TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Educational Product Category

See-N-Read® MemoryMark™ Reading Tool by See-N-Read® Reading Tools

See-N-Read® MemoryMark™ is a research-based, classroom tested reading tool that helps readers see, focus and remember text while filtering out distractions on the page. It reduces word- and line-skipping and pattern glare (words which appear to move on the page) which are common problems for struggling readers. The clear reading window (ReadBar™) is cut out to allow notation, highlighting and underlining without moving the tool, thus helping readers keep their place on the page. "The shaded area reduces distractions on the page without obscuring context while the clear area is cut out to allow underlining, highlighting and notation without moving the tool away from the text," Steven R. Smith, Marketing Manager of CadenaSmith Enterprises, told TDmonthly. 5/14/2010 (Price: $2.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

eSee-N-Read™ electronic reading tool for PCs by See-N-Read® Reading Tools

People read up to 30% slower on-screen than on paper, aggravating problems of readers who struggle with reading printed materials. eSee-N-Read™ electronic reading tool for PCs focuses on-screen readers on the proper line of text, enhances transitions between lines, reducing word and line skipping. eSee-N-Read™ is a modifiable teaching tool used to highlight key on-screen information while obscuring distracting ads that clutter internet screens. eSee-N-Read™ can also open as many as needed at once. "eSee-N-Read™ works with any program to aid the on-screen reading and perception process. There is no similar product on the market (patent pending)," Steven R. Smith, Marketing Manager of CadenaSmith Enterprises, told TDmonthly. 5/14/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Plan Preschool Tie-Up Shoe Preschool by PLANTOYS

This wooden shoe is designed to teach kids how to lace and tie their shoes. The loops are cloth and it comes with a lace. 5/14/2010 (Price: $9.99)

Electric Generator by THAMES & KOSMOS

Build your own electric vehicles and machines, and then power them up with a hand-crank generator. Assemble 11 models including a racecar, “flying” car, radar car, satellite car, propeller airplane, drilling car, bulldozer, space station, well-digging machine, and portable camping torch. Experiment with your electric generator and your models: Alter the crank-time and the crank-frequency and see how these variables affect the performance of your cars and machines. The 36-page color instruction book included in this kit illustrates the step-by-step assembly of each model and related principles so that children learn through playing. The 122 building pieces included in this set are compatible with those in all Thames & Kosmos Construction Series kits, Physics Series kits, Wind Power, and Hydropower kits. 5/10/2010 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wind Power 2.0 by THAMES & KOSMOS

Build wind-powered generators to energize your electric vehicles and charge your rechargeable batteries! The wind spins the turbine, which turns an electric generator, which in turn charges your rechargeable AA batteries (not included). You can then use those wind-charged batteries to power the model vehicles you build. The six models include a glider, sail car, jet car, tractor, racecar, and tricycle. This kit includes two styles of wind turbine blades and a gearbox with three different gear ratios for experimenting. You can adjust the angle and number of wind turbine blades to make best use of wind, to make the LED light up brightly, and to charge the rechargeable battery as fast as possible. Explore this amazing, free source of renewable energy and store the electricity you generate for use in practical applications. Included also is a 40-page color instruction book with illustrated step-by-step instructions for assembling two windmills and six model vehicles, and conducting various experiments. The 133 building pieces included in this set are compatible with those in all Thames & Kosmos Construction Series kits, Physics Series kits, Wind Power, and Hydropower kits. 5/10/2010 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Water+Air Power by THAMES & KOSMOS

Pneumatic-Hydraulic Engines. Build your own models powered by air and water pressure to learn about the laws of physics. This unique kit allows you to build two different air-and-water-powered systems: water-jet propelled cars and hydro-pneumo (which simply means air pressure and water pressure) powered engines. The hydro-pneumo system uses a self-contained air-and-water turbine system as a motor. Construct 15 models including a truck, excavator, radar car, tank, antique car, helicopter, motorbike, backhoe, rocket car, forklift, roadster, propeller plane, grinder, and cutting machine. The water-jet propelled cars are a fun outdoor activity, while the self-contained hydro-pneumo powered models are fun both indoors and out. The 48-page color instruction book included in this kit illustrates the step-by-step assembly of each model and related principles so that children learn through playing. The 165 building pieces included in this set are compatible with those in all Thames & Kosmos Construction Series kits, Physics Series kits, Wind Power, and Hydropower kits. 5/10/2010 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

