TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Videos & DVDs Product Category

Doodle Tales by CRANIUM INC.

With this game, children can combine silly sketches with creative captions, fashion wacky masterpieces, and showcase creations with a fun magnet. The whole family will be laughing as players swap partial drawings and judge artwork with corresponding captions. Doodle Tales includes 60 photo cards, five secret story keepers, six pencils, a spinner, a score pad, a timer, and a magnet. It received the 2007 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. Launch date: Fall 2006. 11/14/2006 (Price: $16.95)

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit by DREAMWORKS SKG

In this Oscar-winning film, Wallace the inventor and Gromit his sidekick, who operate the Anti-Pesto pest control company, are called into action when prized veggies begin to disappear before a local competition. The video won the 2007 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. Launch date: February 7, 2006. 11/14/2006 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cathy & Marcy's Song Shop: Live in Concert by CATHY & MARCY'S SONG SHOP

This DVD combines the two popular Cathy & Marcy (Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer) live concert videos "Is Not, Is Too!" and "Yodel-Ay-Hee-Hoo!" They were recorded in 1996 and won The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award and the Kids First Media Award. The Learning Channel used some of the songs for programming for several years. Children should prepare to sing, play "Air Guitar,” and learn a little American Sign Language from these Grammy Award winners. “Kids will not only watch the concert, but they will become part of it, easily singing along with the on-set audience,” performer Cathy Fink told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2006. 11/10/2006 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ezra Jack Keats' The Little Drummer Boy by SCHOLASTIC

This holiday-themed addition to the Scholastic Video Collection features “The Little Drummer Boy” and four more stories: “The 12 Days of Christmas,” “Merry Christmas, Space Case,” “Sam & The Lucky Monkey,” and “The Tomten.” In the animated adaptation of “The Little Drummer Boy,” joyful drumming and glowing illustrations combine to celebrate the nativity, with music and vocals by John Jennings. Productions in the Scholastic Video Collection “stay true to the original intent of the author and illustrator from each work,” Beth Blenz-Clucas of Foundry Communications told TDmonthly. Running time is approximately 42 minutes. Launch date: October 31, 2006. 11/10/2006 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Barney Dino-Riffic Collection! by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

Preschoolers can have fun and use their imagination with this three-DVD box set. It features “Let’s Go to the Farm,” “Just Imagine,” and “Musical Scrapbook.” DVD bonus features include Barney’s Jukebox, Count with Barney, Peek-A-Boo Matching Game, and DVD-ROM Fun. The product “is wrapped up for the holidays in exclusive collectable packaging and…promote(s) sharing, caring, imagining, dancing and learning,” Jillian Dodge of Bender/Helper Impact told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 17, 2006 11/9/2006 (Price: $29.98)

Brainy Baby Toys by BRAINY BABY

• Brainy Baby has more than 10 exciting electronic toys to educate and entertain infants and toddlers.
• Number Bug, Baby Face, Where Can We Go Wheel, ABC Roll & Go and many more!
• For ages 6 months and up
• MSRP ranges from $14.99 to $23.99

 11/6/2006 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Let's Go Lobstering by BARKING LOBSTER ENTERTAINMENT

This is an entertaining and exciting educational video about lobster fishing along the Maine Coast. With Lobsterman Chris Robinson as your host, you get to explore the sights, sounds and (with a little imagination) even the smells aboard the “Miss Lizzie,” a real Maine lobster boat. How traps work, what lobsters eat and how big they can grow are all part of the excitement, along with the playful antics of the animated co-host Lobster Bob, in this unique 30-minute lobster-catching adventure. A minimum order of 10 units is required. Launch date: Fall 2004.
— “There are no other DVDs in existence that provide such a wholesome, educational and entertaining treatment of how lobster are caught,” Tim Tonner of Barking Lobster Entertainment told TDmonthly. “I frequently get emails from families around the country…who thank me for producing ‘Let's Go Lobstering!’ — mostly because they learned so much about a new subject!” 11/2/2006 (Price: $17.95)

