May 2010 Notable Toys — All

"Look Who's Signing Part 2 K-Z" jumps right in where Part 1 left off. The DVD continues to teach children the art of signing by introducing new vocabulary and using the second half of the alphabet. Express Yourself Baby DVDs are based on communication and self-expression. Jennifer Magee, Chief Creative Officer at Express Yourself Baby! LLC, told TDmonthly, "Children get the head start they deserve in communication by learning a second language, American Sign Language. Both parents and children will communicate with one another and have fun all at the same time!"

"Look Who's Signing" is based on communication and self-expression, and includes 26 basic signs in American Sign Language, the alphabet, classical music and more. The basic signs on Express Yourself Baby DVDS relate to early language development, everyday objects and actions that are familiar to babies and children. This interactive DVD gives parents, caregivers and teachers a tool for not only communicating with their children but also educating them and having fun all at the same time. Jennifer Magee, Chief Creative Officer of Express Yourself Baby! LLC, told TDmonthly, "Our products are created with other families in mind. They not only teach a second language but are educational and entertaining for both children and adults!"

The Eco Pacifier Holder keeps pacifiers protected and coordinates with Diaper Dude's other eco-friendly accessories and eco-friendly bag. It is large enough to hold two pacifiers.

The Eco Green Bottle Holder keeps liquids hot or cold for up to four hours. This bottle holder measures approximately 4" wide and 8" tall. Stephanie Moore of Diaper Dude told TDmonthly the Eco Green Bottle Holder is, "easy to grab and go and a perfect addition to the Diaper Dude bag for an extra bottle holder."

The Adventures of Tommy the Tomato Playing Cards is an extension of the alphabet book for children. It is a memory, "go fish" and trivia game all in one. The games are designed to teach children literacy though the alphabet as well as the benefits of nutrition while being interactive.

The Eco Green Changing Station includes a removable shoulder strap and removable card/key holder. The interior features a padded changing area and three compartments perfect for holding diapers, wipes container and diaper paste. Stephanie Moore of Diaper Dude told TDmonthly this item is "great for quick outings or as an addition to your Diaper Dude bag collection."

This high-quality 1000-piece 19" x 30" jigsaw puzzle features an upgraded puzzle board.

This 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle measures 20" x 27" and features a thick, upgraded puzzle board.

This special-shaped, 600-piece jigsaw puzzle features an upgraded board.

This is a great puzzle for the vintage muscle car fanatic. Puzzlers piece together the profile of 12 mid-century American automobile icons featured on the cover of the February 1957 edition of "Popular Mechanics." Adam Silver, CEO of New York Puzzle Company, told TDmonthly, "All of our puzzles are made in the USA from extra-thick puzzle board to ensure a better fit."

The Night Cafe by Vincent Van Gogh (1888) Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle has 499 whimsy and character pieces and measures 16.25" x 12.75". Liberty Puzzles Manager Jeff Elridge told TDmonthly, "Liberty Puzzles are classic wooden jigsaw puzzles, made with quarter inch maple plywood and the finest archival paper and inks. No two pieces in any puzzle are alike, and each puzzle features dozens of intricate, charming whimsy pieces."

The 508-piece View of Krumau by Egon Schiele (1916) wooden jigsaw puzzle measures 16" x 12.75". Jeff Elridge, Manager at Liberty Puzzles, told TDmonthly, "Liberty Puzzles are classic wooden jigsaw puzzles, made with quarter-inch maple plywood and the finest archival paper and inks. No two pieces in any puzzle are alike, and each puzzle features dozens of intricate, charming whimsy pieces."

Liberty Puzzles puzzle designs are modeled after some of the most intricate jigsaw puzzles ever made. The Berlin Street Scene by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1913) is a 496-piece 12.75" x 17.50" wooden jigsaw puzzle filled with charming whimsy and character pieces. Liberty Puzzles Manager Jeff Elridge told TDmonthly, "Liberty Puzzles are classic wooden jigsaw puzzles, made with quarter-inch maple plywood and the finest archival paper and inks."

This is a game of collaboration, learning and discussion full of strategy, with each player making an important contribution. Set in 1895, players are a group of peaceful Christian villagers in Russia who drive wagons through the countryside, visiting homes to collect firewood and weapons for the building of ploughshares in the village center, all while avoiding confiscation and imprisonment by the Tsar's patrolling soldiers. The game includes a 17" x 17" board, special playing cards, movers, dice, collection chart, wagons, and rules for regular and advanced games.

