, and contains less than a dozen parts to assemble. Launch date: April 2007. 8/27/2009 (Price: $10.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Walking King Crab by OWI INC.

Methodically, eight legs work in harmony to create a ballet style “tippy-toe” movement. Similar to its cousin from Alaska, the Walking King Crab scurries along to safe passage when powered by the sun's rays. Walking King Crab is powered with a mini solar cell (included) and demonstrates alternative energy principles. No batteries or tools are required; there are 35 parts to assemble. "Because of its entry-level price point, retailers will grow fond of its movements; both off the shelf and after assembly. If a make-it and take-it type product is what you are looking for, this hands-on terrestrial tantalizer will make you the local hero," Craig Morioka, president of OWI Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2007. 8/27/2009 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Life Science by ROCK 'N LEARN INC.

Marko the Pencil and his friend Bailey take learners on a journey to Marko's Super Science Station where it's easy and fun to grasp science concepts and boost test scores. This DVD covers photosynthesis, plant parts, the butterfly lifecycle, plant and animal cells, food chains, food webs and more. It meets the National Science Education Standards. Launch date: June 2009. 8/19/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Division Rap by ROCK 'N LEARN INC.

Featuring D.J. Doc Roc, this DVD includes positive lyrics, rap music and high-energy action to generate excitement as students learn to solve division facts quickly and accurately. Kids can discover what division is all about, solve story problems, use remainders, and even work long-division problems. Launch date: June 2009. 8/19/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

WhisperPhone® 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][?]

MathMosis Teacher's Resource by BRAIN PARTY INC.

This book describes the entire MathMosis system. It is filled with short lessons outlining the I Chant, You Chant teaching methodology and gives teachers at-a-glance ideas for counting practice activities, as well as extension activity ideas that can be integrated with other subjects. It includes reproducible worksheets for fact practice as well as instructions for fact-practice games. The MathMosis book is the foundation to the MathMosis system. "MathMosis is a unique instructional approach to teaching skip counting, multiplication and division, through a variety of learning modalities," Jennifer Tuttle, CEO of Brain Party, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2008. 8/19/2009 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MathMosis Posters by BRAIN PARTY INC.

Twelve MathMosis Posters provide a visual for kindergarten through 4th-grade students as they learn to count. The posters are printed on heavy cardstock for durability and are 23" W x 12" to 29" L, depending on the information on the poster. The posters were specifically designed for classroom use with attractive colors and large numbers that students can see in a large-group setting. "MathMosis Posters appeal to visual and analytical learners by presenting skip-counting patterns on bright, colorful, heavy cardstock," Jennifer Tuttle, CEO of Brain Party, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2008. 8/19/2009 (Price: $89.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MathMosis Mania (School Edition) by BRAIN PARTY INC.

MathMosis Mania provides children with a visual and kinesthetic approach to learning while having fun, offering practice in counting, multiplication and division. MathMosis Mania is designed to grow with children as they learn through multiple games. "[It] teaches number sense, multiplication and division through a variety of learning modalities, including visual, analytical and kinesthetic," Jennifer Tuttle, CEO of Brain Party, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2008. 8/19/2009 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MathMosis Mania Game and Charts (Home Edition) by BRAIN PARTY INC.

MathMosis® Mania provides children with a visual and kinesthetic approach to learning while having fun. The game gives children practice in counting, multiplication and division, and is designed to grow with children as they learn. Children will learn to play four different MathMosis Mania games, "which [help] children learn through many learning modalities including visual, analytical and movement," Jennifer Tuttle, CEO of Brain Party, told TDmonthly.
Awards: Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products 2009 8/19/2009 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

ReUsies Snack and Sandwich Bags by REUSIES

ReUsies are a reusable alternative to plastic sandwich bags. They are cotton on the outside and leak-resistant nylon on the inside, sealed with Velcro closures. ReUsies can be machine or hand washed, and each one is designed to replace hundreds of plastic baggies. ReUsies come in two sizes (larger sandwich and smaller snack) and many different patterns to appeal to all members of the family. "We use reusable items in many other areas of our lives (reusable water bottles, shopping bags, lunch boxes, etc.), but there are very few products that replace those plastic sandwich baggies we all use and toss every day," Karen Whorton, owner of ReUsies, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2009. ( Watch Video) 8/19/2009 (Price: $6.75)

Smencils by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

Made entirely out of recycled newspaper, Smencils are gourmet-scented pencils designed to retain their scents for two years. The tightly rolled newspaper is hardened around a core of No. 2 graphite, so it sharpens like a standard wood pencil. The Smencils are then soaked to infuse their fragrance, finished with an eraser and identifying sticker, and packaged in a biodegradable, corn-based plastic Freshness Tube. There are 10 scents available: Bubble Gum, Cinnamon, Tropical Blast, Grape, Cotton Candy, Very Berry, Black Cherry, Orange, Watermelon and Rootbeer. They are available assorted in packs of 10 (one of each scent) or buckets of 50 (five of each scent). 
— “One kid has it, then everyone has to have it. I've been selling buckets of those things,” Sherry Phipps, owner of School Crossing in Williamsburg, Va., told TDmonthly in July 2009 about why Smencils are a top seller in her store.
— Smencils are also strong sellers at Golden Apple Learning Store in Pleasanton, Calif., Owner John MacDougall told TDmonthly in summer 2009. 8/18/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Caiman Basin by PLAYMOBIL INC.

