TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Educational Product Category

Investigators by FAMILY PASTIMES

In this game, players are a team of private detectives solving such cases as theft, smuggling and blackmail. They move around a city looking for clues, while trying to avoid locked doors, guard dogs, getting tied up, secret codes, even mobsters — and using disguises, fast moves, a special tool kit, and their quick wits to get out of tight corners. If players pool strategies, use some intuition and help each other out of tough spots, they can get their client out of trouble. Investigators is a quick-moving game with lots of opportunity for sharing, consultation and decision making. It includes a 13" x 18" board, cue cards, "big bucks," a solution envelope, dice and movers.
Awards: 1989 Canadian Toy Testing, Top Rating 8/19/2010 (Price: $22.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zucchini by FAMILY PASTIMES

In this game, players try to gather the ingredients to fill various shopping lists. They must do this before the ingredients spoil and go to the green bins and the recycle truck, and are carted off to the Recycle Compost Depot. The set includes a game board, 10 spoiled stuff signs, 20 ingredients, six shopping lists, a shopping cart, a recycle truck and rules. 8/19/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spies & Alibis by FAMILY PASTIMES

Spies & Alibis is a cooperative mystery game in which players act as a team of special unit detectives working together to discover which of the suspects has taken the government’s top secrets. Players must solve the case before the Spies board the Airplane and get away. The game includes a full color 12” x 12”board, 10 time flies cards, 22 eye witness cards, a government building card and three pairs of handcuffs for making arrests. 8/19/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Flowers Are Forever by FAMILY PASTIMES

In these four mathematical games, players are partners, forming as many good flower gardens as they can using their trowels to dig up the weeds that threaten to choke off the flowers. The basic mathematical skills of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing are all practiced in gameplay. 20 tiles, 12 garden trowels and rules are included. 8/19/2010 (Price: $8.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dinosaurs Children Puzzle by EUROGRAPHICS INC.

This 19" x 13" jigsaw puzzle illustrates over 20 popular dinosaurs. The puzzle features 100 durable easy-fit pieces made from recycled cardboard, recycled paper and vegetable-based ink. Puzzles feature detailed illustrations and text in multiplie languages. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion; promotes both cooperative and independent play," Erich Fellinger, sales manager, EuroGraphics, told TDmonthly. 8/19/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Map of the World Puzzle by EUROGRAPHICS INC.

This 26.5" x 19.25" jigsaw puzzle illustrates a modern map of the world. The puzzle features 1,000 durable easy-fit pieces made from recycled cardboard, recycled paper and vegetable-based ink. Puzzles feature detailed illustrations and text in multiplie languages. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion; promotes both cooperative and independent play," Erich Fellinger, sales manager, EuroGraphics, told TDmonthly. 8/19/2010 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Space Shuttle Take-Off by EUROGRAPHICS INC.

This 26.5" x 19.25" jigsaw puzzle illustrates the Atlantis space shuttle taking off at Cape Canaveral. The Space Shuttle became the first vehicle to not only take off for space, but also to return from space to be reused. The puzzle features 1,000 durable easy-fit pieces made from recycled cardboard, recycled paper and vegetable-based ink. Puzzles feature detailed illustrations and text in multiplie languages. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion; promotes both cooperative and independent play," Erich Fellinger, sales manager, EuroGraphics, told TDmonthly. 8/19/2010 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Human Body Puzzle by EUROGRAPHICS INC.

This 26.5" x 19.25" jigsaw puzzle illustrates detailed views of the major systems of the human body. The puzzle features 1,000 durable easy-fit pieces made from recycled cardboard, recycled paper and vegetable-based ink. Puzzles feature detailed illustrations and text in multiplie languages. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion; promotes both cooperative and independent play," Erich Fellinger, sales manager, EuroGraphics, told TDmonthly. 8/19/2010 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mark-My-Time™ Camouflage and Animal Print Digital Booklight by MARK-MY-TIME LLC

