January 2011 Notable Toys — Preschool

This plush Curious George Storytime Pal features a stuffed animal with a child sized blanket folded inside. When the blanket is removed children can snuggle up and use the stuffed animal as a pillow. The blanket zips on and off and is machine washable; the Zoobie stuffed animal is held in shape by two velcro tabs.
— In late Spring 2011, 8% of retailers surveyed by TDmonthly mentioned Zoobies as a best-selling toy for infants & toddlers.
— In a May 2012 survey, one out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Zoobies were their best selling plush/puppet item.
— Want this? As of 05/06/2011, this product was available for purchase at Magic Box Toys.

This new worldwide hit television series is about eager young engines Wilson, Brewster and Koko as they learn to become working trains in the land of Chuggington. In these six episodes, the trainees find fun and excitement as they get lost in a deserted town, handle an important responsibility in the safari park, and discover that the repair shed isn't such a scary place after all. There's plenty of action and laughs along the way with lessons about overcoming fear, responsibility and problem solving, all while discovering social-readiness values like friendship, teamwork, courtesy and more. As the trains practice their skills and complete daily tasks, they learn to ride the rails of life.
— Christine Osborne, co-owner of Wonder Works Toys in Charleston, S.C., said Chuggington was her best-selling licensed line of toys. "It's selling great without a display table set up," she told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011.
— As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Engaging characters; teaches positive peer interaction; bright and interesting graphics. Cons: Some reviewers wished it had been longer; the theme song is almost too catchy.

Wow! Wow! Love is in the air! Watch Wubbzy, Widget, Walden and Daizy in these Valentine-themed episodes full of friendship and appreciation! What happens when Wubbzy uses Cupid’s bubble-blower to bring together Wuzzleburg's oddest couples? Can Wubbzy and friends find the fastest way ever to make their own valentines?

Olivia is a fun loving, adventure seeking pig. Featuring an adorable red dress and piggy snout, Olivia is brought to life based on Ian Falconer's storybook character of the same name. Olivia is both a plush toy and a pillow and fleece blanket set.

The Early Learning & the Arts mats engage young children to learn about shapes, colors, the alphabet, and other basic life skills through lively depictions and areas for practice. These BrainyMats help children gain interest in thinking and learning. Colors and Shapes BrainyMat features six shapes, in six different colors. Shapes include square, oval, triangle, pentagon, rectangle, and circle. Colors include yellow, orange, red, blue, green, and purple.

Canson has created a wonderful wide range collection of paper supplies meant to inspire young artists and fans of Eric Carle.  This new eco series (90% of the paper is made from recycled materials)  includes little market and sketch pads that are just right for taking out of a backpack while you're traveling. 
Awards:  2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal.

This blue-eyed beauty is a loveable 14" soft doll, dressed up in a white and pink dress with pink ribbon sash. She has hot pink Mary Jane shoes and a pink pocketbook. The Miss Corolle dolls have plenty of long hair for styling and sleepy eyes that open and close. She is hand washable.
Awards:  Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Platinum, 2010.

Here's a water table with a theme that is bound to appeal to kids who like playing pirates. One mom from toyportfolio.com said: "The fountain in the middle was a big hit! I also like that the pump automatically shuts off after a couple minutes--The button is very easy to operate on the pump. Both my 23 month old and 3 and half year old had no trouble with it! They loved all of the characters that came with it and enjoyed putting them in the boats and having them go down the slide. Clean-up was very easy! Just pop the plug out and empty."
Awards:  Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal, 2010.

Twenty two-piece puzzles of mother and baby animals that fit together side by side. This is a good toy for developing dexterity as well as language. Children often know the names of the adult animal, but learning the baby names for them is another level of knowing. There are color cues on the two pieces that help beginners get it together. These are sturdy puzzle pieces with charming art done by well known illustrator, Saxton Freymann.
Awards:  Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal, 2010.

A twelve piece puzzle board with bold realistic illustrations of familiar fruits and veggies. The name of the food is printed under the puzzle piece and the puzzle pieces have distinctive shapes. This is a good choice for developing dexterity and strategy for turning puzzle pieces to fit.It's also a terrific toy for developing language.
Awards:  Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal, 2010.

An alphabet puzzle with matching clues under each of the letter/picture pieces. The objects chosen are fairly familiar and good language expanders. The idea of making simple words from the letters takes the puzzle to another level that most threes are not really ready for. That said, it is still an attractive and inexpensive way to introduce the letter names and the illustrations to introduce the concept of the sounds the letters say.
Awards:  Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal, 2010.

The play mat, Talk of the Farm, is designed for children to learn while they play, reinforcing the concepts of counting, learning colors, and animal sounds and helps children learn to follow directions.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010