May 2009 New Specialty Toys — Educational

The spleen keeps the blood tidy and fresh. This queen of clean serves as the primary blood filter and largest lymph organ. It brings blood into contact with lymphocytes, which happily attack foreign bodies, and cleans worn-out red and white blood cells. "This adorable 6" x 6" plushie is perfect for the lymph enthusiast lurking within us all," Wendy Bryan, founder of I Heart Guts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 5, 2009.

The stomach creates a highly acidic environment used to digest cookies, ice cream, bacon and more. This lil' guy's digestive juices help break down food for the intestine, which absorbs the actual nutrients. This orange 8.5" x 5.5" tummy is part of the I Heart Guts collection, which is "icky yet adorable," the company's founder, Wendy Bryan, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 5, 2009.

Behold, the intestine and appendix in soft plush form. The small intestine absorbs nutrients from food while the large intestine takes in water and excretes solid waste. The tiny appendix, seen here sticking out at lower left, doesn’t do anything, but adds to the I Heart Guts plush collection. This 9" x 7" pillow-like plush "is cute, yet slightly disgusting," Wendy Bryan, founder of I Heart Guts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 5, 2009.

Kids may use this product to discover the continents, countries and captials of the world utilizing dry erase cards. Each card comes with an answer overlay for easy reference. The United States and its state captials are included. "It is a fun kid kit with an educational bonus. Great for students who are trying to memorize states and capitals," Carolyn Pickup, marketing assistant at EDC Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009.
— EDC Books were on the top-10 best-seller list at the Toy Shop of Concord in Concord, Mass., according to Owner David Hesel in late 2009.

Players work together as a team to give the audience the best show possible. Animals are included in this game, but since it is the players' circus, they can put on a show with or without them. Each player spins to see what moves are to be made — such as an acrobat across the spotlight, or a performer on the trapeze — and tries the guide the performer from start to finish without taking a fall. The game includes four, 6" x 12" boards illustrating special circus performances; a set of cards depicting safety nets, clown acts, animal acts, and main performers; a ringmaster's spinner; and rules for regular and hard games. Launch date: April 22, 2009.

The museum hires a team of archaeologists to head deep into a aungle to find ancient artifacts. The players of this cooperative fantasy game are that team, which must be up for elements of suspense, careful planning, teamwork, danger and humor. The game has three parts. First, players hack out the paths to the abandoned caves and temples. Second, using the connected paths, they search for and discover the treasures. Finally, they must return safely to base camp with what they gathered. There are dangers and obstacles, such as The Creeping Claw, The Nasty Hairy Thing and Big Boulders rolling over entrances. The team may have to resort to whatever desperate remedy they find in their knapsacks to save them — a Super HeadNet, a Laser Lantern, a Piece of Broccoli, even a Smelly Sock. The game includes a 12" x 12" jungle map, pathways, movers, a tent card, a set of ancient treasure, danger, and remedy cards, and rules for regular and hard games. Launch date: April 2009.

The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series is an ideal alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. "Reading-or performing Shakespeare doesn't need to take 'forever and a day.' ... Cass Foster has done a superb job of cutting the text while retaining the sense of the story and the poetic rhythm of the words," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2003.

Spanish Volumes I & II is designed to offer an easy way to learn greetings, counting, colors, survival phrases, subject pronouns, travel phrases and more. It was created with energetic performers that entertain and motivate while delayed answers make it convenient for students to check their progress. The DVD runs approximately 55 minutes. It has received a Parents’ Choice Recommended Award and a Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media Award. Launch date: 1993.

The "Sixty-Minute Shakespeare" series is created as an ideal alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so that students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. It "allows teachers to introduce the language more easily to wary students, while each play retains its integrity and beauty," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 1990.

"Granted!" is written to simplify the application process for novice grant seekers and to reveal strategic advice to veteran grant writers. Educators are expertly guided through proven methods for writing and winning grants. Worksheets organize and record research, actions and data, saving time and giving grant seekers’ their best shot at securing grant money. "Invaluable worksheets organize and record grant seekers’ thoughts, research, actions and data to give them the best possible chances of securing grants for school projects, supplies and anything else a grant might help fund," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 15, 2009.