Read anytime and anywhere with this cool new product from Mark-My-Time. It’s a bookmark with page clip, countdown and cumulative timer and bright LED book light all in one. The makers of the Mark-My-Time digital bookmark and digital metronome have created the perfect gift item for your young readers.  The Mark-My-Time digital booklight features a bright 3 LED light on an adjustable arm, a clip to attach the bookmark to the pages of your favorite book, and three cool camouflage prints in pink, blue and green; or, three animal prints in zebra, cheetah or pink leopard. All these features, plus the homework help timing functions: cumulative timer up to 100 hours, 60 second fluency timer, and countdown session timer that alarms when you are finished and even turns off the light. Take the work out of nightly reading homework logs. ( Watch Video) 8/19/2010 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Glitterins Living Rainbow Toy (KIT3-YBRD) by GLITTERINS

This science toy includes a 50-page illustrated Book of Science, a toy polariscope and glow in the dark and soft flexible toys that show beautiful prismatic rainbows when viewed with the polariscope. It includes Red Dolphin, Yellow Butterfly and Luminescent Dolphin color combinations. 8/17/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Glitterins Living Rainbow Toy (KIT-3 BBGD) by GLITTERINS

This science toy includes a 50 page illustrated Book of Science, a toy polariscope and glow in-the-dark and soft flexible toys that show beautiful primatic rainbows colors when viewed with the Toy Polariscope. This set includes Green Dolphin, Blue Butterfly and Luminescent Dolphin color combinations. 8/17/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Glitterins Living Rainbow Toy Kit (KIT-3 RBYD) by GLITTERINS

This science toy includes a 50 page color illustrated Book of Science, a toy polariscope, and glow-in-the-dark and soft flexible toys showing beautiful prismatic rainbow colors when viewed with the polariscope. This set includes Dolphin, Red Butterfly and Luminescent Dolphin color combinations. 8/17/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Vintage Fire Engines by EUROGRAPHICS INC.

This 26.5" x 19.25" puzzle illustrates more than 35 antique fire engines and fire trucks. The 1,000 durable, easy-fit pieces are made from recycled board, recycled paper and vegetable-based ink. Puzzles feature detailed illustrations and text in multiplie languages. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion; promotes both cooperative and independent play," Erich Fellinger, sales manager, EuroGraphics, told TDmonthly. 8/17/2010 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Puzzle World War II Aircraft by EUROGRAPHICS INC.

This 1,000-piece World War II Aircrafts jigsaw puzzle features many of the greatest warbirds such as the Hurricane, the Supermarine Spitfire, the Messerschmitt BF-109 and the Boeing B-29 SuperFortress. Aircrafts of seven different countries from both Allied and Axis forces are featured with detailed information on each plane. The puzzle measures 26.5" x 19.25" and is made from recycled cardboard and paper and vegetable-based ink. Puzzles feature detailed illustrations and text in multiplie languages. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion; promotes both cooperative and independent play," Erich Fellinger, sales manager, EuroGraphics, told TDmonthly. 8/17/2010 (Price: $12.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Planets Puzzle by EUROGRAPHICS INC.

This jigsaw puzzle features a beautifully rendered image with scientific charts of the solar system's planets, complete with full data on spin, distance from the sun, gravity and much more. Made from recycled board and paper and printed with vegetable-based ink, it includes 1,000 durable easy-fit pieces and measures 26.5" x 19.25." Puzzles feature detailed illustrations and text in multiplie languages. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion; promotes both cooperative and independent play," Erich Fellinger, sales manager, EuroGraphics, told TDmonthly. 8/17/2010 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magic Words; Discovering the Adventure of Reading by LIGHTNING BUG LEARNING

This book is designed to help children unlock the door to imagination and possibilities with easily readable text. Kids transform strange shapes into words and experience the adventure of reading. This 9" x 9" hardcover features 90 full-color pages. "Magic Words: Discovering the Adventure of Reading is designed to empower beginning readers with fun, predictable stories that encourage the decoding of simple words and reinforce sight word knowledge," Lightning Bug Learning President Julie Rebboah told TDmonthly. 
Awards: 2010 Reader's Favorite Finalist - Kindergarten Category 8/17/2010 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magic Letters: The Keys to the World of Words by LIGHTNING BUG LEARNING

