TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Audio & CD Product Category

Creepy Crawly Calypso by BAREFOOT BOOKS

This jolly band of bugs jumps and jives to a creepy crawly calypso beat. From spiders to fireflies, butterflies to centipedes, Debbie Harter’s humorous illustrations match the Caribbean spirit of this jaunty rhyming text that introduces children to cardinal and ordinal numbers, and takes them straight into the marvelous world of bugs. "The bright and quirky illustrations, coupled with the sing-along CD, are sure to help youngsters get over their fear of creepy crawlies," Barefoot Books Group Communications Director Leah Lesser told TDmonthly. 6/25/2010 (Price: $9.99)

"Be Nice" by Leeny and Steve by LEENY TUNES

All of the songs on "Be Nice" were inspired by Leeny's persuasive, misbehaving, penguin-loving nephew Zak, and the result is an album of irresistible, hilarious, and educational tunes for children and their parents.
Awards: 2008 Parents' Choice Approved Award; 2008 Children's Music Web Award: Best Recording for Preschoolers; 2008 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award; 2008 Best Music Recommended List for Your Family by Common Sense Media; 2009 Song of the Year nominee by Just Plain Folks Music for "What Have You Done With All the Penguins?!"; 2008 International Songwriting Competition Finalist for "Mammals" 6/25/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sharing the Same Stars by Leeny and Tamara by LEENY TUNES

"Sharing the Same Stars" by Leeny and Tamara features 14 original songs about topics including ladybugs, seat belt safety, the epidermis, shyness and kindness.
Awards: 2010 Parents' Choice Recommended Award; 2010 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Rising Star honoree; 2010 Independent Music Awards (IMA) Song of the Year nominee for "Ladybug, Ladybug, Ladybu-u-ug"; 2009 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award. 6/25/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

A Sunny Day by JULIE K MUSIC

"A Sunny Day" captures all the fun and wonder of a child's day from sun up to lights out. With an eclectic mix of melodies, playful lyrics and inviting vocals, Julie K takes children on an exciting train ride, a trip to the zoo, flying high jumping like a jumping bean and more.
Awards: 2010 Parents' Choice Award; 2010 Dr. Toys Best Vacation Product Award; 2010 Dove Family Approved seal from the Dove Foundation 6/25/2010 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

A Mighty Good Day by HULLABALOO

A Mighty Good Day is the eighth album from the award-winning kid's music duo, Hullabaloo. 6/18/2010 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Wizard of Oz: Karaoke CD+G by STAGE STARS RECORDS

This karaoke/sing-along CD of songs from "The Wizard of Oz" includes all the hits from the beloved family movie and school musical. Guide vocals and a lyric booklet are provided. "Kids can practice with the guide vocal version of each track, then sing with the accompaniment version. This album is a great rehearsal tool for kids practicing for their school musical," Stage Stars Marketing Director Malinda Boothe told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Parents' Choice Approved 6/16/2010 (Price: $23.95)

Pocketful of Wonder by A GENTLE WIND

The lively songs on Sarah Pirtle's new CD, Pocketful of Wonder, encourage outdoor play and a childhood nourished by imagination, curiosity and nature. With humor and warmth, Sarah beckons children to experience the exploration and enchantment of the seasons, farm life, city neighborhoods and family time.
Awards: 2010 Parents' Choice Gold Award; 2010 Tillywig Toy Award; Magic Penny Award for Lifetime Achievement in Children's Music
— Veronica Schwartz of the School Library Journal called the album “A very strong addition to most collections” perfect for “evening story times, in preparation for nap time, or during those quieter times at home.”
— Tillywig Toy Awards gave the CD its Sterling Fun award, explaining that “Sarah Pirtle's expressive voice and lyrics evoke a sense of wonder, hers and ours, at the beauty and mysteries of the world in which we live,” from “the first snowfall of the season” to “the gorgeous stirrings and awakenings of spring.” 6/14/2010 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lullabies to Celebrate Mother and Child by LULLABYLAND LLC