The Caiman Basin is part of Playmobil’s zoo line, a wide variety of modular sets that allow children to construct a full-featured zoo of their own design. This set comes with a large caiman and two babies, their landscaped enclosure, a tree with other wildlife, and an attentive zookeeper. The enclosure has a pool that can be filled with water for more realistic play.
— “There are some customers who have to have every single piece in a theme,” said Sue Hottel, co-owner of No Kidding in Mattapoisett, Mass., of what makes Playmobil her top-selling collectible item. 8/18/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LEGO Police Stickers - Emergency Collection by CREATIVE IMAGINATIONS INC

This sheet of acid-free 3D stickers features LEGO law enforcement figurines, a "wanted" poster, a badge, police vehicles and more. 8/13/2009 (Price: $5.50)

The "Original" Tornado Tube by TORNADO TUBES

The Tornado Tube is a fun and educational toy! Create a tornado in a bottle and watch the the whirling vortex! Add colored water and glitter and enjoy both creative and educational play. Made in the USA.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a March 2013 survey that they sell "dozens and dozens" of Tornado Tubes each month. 7/20/2009 (Price: $2.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spanish Planisphere for 40° North by ROB WALRECHT PLANISPHERES

This is one of two Spanish planispheres the company offers. It contains about 700 stars and more than 300 objects for binoculars: nebulae, open en globular clusters, galaxies, double stars, variable stars and more. "Our program includes planispheres in 11 languages (five of them only available through our customers), and English planispheres for 10 different latitude ranges, together covering the entire populated world," Rob Walrecht, director of Rob Walrecht Productions, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2003. 7/19/2009 (Price: $14) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Multi-Cultural Cray-Pas Expressionist Oil Pastel Set by SAKURA OF AMERICA

This set for portraits contains a 12-piece selection of smooth, blendable oil pastels to create natural skin tones. Expressionist oil pastels are formulated with extra-fine quality pigments, wax and oil. Artists blend to create genuine complexions for portraits. The product is ACMI Non-toxic certified and may be used on paper, cardboard, canvas and wood. Also available is Expressionist Extender, a unique oil pastel medium that extends a color’s hue range. "Expressionist oil pastels are the standard by which all other oil pastels are judged," Linda Lyon, marketing specialist for Sakura of America, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 24, 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $7.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

KinderCone by KINDERCONE LLC

KinderCone’s namesake product is a large, colorful cone filled with inspiring and educational gifts for young children, which parents give to their children to recognize the transition from kindergarten to first grade. KinderCone’s guiding principle is about inspiring young children to enjoy learning by celebrating this special milestone in their lives. KinderCones are 28" tall, handmade in Germany of sturdy box-board printed paper, and feature a limited edition design. Each KinderCone comes pre-filled with a Kinderjournal, Kalri, the plush main character of the journal, five pencils and temporary tattoos. The cones are offered in two main colors, red and bright green, and offer eight color options of the felt enclosure on top. "KinderCone is the first and only American company to re-create this concept outside of Europe," Vivian Lie, owner of KinderCone LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 15, 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

mark-my-time™ Neon Digital Bookmark by MARK-MY-TIME LLC

Mark-my-time digital bookmarks in neon blue, green and purple are fun and easy to use. A simple and easy way to monitor reading times for either a countdown session with alarm or cumulative sessions monitoring and storing up to 100 hours of achieved reading time. 6/11/2009 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hello Kitty 12-Color Twist-Up Crayons by SANRIO

These colorful, non-toxic crayons do not need sharpening as they simply twist from the bottom to expose more crayon. The package measures 5.5” x 3” x 1”.
— The Hello Kitty brand is a consistent top seller at Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., Owner Steve Melody told TDmonthly in April 2009. 5/8/2009 (Price: $6.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Shakespeare for Children: The Story of Romeo and Juliet by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

In this highly condensed, fully illustrated version of the world's greatest and most tragic love story, the author supplies thought-provoking discussion questions that allow readers to explore this tale from any age or perspective. The same discussion questions may be used to explore other plays from a similar perspective. "Written for grades three and up, it makes the classic play inviting to this age group," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007. 4/28/2009 (Price: $14.95)

Shakespeare to Teach or Not to Teach: Teaching Shakespeare Made Fun! by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

With a clear and simply laid out approach, this book by Cass Foster and Lynn G. Johnson is designed to take the trepidation out of teaching Shakespeare's works. Professor Foster, a professor of Theatre at Central Arizona College, provides background information that includes a discussion of the value of Shakespeare's legacy, what life was like in the Middle Ages, and warm-up activities. With consideration to a whole-language based approach, the book includes activities across the curriculum and a journal. "You won't need to be a Shakespeare Scholar to fascinate students with activities across the curriculum, including crossword puzzles, a scavenger hunt, scale models, costume and scenery suggestions, and warm-up games. This book is a must for every school library and for anyone teaching Shakespeare, whether in the elementary grades or high school," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2004. 4/28/2009 (Price: $29.95)