October 2009 Notable Toys — Music

The Woodstock Kid's Accordian has true authentic sound and a 2-octave range in the key of C. The adjustable strap ensures a comfortable fit. Comes packaged in a 4-color gift box and includes a songsheet with instructions and 8 songs. Additional songs are available for download from the Woodstock Chimes website. "This children's instrument has true authentic sound and comes with detailed playing instructions and eight easy-to-play songs so your child (or you!) can play songs the first time you use it," Peggy Daniel, Web Development Director of Woodstock Chimes, told TDmonthly.

Sized just right for the next generation of pickers and strummers, the Woodstock Folk Guitar is a great kid's instrument at a really great price. It looks just like a full size guitar and comes with a guitar strap, pick and vinyl carrying case. Also included is an easy-to-follow instruction booklet that teaches how to hold the guitar, the basic guitar chords, and 11 songs. Additional songs are available for download from the Woodstock Chime website. "This realistic-looking guitar will make any child feel like a pro," Peggy Daniel, Web Development Director of Woodstock Chimes, told TDmonthly.
— "It was a newer item for us and they were gone shortly after Thanksgiving," Chris Cahalane of Cape Cod Toys told TDmonthly in 4Q 2010. “We sold about 8 or 10 in the last month.”

Tuned to a C Major scale, the Chimalong is an 8-note metallophone that can be played by number, color or notes. The youngest children will use the included 15-song songbook to play by color; older children can play by number. As they progress, they'll learn to read the music and play by note. Additional songs are available on the Woodstock Chimes website. Packaged in a 4-color window box. Comes with 2-mallets, 15-song songbook and an extra #7 tube, which changes the B (for key of C) to B flat (for key of G), giving greater musical flexibility. Chimalong is "recommended for its educational value by many professional musicians, including John Sebastian, Marilyn Horne, André Watts, Peter Schickele and the late Jim Henson," Peggy Daniel, Web Development Director of Woodstock Chimes, told TDmonthly. The Chimalong has received the following awards: 2003 Parent's Choice Top 25 Toys in 25 Years; 1995 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Classic Toy, Blue Chip Award; 1995 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Platinum; 1995 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal; and 1987 Parent's Choice Gold Award. Launch date: 1986.
―  Karen Park, owner of Zaks Gifts in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., only recently began selling Chimalongs, she told TDmonthly in 4Q 2010; she sells about four per month.
— Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books, Inc. in Oklahoma City, Ok.,  told TDmonthly in a January 2015 survey that the Woodstock Chimalong is their store's best-selling musical toy.

This bubbly little song has children dancing and singing over and over to “Popsi, Popsi she’s come to save our planet. Popsi, Popsi she taking a stand, Popsi, Popsi she can do it if we lend a helping hand.” The CD also has the music only version for sing along.

This collection of bedtime lullabies uses vivid nature images and soothing melodies to take children to a place of warmth and security. This album was recorded with special guests George Winston, Laurie Lewis, George Kahumoku and many others. It received the following awards: 2005 iParenting Media Award, 200 Parents' Choice Silver Award, 2005 NAPPA (National Association of Parenting Publications Award) Gold Award, 2005 Early Childhood NEWS Director's Choice Award, and 2005 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Award. Launch date: 2004.

For Sleepy Seaside Piano, Raimond Lap composed 27 new instrumental tracks that include the relaxing sounds of the sea along with his special piano melodies and improvisations. This set of three CDs is suitable for babies and designed for relaxation and aiding with sleep. "Lovely Baby is the first and only original music series in the world specifically created for the emotional, intellectual and social development of babies, prenatal - 3+ years. Our new grown-up titles are also suitable for the same infants and babies that listen to the regular Lovely Baby CD series," Gary Brody, president of Lovely Baby Music, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 17, 2009.

In as little as 10 minutes, the Music For Brains collection is designed to rejuvenate one's mental wellbeing by providing a serene and relaxing environment in which to unwind, relieving stress and tension and enabling one to make it through the rest of the day. This music may be shared with children for a happier, peaceful home. This set includes three CDs packaged in an Amaray (DVD) box. Launch date: August 17, 2009.