This reading adventure is designed to teach children the connection between letters and sounds. Predictable stories promote participation and sight word knowledge, and aim to give children the keys to the mysterious world of words. This 9" x 9" hardcover edition includes 136 full-color pages. "Magic Letters: The Keys to the World of Words was written by an experienced kindergarten teacher and sets beginning readers up for success with predictable stories that help children build a storehouse of sight words," Lightning Bug Learning President Julie Rebboah told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Reader's Favorite Finalist - Kindergarten Category 8/17/2010 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lightning Bug Literacy Kit, Level K by LIGHTNING BUG LEARNING

Lightning Bug Literacy Kit Kindergarten Edition is designed to teach children essential skills that build a strong foundation for reading and writing. This program aims to help kids gain confidence while mastering grade level phonics, reading and writing skills. "This comprehensive, teacher-designed kit builds a foundation for literacy: reading, writing, reading comprehension and handwriting," Lightning Bug Learning President Julie Rebboah told TDmonthly.
— The mom blogger at Welcome to Our Wonderland read both Magic Letters and Magic Words from the kit. She stated that the “text is predictable so your child can learn the story and participate,” leading to “the clicking moment” when letter sounds and words are associated in the child’s mind. The reviewer and her daughter enjoyed the books “more then most other word family books.”
— Jenny Thompson of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine reviewed Magic Letter, Magic Words and the audio CD from the kit. Jenny exclaimed “I am not exaggerating when I say that these books changed our lives! These were the first books my daughter was enthusiastic about reading. She could not wait to read each story.” ( Watch Video) 8/17/2010 (Price: $99.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MoMA Shapes and Colors Stroller Cards by CHRONICLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

Stroller time is much more fun when these flash cards come along for the ride. This bright, graphic set includes five touch-and-feel cards in five different shapes with engaging textures and pictures. Easy to attach to a stroller, backpack, or diaper bag, these cards are visually stimulating in the box as well as in baby's hand. 8/17/2010 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MoMA Make Art/Make Mistakes by CHRONICLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

With eye-catching interiors and playful activities, this open-ended sketchbook encourages would-be artists of all ages to look at the world around them and take chances expressing what they see. 8/17/2010 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Five Little Monkeys Jumping On the Bed ... and more great children's stories (A Sign Language DVD) by NEW VIDEO GROUP INC. / A&E HOME VIDEO

In this DVD, beloved children’s books are brought to life with voice, sign language, and beautiful music scores. Designed for preschoolers. 8/16/2010 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Skunk!!! by FAMILY PASTIMES

In this game, gardeners work hard to grow beautiful, fresh, organic vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers. But sometimes garden pests eat those good things before people can. Players must keep the garden safe by catching all six pests and taking them to the forest where they belong. The game includes a 12 x 12" board, two dice, seven pest movers, one "havahart" trap, one electric fence chart and rules. "Play as friends, not as enemies! Our games foster the spirit of cooperation," Jim Deacove, president of Family Pastimes, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Seal of Excellence, CREATIVE CHILD MAGAZINE. 8/16/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Penguins Children's Puzzle by EUROGRAPHICS INC.

This 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle illustrates over 15 species of beloved penguins. It measures 13" x 19," and features durable easy-fit puzzle pieces made from recycled board and vegetable-based ink. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion," Erich Fellinger, EuroGraphics sales manager, told TDmonthly. 8/16/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tropical Rain Forest Puzzle by EUROGRAPHICS INC.

This 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle illustrates the various life forms that make up the complex tropical rain forest ecosystem. It measures 19.25" x 26.5," and features durable easy-fit puzzle pieces made from recycled board and vegetable-based ink. "Assembling puzzles improves fine motor skill, picture recognition abilities and task completion," Erich Fellinger, EuroGraphics sales manager, told TDmonthly. 8/16/2010 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LeapFrog Chat & Count Phone by LEAPFROG

With the LeapFrog Chat & Count Phone, children can sing along to songs about counting and phone routines, explore more than 15 phone activities and call on Scout for learning fun as they trade calls and voicemails. Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog Learning Path for customized learning insights and ideas to expand the learning.
  — As of 8.16.10, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 33 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Interactive, educational, engaging. CONS: Some parents felt the product features too few activities. 8/16/2010