"Lullabies to Celebrate Mother and Child" is a collection of 10 original lullabies written and performed by Paige Stroman. The album is recommended by a psychologist for its beautiful lyrics and soothing sounds. The music also has nature sounds woven throughout the CD to enhance a baby's state of relaxation. "This CD was produced by a world-renowned rock producer, Jack Richardson, who produced Bob Seger's 'Night Moves,' Alice Cooper's 'School's Out' and The Guess Who's 'American Woman," Lullabyland Singer/Songwriter Paige Stroman told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2001 Silver NAPPA 6/14/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Why Does Gray Matter? by ROGER DAY PRODUCTIONS LLC

This fun and educational 14-track album includes songs "Inside My Cranium," "It's a No-Brainer" and "Monkey Brains." 6/8/2010 (Price: $15.00)

High Roller by HULLABALOO

This 12-track CD is the fifth album from award-winning, kid-folk duo Hullabaloo. Songs include "Princess Bluejeans," "400 Cupcakes" and "Dinosaur in My Backyard." Launch date: 2009. 6/8/2010 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

A Frog Named Sam by BEN RUDNICK AND FRIENDS

Ben Rudnick & Friends' seventh CD, "A Frog Named Sam," is filled with energy, fun and musicianship. The title track tells the story of Sam, a country frog who heads off to the big city to fuflfill his dream of singing for big audiences. With success, he misses his friends and returns to sing for them back at the pond. 6/8/2010 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Good Night by GREATHALL PRODUCTIONS

This recording is suitable for children who are ready to move beyond listening to music to spoken word. Features delightful tellings of Aesop's Fables, plus lively tales from Grimm, Chaucer and others. Stories include The Three Billy Goats Gruff, The Lion and the Mouse, The Tortoise and the Hare, and more. 6/7/2010 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Romeo and Juliet by GREATHALL PRODUCTIONS

Jim Weiss integrates his own storytelling art with the profound story of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, bringing both young and old listeners the emotions of the timeless love story. 6/7/2010 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Julius Caesar and The Story of Rome by GREATHALL PRODUCTIONS

Adventurer, conquerer, political genius, classic author - Julius Caesar lived one of history’s most amazing lives. Yet it was the story of his death that William Shakespeare turned into a dramatic masterpiece. This spirited retelling brings us Shakespeare’s cast of immortal characters with excerpts from the original dialogue told in a way that young listeners can grasp. 6/7/2010 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by GREATHALL PRODUCTIONS

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch tells the inspiring, true adventures of Nat Bosditch, a boy during the American Revolution, whose passion for learning and unstoppable spirit lead him from poverty and servitude to triumph and adventure at sea. Ultimately, Nat achieves everlasting fame for revolutionizing navigation and saving countless lives. This is a moving personal story about the value of knowledge and the exultant human spirit. 6/7/2010 (Price: $32.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I Can Do It by CHILDREN INC.

Based on resilience theory research, the songs from this album are specifically designed to help children build creativity, independence, planning, people skills, optimism, confidence and problem-solving skills. "Our music is research-based. We take the latest findings on child development and translate this research into practical and entertaining products for teachers and parents," Growing Sound Sales and Marketing Director Emily Sandul told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Product Award 6/4/2010 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zoo Ear Buds by HOG WILD

Zoo Buds are zoo-themed, in-ear headphones. They come with three different ear tip adaptors for a custom, comfortable fit. Zoo Buds fit the iPod, iPhone and other 3.5mm plug-in devices, and are available in six styles. 5/25/2010 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Final Funktier by RECESS MONKEY

"The Final Funktier" presents Recess Monkey on an intergalactic voyage in outer space: 15 songs of high-energy funk and new-wave grooves, taking listeners on a stratospheric dance party that occasionally touches down on solid ground with moon boots, jet packs, sunglasses, satellites and booster seats in hand. Jack Forman of Recess Monkey told TDmonthly, “We think of our classrooms as focus groups for what's on kids' minds. ... Laughter permeates our experiences with kids, in the classroom and out!” Launch date: June 15, 2010. 5/10/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Celeste Sings, Kids Dream by ROMANTIC REALIST RECORDS LLC

This album is a blend of classic and original lullabies sung by Celeste over an accompaniment of keyboards, strings and harmonica. Classic titles include "Edelweiss," "Wynken, Blynken, and Nod" and "All Through the Night."  Awards: 2009 Nappa Gold Award; 2010 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval; 2009 Family Choice Award.
— The National Parenting Center gave “Celeste Sings, Kids Dream” its Seal of Approval award and labeled it as “an ideal CD for ‘wind down’ time or to enhance the pre-bed ritual.” Celeste’s “soothing voice” fosters a “gentle feel” that is both “engaging” and relaxing.
— Winner, Family Choice Award
— Winner, National Parenting Publications Awards NAPPA GOLD 5/3/2010 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ranky Tanky by MAYHEM MUSIC

Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem is an acclaimed American string band that released "Ranky Tanky" nationwide in 2010. This release is meant for all ages as family listening and reflects Rani Arbo’s journey into motherhood, as well as her love of American music. The tracks cover songs from various genres, times and traditions, so listeners of practically any musical taste can pick their favorites, from the raucous “Tennessee Wig Walk;” to the swingy “Kemo Kymo;” the Mardi Gras parade styled “They All Ask'd For You,” or the rousing rendition of  “Purple People Eater.” Sugar Mountain PR Publicist Beth Blenz-Clucas told TDmonthly, "Modern arrangements and traditional instruments, plus a collection of familiar songs that invite singing along, make this a great choice for families that love non-commercial acoustic music." 5/3/2010 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Feelings Storybook with Companion CD by ABC FEELINGS INC.

The Feelings Storybook is a sensitive and heartfelt book for children of all ages that can act as an assessment tool for emotional growth. This book is interactive and contains 32 pages with full-color illustrations. It is ideal for the developing reader and features a 22-minute companion CD narrated by the author/psychologist, Dr. Alexandra Delis-Abrams. 4/29/2010 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Baby Banana CD by VERY DERRYBERRY PRODUCTIONS

Debi Derryberry (the voice of Nickelodeon’s Jimmy Neutron) combines jazz, folk, calypso and reggae styles with her whimsical flying Baby Banana character in this CD of nine original songs about freckles, tropical fruit, an orangutan and more. The 10th track features Debi reading her story “Baby Banana and the Licorice Tree.”
— The Casual Perfectionist’s JoAnn listened to the CD several times with her daughter. Both enjoyed the silly subjects of the songs and Debi’s “magical” singing. JoAnn concluded, “This is a CD that will stay near the top of our collection for a while!”
— Michelle from Flying Giggles and Lollipops reported that her family “took this CD with us on our camping trip and all the children had a blast when we played it.” She laughed to the CD along with her kids, explaining, “This is one you will not mind listening to, which is a good thing, because your children are going to be requesting it over and over again!” 4/27/2010 (Price: $14.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tiny Cool by ROCKETNYC

Princess Katie and Racer Steve bring their combination of singing, musicianship and kid-oriented comedy to their third studio CD. "Tiny Cool" delivers messages about honesty, individuality, acceptance, kindness, helpfulness, the power of love, and the amazing capabilities kids will exhibit, if they’re only given a chance. Elizabeth Waldman Frazier, president of Waldmania Public Relations, told TDmonthly, "'Tiny Cool' captures the vibrant energy, daring innovations, and positive spirit of the NYC-based group’s tremendously popular live performances." Launch date: April 4, 2010.
— CPA Mom of Did You See That? reported that her “daughter loves the beat of the music” and “her favorite was ‘Clelia's Party’ because it just like an entire FIESTA in a song!” Though both mom and daughter felt the skits between songs fell flat, after listening to the CD, CPA Mom loved “the lyrics and the messages they give – (about) dealing with bullies, celebrating our uniqueness (like shyness), and really, that kids can pretty much do anything.”
— Carrie of Growing a Baby in Seattle listened to the CD with her whole family, and “it only took a few minutes for us all to be big fans.” The between-song skits had Carrie and her kids “laughing out loud.” She also noted that, “it's nice to listen to a CD that's so encouraging — this CD is ‘kid power’ at its best.” 4/16/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jack Grunsky: Partout oł les enfants chantent by CASABLANCA KIDS INC.

"The children sing everywhere" in this French CD featuring artist Jack Grunsky, accompanied by guitar and percussion.  It includes 20 tracks. Awards: 2009 National Parenting Publications Honors Award. 4/16/2010 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hot Potatoes! The Best of the Wiggles by KOCH ENTERTAINMENT

This 34-track album features The Wiggles musicians in songs including "Fruit Salad," "Get Ready to Wiggle" and "Monkey Man" (featuring Kylie Minogue). 4/16/2010 (Price: $18.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]