3-2-1 Penguins! by BIG IDEA PRODUCTIONS

The creators of Veggie Tales blast off with "3-2-1 Penguins," four wacky space cowboys (a.k.a. penguins) who explore the outer limits and learn valuable Bible lessons along the way.  In the same tradition as Veggie Tales, these Big Idea Productions employ lively characters, joyful music, fun stories and high-quality animation to teach children Christian values. 11/2/2006 (Price: $19.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Drawing Power! With Michael Moodoo: Ultimate Dinosaur Drawing DVD by MOODOO PRODUCTIONS INC.

Animator and elementary school art teacher Michael Moodoo shows how to use basic shapes to create realistic dinosaur drawings. This program features drawing techniques, fun characters, colorful animation and facts on dinosaur behavior and anatomy. It was named one of the Top 100 Best Children’s Products of 2006 by Dr. Toy. Michael Dowell, artist and host of the Drawing Power! series, told TDmonthly the program was created in the classroom “in order to provide fun, informative, step-by-step instruction for viewers.” There’s a minimum wholesale order of six units, and free shipping on case orders of 25 units. Launch date: August 2006.
— The workshop setting in which “Drawing Power!” was developed allowed Dowell to discover the mistakes that 90 percent of kids make, and find “simple, effective ways of allowing them to create realistic and satisfying 3-D drawings.” 11/2/2006 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Way to Go, Juno! by JUNO BABY INC.

Featuring the Emmy Award winning original classical music of mom and composer Belinda Takahashi, PhD, young children laugh, sing and learn as they interact with Juno and her lovable puppet friends. Help little ones overcome their fears with Way To Go, Juno. Follow Juno and her friends as they cope with common childhood fears. The lovable puppets learn that through true blue friendship, they can overcome anything. Sing along in English, Spanish and French. Language and "A,B,C" flashcards included. For every product sold, the Juno Company donates a very special music DVD to a child in need. Launch date: August 2006.
Awards: 2006 Dr. Toy Top 100 Best Children’s Products 10/26/2006 (Price: $17.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Alphabet Train by A-TRAINS.COM

From A-to-Z, “Amtrak-to-Zephyr,” packed with one full hour of fun and learning, this exciting video enhances children’s natural learning ability while exploring some of the coolest aspect’s of real trains. Your child will develop his skills in vocabulary and phonics, and while interacting with our kids on the video, will explore: "In & Out", "Over & Under","Teamwork", "Above & Below", "Off & On", "Same & Different", all sorts of really cool trains and their sounds, train safety, railroad jobs from "Brakeman-to-Yardmaster” , and of course, The Alphabet. Written by a Mother of two/ professional childcare-giver, and teamed up with awesome footage from award-winning producer Les Jarrett,this video is sure to please the whole family. Lot's of really neat steam, diesel, and electric trains! 10/10/2006 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Teeny-Tiny and the Witch-Woman... and 4 More Spine-Tingling Tales by SCHOLASTIC

A wily boy outsmarts a nasty witch and saves himself and his siblings from becoming the Wiccan version of a Lean Cuisine. If Hansel dumped Gretel and went out on the road solo, you’d get “Teeny-Tiny and the Witch-Woman,” which is based on the traditional children’s story adapted by Barbara K. Walker. It is joined on this DVD by two other witch-centric stories, “The Boy with Two Shadows” and “The Witch in the Cherry Tree,” as well as outer-space story “Space Case” and bonus story “The King of Cats.” (Read Review) 10/5/2006 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel ... and 3 more Stories about Trucks by SCHOLASTIC

