October 2009 Notable Toys — Computers

The Cherry Blossom Bird is one of the Webkinz pets that come with codes on their tags that unlock an online playworld. This little bird loves to eat Cherry Blossom Cheesecake. Launch date: 2009.

Keyboard Town PALS educational CD-ROM or web-based software is designed to teach children to type on a computer keyboard in one hour using association with puppets who live in a fictional town. Children of all learning aptitudes can enjoy the puppets' humor, music and stories while learning to type in a stress-free environment avoiding repetitive, boring drills. "The Keyboard Town PALS product stands in stark contrast to all other traditional typing products. Our method, unlike other methods, is able to accelerate the learning process to teach children to type in one hour. Parents and educators now have an alternative option permitting their children to enjoy a fun, fast and easy way of keyboarding and avoid endless repetitive boring exercises that are slow and frustrating, taking months and sometimes years to learn," Donna Katz, president of Keyboard Town PALS, LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

The Heart Power Adventure Bracelet is one of six Magic Wishing Bracelets, each of which comes with a keycode that will open a different land online. The bracelet shown opens up Winter Land, where girls can earn valuable Princess Points that can be used to create their own virtual Princess. The game and bonus games are designed to be educational and fun. Registered users will also receive a weekly letter from Princess Renee, full of geography, good deeds and much more. Launch date: May 2009.