Designed to provide moments of serene rest and relaxation during pregnancy while positively influencing the development and well-being of the baby, this set includes three CDs. "From three months before birth, your baby will be able to listen to music," Gary Brody, president of Lovely Baby Music, told TDmonthly. "Our new grown-up titles are also suitable for the same infants and babies that listen to the regular Lovely Baby CD series." "Lovely Pregnancy" was named 2009 CD of the Year by Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: August 17, 2009.

This collection of songs includes Raimond Lap's music and comforting sounds of the sea that aim to relax babies and toddlers, helping them fall asleep. The music can also be used to calm a child. "Lovely Baby is the first and only original music series in the world specifically created for the emotional, intellectual and social development of babies, prenatal - 3+ years," Gary Brody, president of Lovely Baby Music, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 17, 2009. It was named 2008 CD of the Year by Creative Child Magazine.

Dedicated Dads of a dozen kids, for Yosi & The Superdads, every day is Father’s Day. "Super Kids Rock!" celebrates their sentiment, message and credo. Fronted by award-winning recording artist, Yosi Levin, with a string of Sirius/XM radio hits, The Superdads ('Jammin' Joe Geisler, Gary 'G-Whiz' Hoffman and 'Super Steve' Brown) deliver "Super Kids Rock" ala Beatles, Clash, CCR, Ramones, ACDC and Buddy Holly. It's "a rock album for the whole family," Yosi Levin, owner of Yosi Music, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

This 12-track album features the alphabet, the days of the week, the rooms of the house, colors, food and more. It may be used by teachers and French students. "With its upbeat and easy-to-learn songs, this CD is a great introduction to French for children 3 to 10," Alain Le Lait, owner of Yadeeda.com, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 25, 2004.

This album offers French songs for children ages 3 to 10. It may be used in classrooms and immersion programs. "A great way to introduce children to French, the songs on this CD are upbeat and easy to learn," Alain Le Lait, owner of Yadeeda.com, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 23, 2003.

This song CD for ages 2-7 contains the following cute and lively original and tradition songs by veteran children’s singer songwriter Mark Beckwith: Oooh Mud, What’s Your Favorite Color?, I’m So Hungry, Say Hello, Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes (and Tail), Dad’s Ride to School, Toucans in Papaya Tree, Wonder What My Kitty is trying to Tell Me?, Making Our Garden Grow, Singing the ABCs, Pots and Pans, Cleanup Time, Days of the Week and How I Wonder.

"Zoey and the Yok-Yok Man" is a musical journey with a positive message. Aimed at children 3 to 10, this entertaining story is designed to nurture children's imagination through upbeat and catchy songs. Launch date: April 30, 2009.

14 great songs that include body parts, recess time, vegetables, family members, and 2 well-known comptines, 'Alouette', and 'Savez-vous planter les choux?'

Who is the piggle? And more importantly, will it end up on a bun? To find out, follow Sam and Sally in the search for Zoey, their unusual dog with a fondness for reading and a deep appreciation of art. In this adventure, they will meet the lonely, sensitive Yok-Yok Man and the impish, capricious oygoys ruled by their king, 'The Grumpiness.'

"Clear pronunciation and imaginative lyrics brighten this adventurous language CD,
perfect for those starting language study" (Booklist).  Great for Spanish immersion programs.

Perfect for the 2-7 age group, the songs combine simple words, frequent repetitions,
and infectious melodies.  Even adults will find them hard to resist.

What happens when some earthworms, an arctic tern, a few rockin' humans and a moose get together to figure out how to help the planet? "Singin’ Green" — the CD, for listeners of all ages. It is performed by a musical-comedy troop of children's entertainers, covers principles of science, and offers fun songs with an environmental theme. Launch date: June 2, 2009.

Inspired by the beauty of a full-size concert grand, Schoenhut® Piano Company offers this exquisite miniature 37-key replica. Complete with opening top to release the lovely chime-like tones, this smaller version is designed for a child with serious musical aspirations. Each piano in the series is custom built from solid maple and ½-inch multi-ply birch, stained in mahogany or painted in your choice of white or black, with the interior hand finished to match the selected exterior. The hinge is designed to raise and lower gradually, so as not to slam down on little fingers. Chromatically tuned, the sound is produced by little hammers striking precision-ground, German steel music rods.Schoenhut's patented Learning System, with its play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. Available in Mahogany, Black or White.