Based on the 1939 book by Virginia Lee Burton, this story about an upstart steam shovel has withstood the test of time and remains an inspirational you-can-do-it story for kids 3 to 7. Big diesel machines are threatening to run Mike Mulligan and his throwback steam shovel, Mary Anne, out of business, so they must prove their worth by digging out the basement of the town hall in just one day. The DVD has a read-along feature, and it includes the tale “I Stink,” which is narrated by actor and one-time late-night sidekick Andy Richter. Other stories include “Trashy Town” and “Dot the Fire Dog,” as well as bonus tale “The Remarkable Riderless Runaway Tricycle.” 10/5/2006 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Me, Eloise by STARZ MEDIA

In “Me, Eloise,” it is Eloise’s sixth birthday, and she is determined to make it a special party. Along with planning her big day, Eloise is busy making friends with a new girl at the hotel ¾ a Japanese violin prodigy named Yuko. Of course, things don’t go as planned and Eloise almost misses her own party. Special features of the DVD include a DVD game, “Weenie to the Rescue”; the “Eloise’s Theme Song” sing-along song; a DVD Rom that includes Birthday Party Invitation Maker, Coloring Pages and Wallpaper; Plaza Pals; and a special “From Paper to Movie” feature.  The DVD also includes a Spanish language track and can be played in widescreen or full-frame. Launch date: October 10, 2006. 10/4/2006 (Price: $14.98)

PollyWorld by MATTEL INC.

This fall Polly Pocket is launching her first ever full-length 70-minute direct-to-DVD movie – “PollyWorld”! Polly and her gal pals Lila, Shani, Crissy and Lea are off on another fabulous weekend adventure. They, along with the rest of their class, are invited to participate in a PollyWorld mega race for charity prior to the park’s grand opening. Students compete, pushing themselves to the limit enjoying thrilling rides, cool contests, shopping galore, disco diner and, of course, Polly and the Pockets’ latest hit single. Joining them on their adventure, Polly’s dad makes an appearance with some very special news. He’s getting remarried! Polly’s thrilled until she realizes that her mom-to-be may have ulterior motives. How will she break the news to dad? Girls will be thrilled to see the exciting conclusion and also relive key moments from the movie with a complete range of PollyWorld toys and products. Launch Date: November 14, 2006. 10/3/2006 (Price: $19.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Happy Cricket by CLEVER IMAGE STUDIOS

Filled with adorable characters, vivid animation and playful original songs, “The Happy Cricket” presents classic values that children and families will relate to. Christopher, a carefree cricket bubbling over with good humor, lives a simple happy life. But the arrival of Warlord the lizard threatens Christopher’s forest home when he orders the destruction of trees and prohibits the making of music. Christopher and his friends are determined to reclaim the forest and vanquish the villain. The 82-minute DVD features an animated short and can be played in English, Spanish or Portuguese. Launch date: October 24, 2006.
— Clever Redondo, president of Clever Image Studios and a professor of animation at New York University, told TDmonthly “the creation of the characters and the design ... brings a new look.” Originally released in Latin America, the film now has wide distribution in the United States and Canada. 10/3/2006 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mr. Christmas by LUMINOUS FILMS INC.

The 1-hour, live-action, G-rated “Mr. Christmas” is a heartwarming family movie that won the “Best Feature Film for Kids” award at the Los Angeles Moondance Film Festival in June 2006. It also won an Award of Excellence from the Film Advisory Board in Los Angeles. Set in 1941, “Mr. Christmas” is about a young father who can’t afford to buy his 5-year-old daughter the bicycle she’s expecting for Christmas. The dilemma causes Joel to lose confidence in himself as a father, husband and family breadwinner. The story is about the true meaning of Christmas and family. Launch date: October 24, 2006. 10/3/2006 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Meet the Shapes DVD by PRESCHOOL PREP COMPANY

"Meet the Shapes" is designed to teach babies and toddlers the shapes while they are learning to talk. It teaches kids about circles, squares, rectangles, stars, triangles, diamonds, octagons and ovals. The shapes in the video are memorable characters, with the same name as the shape they are formed in, which children will love. The scenarios are easy to follow and lead children to recognize how shapes make up the world around them. View video demo 9/8/2006 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Toddler Toons by THINGAMAKID

