May 2009 Notable Toys — Videos & DVDs

This DVD promotes fitness and imaginative play while teaching children about letters. Young learners may enjoy performing new and traditional exercises, developed with a certified fitness trainer. It runs approximately 37 minutes. "Children get exercise and build coordination while learning their ABCs," Cindy Burleson, communications coordinator for Rock 'N Learn, told TDmonthly. The product received a Best Vacation Product award from Dr. Toy. Launch date: 2003.

This four-DVD set in the Scholastic Storybook Treasures collection features nearly five hours of colorfully animated, action-packed stories-on-video based on classic children's picture books. The series has won numerous awards. Many of the stories on both sets also feature an enhanced Read-Along function, making it easy for early readers to follow along. "The series features carefully crafted adaptations of classic children's story books that stay true to the original text and illustration," Beth Blenz-Clucas of Sugar Mountain PR/Foundry Communications told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 18, 2009.

The DVD's images of peaceful, flowering gardens and multidimensional stones transitioning in an artistic display of creation, accompanied by tranquil nature sounds, are designed to shift the mind to right-brain thinking and free viewers from anxiety and stress. It comes with colorful 5” x 7” postcards to mail or frame. "'Healing Stones and Gardens' suspends time for an extraordinary moment and facilitates a journey to a sacred place where we can reconnect with inner divinity," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

On this DVD series, professional Las Vegas magicians Will Roya & Joan DuKore  teach some of the most amazing magic tricks that kids will be able to perform for family and friends with little or no practice.  From the basics of magic to some of their all time favorite tricks, kids will be able to watch, learn and perform along with 20 other kids! Lessons include: Rules of Magic, Linking Paper Clips, String Surprise, Jumping Rubber Band, Up the Nose, Coin Thru Hanky, Vanish #1 (Confederate Method), Vanish #2 (Rubber Band Method), Vanish #3 (Pant Pocket Method), Vanish #4 (Shirt Pocket Method), Disappearing Wrapper, Straw Challenge, Static Straw, Sticky Straw.  Bonus Trick:  Penetrating Coin.  Extras:  Interview with Will & More! Running time: 84 minutes. DVD is not Regionally Coded.
 — “A fun and easy way for kids to learn magic, along with other kids!  A top notch product, highly recommended,”  said Dan Rodriguez, Society of American Magicians Past President and Co-Founder of the Society of Young Magicians.
— “The Magic Tricks R 4 Kids DVD series is an excellent resource for enterprising magicians planning their own lessons or classes for kids.  I urge you to buy it and get ready to take your magic classes to the next level!” raved Al Jensen, International Brotherhood of Magicians Las Vegas Ring President

Every parent deserves R.E.S.T (Relaxation, Entertainment & Sensory Stimulation for your Tot), and they can soothe and relax baby with delightful animations, adorable puppet scenes and calming visuals. This must-have for anyone trying to quiet a fussy child was created by parenting expert and author of "Baby Prodigy: A Guide to Raising a Smarter, Happier Baby." Baby Prodigy products have won more than 19 national awards. "It is the only product on the market that provides REST to both mom and baby while simultaneously entertaining and stimulating their tot," Barbara Candiano-Marcus, president of Baby Prodigy Company, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 5, 2009.

This program introduces students to professionals who have chosen to work in the visual arts and related fields. The thirteen careers described and visually illustrated include Architect, Art Educator, Fashion Designer, Framer, Gallery Owner, Graphic Designer, Industrial Designer, Interior Designer, Metal Sculptor, Painter, Photographer, Publication Designer and Urban Planner. "Each career is introduced in a concise manner," President Amy Woodworth of Crystal Productions told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 16, 2009.

This DVD program features a full exercise routine coupled with mathematical concepts from lines to numbers. The exercise program is for kids of all ages, with math concepts ranging from 2nd to 5th grade. It was named 2009 DVD of the Year by Creative Child Magazine and one of Dr. Toy's 2009 Best Vacation Children's Products.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010

The Breadheads, Personalized Learning Cartoon is a personalized learning cartoon where a child's name will be heard 50 times throughout the educational DVD cartoon. Designed to have children sitting and dancing in front of the TV, learning and hearing their own name

The AdoraPet Puppies DVD shows 5 puppies, Watson, Bela, Dart, Oliver and Raleigh, playing and romping, set to beautiful music. Suitable for all ages, the DVD is 40 minutes long and will delight children and parents. Minimum retail price of $12.99.