Girls can join their favorite pets in the Littlest Pet Shop collection on a fun-filled road trip with the Littlest Pet Shop Paw Powered Cruiser playset. The first-ever vehicle in the Littlest Pet Shop line features seating for six pets including a working swing and "real" spinning hamster wheel. Pets can even enjoy the 360-degree view from the top of the vehicle as they ride in the adorable rotating basket. The Littlest Pet Shop Paw Powered Cruiser playset  includes an exclusive hamster pet. Launch date: Spring 2010.

Furreal Friends Snuggimals palm-sized pets come in a variety of animal species. Pet the Snuggimals puppies on their backs and they'll move their heads and wag their tails. Snuggimals kitties love to have their tummies rubbed, and furry Snuggimals bunnies are comfiest when they cuddle. When you stroke their backs, the Snuggimals seals wiggle about in hand. Little girls can choose from more than 20 different Snuggimals pets, each sold separately. Requires one "AA" battery, included. Launch date: Spring 2010.

Girls can "feed" this snuggly, plush doll from the yellow bottle tethered to her arm and Baby Alive Sips & Cuddles will "slurp" it all up. She'll also respond to hugs from her "mommy" and "coo" like a "real" baby to show how delighted she is. Baby Alive Sips & Cuddles is machine washable and requires 2 AA batteries, included. Launch date: Spring 2010.

The NERF Curve Pitch Baseball Set features a unique felt patch located on one side of this specially designed "curve" ball which creates a drag effect that, depending on how it's held and thrown, will assimilate a specific pitch. Complete with a bat featuring a rubberized grip, the NERF Curve Pitch Baseball Set is a fun way to help knock kids' stats out of the park. Launch date: June 2010.

The NERF Weather Blitz Flag Football Set comes complete with a NERF Weather Blitz junior football and 16 clips which act as "flags", offering 4-on-4 play in almost any condition. The NERF Flag Football clip system is convenient and easy to use, letting players stay focused on the winning play. Launch date: June 2010.

NERF Super Soaker Shot Blast Water Blaster is the biggest blaster in the 2010 collection and can drench opponents from up to 25 feet away. All one needs is a single pump to unleash a huge blast of water. The customizable NERF Super Soaker Shot Blast water blaster is compatible with the Tactical Rail System accessories (sold separately) and features adjustable and removable shoulder stock for maximum customization. Available in red or blue. The rapid-fire action just keeps going and going, since this water “weapon” features a large capacity tank for fewer refills and more soaking. Launch date: June 2010.

A new way to play the classic game of BATTLESHIP, in U-Build Battleship players can build and customize their fleet of ships, including Battleships, Aircraft Carriers, Destroyers, Submarines and PT Boats, and stack weapons on the ships to increase the power of their hits. Package includes: 108 U-BUILD bricks, 150 scoring pegs (100 white & 50 red), 40 red cones, 20 blue pegs, 10 locator plates, two target grids, two peg storage trays, two game boards, parts sheet, assembly guide and game guide. Launch date: Spring 2010.

U-Build Connect 4 combines the family favorite of Connect 4 with customizable U-Build bricks that create a unique game experience every time the game is played. Start by building a grid using U-Build bricks that snap into the game unit. Once the grid is built, players drop their red and yellow checkers into the top of the game and watch as the checker bounces down into a row. Add U-Build bumper arms to the top of the grid to help to steer a checker into a chosen row in an attempt to get four in a row. Bumper bricks can be used to assist a score or used as a defensive move to keep the opponent from scoring. Players must drop the checkers and see where they land to slide, bump and block their way to victory. Package includes 158 building parts (110 U-BUILD bricks & 48 construction pins), 21 red checkers, 21 yellow checkers, one game board with stand, assembly guide and game guide. Launch date: Spring 2010.

As part of the brand's 75th anniversary celebration, Monopoly is giving players the chance to choose how long they want to enjoy a game with Monopoly U-Build, a new concept in Monopoly game play. Using hexagonal property spaces that snap together, players build a game track that creates a custom game board and determines the length of play. Decide to use the Starter Track for a 30-minute game before dinner, or try the Classic Track for a 60-minute game during family game night for longer-lasting fun. Once you've perfected these tracks, move onto the Pro or Freestyle Tracks for the ultimate gaming challenge. For two to six players. Launch date: Spring 2010.

In this edition of the classic game, players must bring Buzz Lightyear back to full flying speed by removing all 13 of his malfunctioning parts without touching the sides of his spacesuit and setting off the laser sounds. Extract Buzz's Toasted Turbo Booster, Crystalic Confusion or Battered Blaster and earn the most money to win the game. Launch date: Spring 2010.