Mr. Twiddles the cranky cat is unexpectedly visited by a noisy stranger, Clara the housekeeper. But, there’s something amazing about Clara: her Very Special Powers (VSP) let her talk and listen to Mr. Twiddles. Should Mr. Twiddles try to be her friend, or get her out of his cozy, quiet home for good? "[Author] Murray-Gibson was born in Monrovia, Liberia, [and] has actively supported the cause of literacy and education for the people of her homeland. She also volunteers for a number of charities in and around her current hometown in Minnesota. Her book is also dedicated to the children of Liberia, and Murray-Gibson has planned to donate the proceeds from Clara and Mr. Twiddles to build schools and clinics around the rural areas of Liberia — an area that has been extremely impoverished by an 18-year war. With her support, children will be able to attend school free of charge," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 15, 2009.

WordTeasers: Junior is designed to help children improve their vocabulary while providing laugh-out-loud fun. Players simply open the box, pull out a card, read the Challenge Question out loud, and then answer it. Answers may cause uncontrollable laughter or interesting debate. The game may also be used for writing prompts in the classroom. "It's both an education game and a party game. It's fun for kids and their families — a great dinner-time activity," Jack Roberts, senior vice president of Elm Education Marketing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 15, 2009.

This all-in-one learning kit for babies includes 15 teaching tools to give babies a head start. Babies can learn First Words, First Numbers, Self and Sounds, and Touch with four board books, five finger puppets, nesting blocks, one-piece puzzles, two-piece puzzles, mirrored flashcards, textured flashcards and more. Launch date: July 15, 2009.

Global Ody-see is a strategic educational game designed to teach geography and history by using competitive fun and stunning images. It can be played by children and adults alike. There are two game versions, Time Limit and Home City, that may be played in school, in homeschool settings, or for family time at home. Launch date: July 2009.

American Ody-see is a strategic educational game designed to teach American geography and history by using competitive fun and stunning images. It can be played by children and adults alike. It includes reference to all 50 states plus the territories of the USA. "American Ody-see boasts two versions in each game (Time Limit and Home City), as well as being able to be played by children as young as 8 who can outplay adults, so it has an extraordinarily wide market appeal from schools, homeschooling, families and adults, even to 'serious' gamers," Len Wicks, chief executive of ody-see.com ltd, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009.

Global Ody-see is a three-dimensional educational game designed to teach geography and history by using competitive fun, stunning images and kinaesthetic learning. It is a model of the Earth, as well as a game that can be played by children and adults alike. "Global Ody-see boasts two versions in each game (Time Limit and Home City), as well as being able to be played by children as young as 8 who can outplay adults, so it has an extraordinarily wide market appeal from schools, homeschooling, families and adults, even to 'serious' gamers," Len Wicks, chief executive of ody-see.com ltd, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Award-winning children's author Carole Marsh incorporates history, geography, culture and more in this White House Christmas Mystery. Each book includes SAT words, an Accelerated Reader quiz, the Lexile measure and the Fountas and Pinnell guided level. Launch date: June 2006.

With facts, trivia, puzzles and more, this kid-friendly book is all about America's 44th president. It includes interesting facts about Barack Obama’s childhood, parents, educational background and career, while also introducing the First Lady Michelle Obama and following her journey to the White House. Readers will also meet their daughters, Malia and Natasha, who have a story all their own. Launch date: November 5, 2008.

Written by award-winning author Carole Marsh, "Mary America: First Girl President of the United States," covers Mary's exciting adventures. Orphan Mary Americ, who becomes president at age 12 through a fluke in the law and a high IQ, is busy with slumber parties, balls, home school and the Situation Room. She must learn about the government, diplomacy and the White House, while being dependable, responsible and 12. Launch date: June 2009.

With these three activity books, children and students can learn about different holiday traditions surrounding Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, while participating in engaging activities, delicious recipes, seasonal trivia and more. Launch date: June 2003.

This 160-page, reproducible activity book covers all 50 states, plus U.S. Territories, and lots of activities in history, geography, people and more. It may be used in the classroom or on the road. "It's the biggest, coolest, funniest, smartest, greatest USA Activity Book you've ever seen," Camille Chansteen, marketing manager for Gallopade International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2008.

This 40-page hardcover explores "wonderfully weird" parts of the human body, such as skin sells that shed and holes in the head, while also covering facts about the appendix, wiggling ears and fingernail growth. Launch date: 2009.

This Jacabee Code Satchel is 10.5" x 9" x 4" and can be used to store one's Membership Card, Trade Book, Sketch Book, Pencil, Pouch, and Whistle-Compass.

The “Gift of Adventure” is a gift card which includes a one month subscription to the Jacabee Code and allows the child to create one Personalized Journal online. The gift card is packaged in a greeting card with step-by-step instructions for the child to login to the Jacabee Code website, play the quests and create their journal.