November 2009 Notable Toys — Videos & DVDs

"Global Wonders: Mexico" is an interactive DVD that's part of a series introducing children to vibrant and varied cultures around the world. Animation meets live-action footage as children learn about the Mexican culture while sharing and comparing their own cultures. It includes Language Jams, which are participation-based musical segments introducing a culturally rich vocabulary, and WonderVision, interactive adventure with secret content and surprises. Launch date: October 21, 2008.

Barney is featured in this special collection of wintertime favorites on three DVDs. Launch date: October 13, 2009.

Kids can discover why the "fun is getting it done" in these holiday-themed, action-packed DVDs from favorite contractor Bob the Builder and his Can-Do Crew. Launch date: October 13, 2009.

Thomas and his Island Sodor engine friends are featured in this special holiday collection of three seasaonal DVDs. Launch date: October 13, 2009.

Crayola Color Stories are interactive coloring activities that tell the stories of Jerome, Pedro, Sadie and others from the Undersea Adventures world. Kids progress through the story by coloring on their pages along with the characters on the screen, learning as they go. Activities are randomized so that kids can play Crayola Color Stories again and again. "Interactive DVD story and coloring activities keep children engaged and entertained while they learn," Anita Lavine, director of public relations for Screenlife, told TDmonthly. This product received a 2009 iParenting Media Award and a 2009 Creative Child Award. Launch date: June 2009.

Adina's Deck is a group of 8th-grade friends who use technology to solve a different mystery in every episode. In episode 1, the team is on the case to figure out who has been Cyber Bullying Skye, the most popular girl in the 8th grade. In episode 2, Adina's Deck tries to find out if Ally's online boyfriend is really a dream come true. In Episode 3, someone plagiarized his/her paper in Mr. B's class and the club investigates to find the cheater. "Adina's Deck is the first DVD series of it's kind addressing the social challenges that arise with increased technology use amongst teens," Debbie Heimowitz, co-founder of Adina's Deck, told TDmonthly. "The show is action-packed, filled with comedy and fun for students and parents alike." Adina's Deck has received these awards: International Family Film Festival, Best Educational Film, 2009; Eugene, Oregon, Best Film For Youth, 2009; Kid's First Film Festival, 2nd place, 2008; Honolulu Film Festival, Silver Lei Award, 2009; Approved by the Coalition for Quality Children's Media; and Dr. Toy's Best Summer Vacation Products, 2009. Launch date: August 2009.

An enthralling tale of genius and unbounded creativity.  Discover the world of Mozart's time … what life was like for this brilliant musician, both personally and professionally.  His astonishingly prolific and creative works defined the Classical era of European music.  Hear Mozart's music as performed by master pianist Dennis Kobray, and watch as this historically accurate, motivational and inspirational tale unfolds.

An inspiring tale of courage and perseverance. In the wake of the French Revolution, Beethoven redefined the role of the musician from servant to artist.  His stormy and passionate music clearly mirrors both the joys and struggles of this deaf genius. Dennis Kobray portrays the essence of the man and his music with both dynamic piano performance and insight.
— Educators have praised Kobray’s live performances at schools for his musicality and ability to entertain a wide range of ages, as well as the historical context of his programs. “Holding the attention of our kindergarteners through eighth graders can be challenging,” wrote an elementary school music teacher in Bloomsbury, N.Y., “but it was obvious that everyone was captivated by your fascinating storytelling and enthusiasm for the music and messages.” Aaron Green, who reviewed the “Bach” and “Gershwin” DVDs for About.com, found them worthy of 5 of out 5 stars. He praised the high-quality production and “highly entertaining and informative” nature of the episodes. The series provides a good intro to music and history, he said; however, viewers may need to know some basic theory to grasp certain concepts.

An extraordinary story of a genius whose music helped to break down racial barriers. In 1974, audiences for the film The Sting left theaters humming the effervescent music of Scott Joplin.  A love of ragtime, revived in the mid-70s, continues to this day.  Discover what life was like for an African-American musician at the turn of the twentieth century.  Dennis Kobray portrays a friend and fan of Scott Joplin, whose Maple Leaf Rag and The Entertainer earned him the title of the "King of Ragtime."

A story of success achieved through the "fascinating rhythms" and melodies of this brilliant composer. George Gershwin was the epitome of the American success story.  The son of immigrants, this self-taught icon of music was raised on the streets of New York.  He grew up to write music that captured the American spirit.  Who among us does not recognize Rhapsody in Blue, I Got Rhythm, or Swanee?  These beloved songs are performed by Dennis Kobray in this dynamic portrayal of one of America's most treasured musicians.