This DVD and CD combo will entertain kids with 10 new animated sing-along classics, three educational animated shorts and 10 karaoke video tracks. The CD has 15 sing-along songs with split tracks. 9/5/2006 (Price: $9.99)

Yoga Ma Baby Ga by DOWN DOG PRODUCTIONS LLC

This uniquely formatted DVD gives Mom and Baby three complete options while Mom gets fit. In Yoga Ma Baby Ga, Mom follows yoga instructions at the bottom of the screen while Baby enjoys images and music at the same time. In Yoga Ma, there’s a step-by-step 55-minute yoga recovery routine with pose level variations full screen for Mom alone. And when Baby needs a break, Baby Ga will captivate him or her with pictures and music. The DVD is produced by Heidi Kindberg Goss and choreographed and taught by Jo Ann Colker Arison, R.Y.T. Launch date: November 2004. 9/5/2006 (Price: $24.95)

Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses by MATTEL INC.

In “Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses,” Barbie dances her way into little girl’s hearts with an enchanting all-new adventure. Barbie, as the beautiful Princess Genevieve, and her eleven dancing princess sisters discover a secret entrance to a magical world where wishes come true. But when their feather is in danger of losing his kingdom, Genevieve and her sisters must work together to save the day. The learn that the power of family can overcome all obstacles. Special features include a “Shine” music video, “Merry Memory Ballet” game and a trailer gallery. In English, Spanish and French. 9/5/2006 (Price: $19.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

All About John Deere for Kids, part 4 by TM BOOKS AND VIDEO

In this DVD narrated by Jeff McComas, kids get to see John Deere vehicles of all makes and models — from a 9520 tractor to windrowers, hay balers and skid-steers. They even get to see the make-over results on a beat-up old model H they watched in part 1. The 40-minute DVD includes songs by James Coffey. 9/5/2006 (Price: $14.95)

Anne of Avonlea by KOCH ENTERTAINMENT

For nearly a century, millions of readers have been enchanted by the adventures of Anne Shirley, a spunky orphan who matures into an intelligent and beautiful woman. Based on the classic novels “Anne of Avonlea” and “Anne of the Island,” this lush, highly acclaimed, 5-hour 1975 mini-series follows Anne as she begins her job as a schoolteacher on the picturesque north shore of Canada’s Prince Edward Island. Exciting new adventures lie in store with the arrival of two new orphans and the realization of her dream to go to college. Through marriage proposals and the sale of her first story, Anne holds on to her memories of Avonlea and discovers life and love on her own terms. Starring Kim Braden as Anne. 9/5/2006 (Price: $29.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Wind in the Willows: The Feature Films Collection by FREMANTLEMEDIA

Revered by children of all ages for more than a century, Kenneth Grahame’s “The Wind in the Willows” has spawned countless adaptations, but only one production has become the definitive version — the feature-length film from award-winning Cosgrove Hall Productions. Both this movie and a follow-up, “The Wind in the Willows: A Tale of Two Toads” are included in this 2-DVD set. The winner of an international Emmy, APA Gold, BAFTA and Chicago Festival Awards, “The Wind in the Willows” features eye-catching stop-motion animation and dialogue taken directly from the book. 9/5/2006 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wee Sing Grandpa's Magical Toys by WEE SING PRODUCTIONS

In this DVD adventure, Peter and his friends go to Grandpa's to see his toys, and before they know it, they find themselves magically shrinking to toy size. That's just the beginning in this delightful musical adventure. Kids will meet Punchinello the Clown, a singing British sailor, a jump-roping Little Dutch Girl, young Scottish dancers, and more, as they sing, dance, and serve up plenty of laughs. And when they help Grandpa solve a problem, everyone learns the importance of being young at heart. This colorful live-action, upbeat musical is sure to charm kids of all ages with over 20 familiar children's songs, jump rope rhymes, and clapping games. 8/29/2006 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]