January 2010 Notable Toys — Preschool

Smart Trike “Classic” is a sturdy tricycle, suitable for babies 10 months and up. The product contains a 3 in 1 concept that grows with your child, easily converting from a safe and comfortable baby tricycle to an independent tricycle. The Smart Trike Classic is equipped with a long back rest with shoulder belts, providing back support, comfort and safety.

The unique 3-in-1 concept designed for quality and functionality for a baby 10 months and up. It converts easily from a safe and comfortable baby tricycle to an independent tricycle. The product includes shoulder belts for security and a sun canopy that protects the child, guaranteeing a fun and safe ride. Smart Trike “Plus” is the winner of a “Right Start Best Toy” Gold Award and winner of a “Bizzie Baby” Silver Award.

The unique 3-in-1 multi-featured tricycle is designed for quality and functionality for a baby 10 months and up. The Smart Trike Deluxe is equipped with an adjustable telescopic 5-position steering handle that allows the parent to take control of the trike while the child is learning to ride. It also includes a bottle holder and play phone for the child's amusement. The built-in clutch gives the option of ride control to the parent or to the child. The product includes a washable, quality seat cover available in a range of colors together with a useful functional bag. Smart Trike “Deluxe” is a “Right Start Best Toy" Award winner.

The Alphabotz Superphonic Decoder Cards jumpstart beginning reading skills by building lasting associations between sounds and the letters that represent them. The cards include a variety of games and activities that are designed to promote vital early literacy skills such as phonemic awareness and are geared toward children of various skill levels, making this product both an educational tool and a toy. "The ALPHABOTZ personify sounds in the English language. They help children visualize and build lasting associations between sounds and the letters that represent them. The letter/letter team on a character's chest and the icon on its head serve as constant visual reinforcements for the sound that is represented by that character," Nicole Sigsby, principal of Ideopolis LLC, told TDmonthly. Awards: 2009 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award in the Educational Products Category; iParenting Media; Mom's Choice; Tillywig Brain Child; and Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products 2009; 2009 Family Choice Award; 2010 The Toy Man Seal of Approval, Award of Excellence and Editors Choice Award. Launch date: July 2009.
— "Just when you thought it was not possible, here is another fresh approach to letter recognition.  Developed by an educator, Alphabots are for children at all developmental levels.  Use the 46 robot character cards in one of 12 fun letter and sound games to improve phonemic awareness. I love Alphabotz!" Jennifer Shuman, of 1SmartNoodle, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.