May 2009 New Specialty Toys — Preschool

Made in England, this colorful, 20-piece fire truck puzzle features firefighters preparing for action. It measures 17" x 25" when assembled.

This trainer bike is designed without pedals or training wheels in order to help young children learn balance and crucial motor skills as they ride. It is available in red, blue, green and pink.

Each alarm makes the sound of the animal on the dial, so the dog barks, the frog ribbits and the butterfly kisses. Batteries are included. The product features a clear-box design with a "hear me" option that allows customers to hear the sound of the clock alarm sound inside the package. The product is 7" tall, with a 4"-diameter clock face. "Bright colors and clearly printed numbers make it fun for children to learn how to tell time," a representative of Streamline Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007.

This Felt Tales play set includes 19 soft, safe pieces that allow children to create colorful scenes on the portable board that includes a carry handle. It measures 15" W x 12" H. Launch date: 2009.

This stain-resistant, machine-washable lunch bag is made of sturdy neoprene, which also acts to insulate and cushion contents. The lightweight bag measures 12" L x 10" W x 6" D and has interior pockets, cushioned handles, and wide zipper openings for accessibility.

The Work-Home Collection offers both Worktown Mat™ and Hometown Mat™, offering a variety of fun platforms to support kids' imagination of work and home life. Launch date: April 2009.

This kit includes six, 4-oz. containers of handmade soft dough made with organic flour, sea salt, cream of tartar, canola oil, natural plant and vegetable colors, natural scent extracts and natural preservatives. The lemon, orange, lime, strawberry, cherry and grape dough varieties are packaged with several different play dough tools. Clementine Art products are available exclusively at Whole Foods stores through 2009.

These soft, knit monkeys have a chime on the inside and bear a heart shape on their tummies. Each little monkey carries a banana, and all can be displayed in a tin pail.

This eco-friendly lunchbag features an easy-to-clean, wipe-off surface made of cotton with an acrylic coating that complies with the Oeko-Tek 100 Standard, meaning it does not contain hazardous chemicals. The bag is also machine washable and has soft handles and a durable zipper.

Made in the USA of recycled plastic milk jugs, this tool kit includes flat and Phillips screwdrivers, a wrench, pliers, a hammer, a saw, and two each of nails, bolts, nuts and two-hole connectors. The environmentally friendly set also includes a tool box for storage of the toys. Launch date: 2009.

Past Videos: ASTRA 2009

Perfect for little pirates, this high-seas apron may be worn while doing crafts, helping to cook or just eating, in place of a traditional bib.

This 220-thread count, standard-sized pillow case features a playful side with a colorful pirate scene and a character side with images that glow in the dark. It also comes with a booklet of games tied to the theme.

This handmade bookend features a faux leather exterior and is heavily weighted with a filling of natural cotton and iron filings. It measures about 8" x 10" and comes in a non-woven drawstring bag.

Featuring forest characters and available in three designs (Jean-Pierre, shown; Droolie; and Fei-Fei), this backpack has faux-fur straps and sides, plus one interior pocket. It measures 9" x 12" x 5.5".

This handcrafted, wooden pull toy is made by artisans in India and features coloring provided by natural vegetable dye. The turtle's shell rotates as the toy is pulled along. It measures 5" x 5" x 4.5".

This machine-washable, neoprene lunch bag has two interior mesh pockets and is designed to both cushion and insulate its contents. It stands upright and features wide zipper openings and an easy-to-grip, cushioned handle.

P’kolino’s Puzzle Stacker increases the play value of the classic stacker by adding the benefits of puzzles. Stacking toys help develop a baby’s hand-eye coordination and recognition of sizes and colors. The puzzles fine-tune motor skills and teach spatial logic through joining the interconnecting pieces. This two-in-one toy does both, doubling the fun; and doubling the development. Also available in a 6 ring version. Launch date: June 2009.

Designed for both kids and adults, Tail Wags helmet covers come in a variety of styles that not only provide fun expression, but also enhance visibility for safety purposes. MSRP for the styles in the line ranges from $30 to $45.