October 2008 Notable Toys — All

With this construction toy, kids can make a Jurassic model. Interchangeable parts in the Tyrannosaurus Kit can be used to create a plesiosaurus or an ammonite. With the Triceratops Kit, one can create a mammoth or an allosaurus head. The pieces in both sets can be combined to form a Pteranodon or Stegosaurus. Launch date: June 1,2008.

This 175-piece kit can be used to snap and click pieces together to create eight different items: bunny, flower, pencil box, picture frame, coasters, eyeglasses, play house set, and ring and bracelet. Launch date: June 21, 2008.

This 6” mini doll kit comes with all the supplies — paint, brushes, doll kit, tutorials and more — a person needs to reborn their first doll. Reborning can require days of work, but the starter kit makes it possible to reborn a doll in less than three hours. The kit includes a CD with a full tutorial plus a PC video that gives instruction on painting the dolls. Launch date: 2008.

This wall-mount coat locker, with side-mounted double-coat hooks, is available in eight Rainbow Accents colors. Each of the 10 cubbie holes measures 8.75" D x 14" W x 6.75" H. It is available with trays (MSRP shown) or without ($371.30). The product features KYDZSafe edges and KYDZStrong construction. It is also available in Birch and Sproutz designs.

This game allows children to practice creating singular from plural words and vice-versa. It goes over eight rules for making words plural, strengthening both oral and written language skills.

Flat Friends are unstuffed soft toys made of 100% Australian sheepskin. The 11.8" sea turtle is brown and green and comes with his own totebag and gift card.

The Tata-Mia is a three-in-one system that allows parents to easily transition from a baby recliner to a swing to a high chair. It can also fold up quickly and tightly for each storage. It comes preassembled; only the casters must be added, for easy transportability. Launch date: 2008

The No Slippy Hair Clippy features magnets for a tighter clasp, plus a velvet cover to keep them soft and comfortable. They stay in little girls' hair even during play. They're also handmade in America.

Kids can use this kit to build a working wind turbine to harness power out of thin air. Wind is one of the most promising sources of clean, renewable energy available today. During the experiments, kids will learn the physics of force and motion as it applies to wind power technology. The kit includes a full-color, 32-page experiment manual that offers illustrated instructions for 20 experiments and scientific information. Kids will build a working wind turbine, harnes mechanical energy to lift weights and more.
— “I’m featuring science kits that teach kids about the environment or renewable energy, such as the Thames and Kosmos Wind Power and the Fuel Cell X7,” said Michelle Smith of Piccolo Mondo Toys in Portland, Ore., of this good seller in her store.

Learning multiplication facts and related lessons is now a truly exciting game. Students begin at the appropriate level: beginning, intermediate or advanced. There is a practice section to work on specific multiplication problems. Then the student builds skills while playing challenging games such as; baseball, long jump, basketball or bowling. Each of these games has 11 levels of play.

Designed for students of all ages who need to develop or review basic Language Arts and Reading Comprehension skills. The course features Sports-inspired “Coach” led tutorials, Learn the Words sessions, and adrenaline-charged, fun-filled games to make learning a true journey. Students will master syllables, spelling, word families, and the entire range of topics. Winner of Computers for Youth Family Learning Software Award 2008.

Beginning reading and math builds the foundation for success with this content-packed interactive program. Includes 11 sing-a-long songs and 15 two-level activities to teach children letter names, numbers, phonics, basic addition and more. The Super Star System gives students an incentive to repeat an activity until a gold star is awarded. Winner of a National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

Features hundreds of color photographs of art and artifacts found at the Smithsonian museums. Study the items on your assignment card, then guess which one doesn’t fit. Use the decoder/magnifier to see if you’re right as you try to be the first expert to reach finish. For 2 to 4 players, ages 8 and up.

Race to gather the food your panda needs. When you land on a bamboo space, activate the mother panda to come down the tree. She may help you win. Learn interesting panda facts as you play the game. For 2 to 4 players, ages 5 and up.

Based on the hit NBC-TV show starring Steve Carell, players race around the office visiting cubicles and answering questions about the adventures and misadventures of its unique characters. Includes a “Support the Rabid” rubber bracelet—as seen on the show—that players get when they win the “5K” race. For 2 to 6 adult players.

Join the cast of NBC’s hit show “The Office” in a DVD game that features some of your favorite scenes. Answer questions about the clips to earn Schrute bucks as you move along a game board that Dwight himself created. There’s seven different kinds of questions for lots of variety.  For 2 to 6 adult players.

This two sided musical cape will liven up any adventure. One side is pirate theme, the reverse side is knight theme. Fun for both boys and girls. Ages three and up. Batteries included.

Hannah Montana fans can choose from one of two singing boxes to store their jewels and accessories. One box plays "Rock Star," while the other plays "True Friend." Launch date: Fall 2008

Developed under collaboration by Large Animal Games and Lifetime Games, Fashion Solitaire allows players to design clothing collections, assemble outfits, and email fashion show photos to friends. Launch date: June 2008.

Students, friends and their fellow employees can have fun and get to know one another by responding to this ball's suggestions to share experiences from work and personal life. The 32 panels include questions and statements such as "Smartest Career Decision" and "Two Office Tools You Can't Live Without." Launch date: September 2008.

Ideal for counseling, character-building activities and socialization among employees, the Virtues & Values Thumball includes three positive characteristics for each letter of the alphabet, inviting comments on qualities that the speaker or other players have. Launch date: September 2008.

Children can learn everyday hand skills while playing with this dressing doll that includes buttons, Velcro, bows and and more. The clasps of clothing and bags are a big challenge for kids’ hands, and the funny Krawuzi with a bib and colorful frilly hair is just right to help them learn these skills. Her friendly face radiates encouragement to little friends and invites them to try. Her shoes, trouser, T-shirt and socks can all be used to practice dressing and undressing. Kids can also tie a bow and braid her hair. Launch date: January 10, 2008.

Protected by a worldwide patent, this aluminum-construction scooter features 7"-diameter urethane wheels, a bicycle-style hand brake, and a height-adjustable, folding-handle pole. Maximum rider height and weight are 6'5" and 300 lbs. Launch date: July 2008.

This scooter features steel construction, no-foot-down propulsion, a bicycle-style handbrake, 7"-diameter urethane wheels, a paddle-actuated gear drive mechanism, and a folding handle pole. It is height adjustable and is protected by a worldwide patent. Maximum height: 6'5". Maximum weight: 300 lbs. Launch date: July 2008.