"Panda-Cutie and YOU... in Los Angeles" for SMART KIDS ONLY! by Satisfaction Guaranteed LLC

"Panda-Cutie and YOU... in Los Angeles" for SMART KIDS ONLY! features Panda-Cutie who takes children ages 8 to 16 on a fascinating city tour of Los Angeles. This E-Book on CD-ROM comes in a sturdy cover and is ready for easy download to a PC or laptop. It serves as a unique travel guide for parents who like to make a trip to L.A. with their kids and want to have a preview of what to expect. The program also includes useful information about transportation, parking, admission fees, etc. Features 177 A-4 pages with more than 150 photos of Panda-Cutie strolling around; and even having his picture taken with celebrities such as Paula Abdul, Peter Fonda, Olivia Newton-John, Hector Elizondo, and others. 5/6/2010 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Twisterz Word Builder by TWISTERZ TOYS, LLC

Word Builder challenges children to build new words by twisting the rings in order to create different letter combinations. With the help of their caregivers, children learn how to use consonants and vowels to build words between two and six letters long. The rings are easily removed and rearranged, creating a multitude of possibilities. 5/5/2010

Twisterz Story Starter by TWISTERZ TOYS, LLC

The Story Starter is designed for shared use with young children and their caregivers. A child twists the rings in order to create one of several thousand combinations of story introductions. The caregiver can continue to tell a story from the introduction, or encourage the child to use his or her imagination and continue the story himself or herself. 5/5/2010

Twisterz Alphabet Matcher by TWISTERZ TOYS, LLC

Alphabet Matcher challenges children to choose a letter and find the five corresponding images that begin with that letter. For example, select the letter “F” and find Fish, Foot, Frog, Flower and Flag. An answer guide is included. Alphabet Matcher engages skills ranging from logic to spelling. It contains three extra sets of rings, covering 24 letters and 120 images.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010; 2011 PAL (Play Advances Language) Award. ( Watch Video) 5/5/2010

Friendlies Bug Lacing Cards by eeBoo corp.

The insect inventory in this charming set of lacing cards includes a pink butterfly, buzzing honeybee, spotted ladybug, darting dragonfly and a green grasshopper at rest. Little fingers will love lacing around each creature, making the pictures pop. Launch date: 2010. 5/4/2010 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mother & Babies Puzzle by eeBoo corp.

Wildlife illustrations grace this puzzle. Kids can learn the names of animals like hedgehog, hippopotamus, fox and others. It is illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Launch date: January 2010. 5/4/2010 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

eeBoo Friendliest Bugs Lacing Cards by eeBoo corp.

The Friendliest Bugs Lacing Cards enhance hand-eye coordination and sharpen fine motor skills. The heavy duty cards have faux silk laces. Roisin Ross of eeBoo told TDmonthly, "Laces will not unravel!" 4/30/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

eeBoo 100-piece Puzzles (USA and World Maps) by eeBoo corp.

Kids can learn geography, countries, states, capitols and industries with these giant 18" x 27" puzzles made from thick, sturdy board with a beautiful finish. Roisin Ross of eeBoo told TDmonthly, "Beautiful illustration with vibrant colors set these apart from the standard puzzle maps for kids." 4/30/2010 (Price: $14.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

At the Zoo 42-piece Puzzle by MUDPUPPY PRESS

Mudpuppy 42-piece puzzles measure 16" square when assembled. The pieces are packed in a sturdy, 5" cube box with a colorful rope handle and are CE and ASTM tested to ensure safety. The puzzle's greyboard is made of 90-percent recycled paper, and the packaging is 70-percent recycled paper and printed with non-toxic, soy-based inks. Mudpuppy Press Public Relations Assistant Shanya Lewis told TDmonthly, "With themes like robots, princesses, cars, animals and classic characters like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and the Rainbow Fish, Mudpuppy 42-piece Puzzles make great gifts!"
— Kristin Dolle, manager of Playthings Toy Shoppe in Louisville, Ky., said that puzzles from MudPuppy were a best-seller in the category. 4/30/2010 (Price: $12) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Counting Animals 3-Piece Puzzles by eeBoo corp.

Counting Animals 3-Piece Puzzles are constructed from 90-percent recycled greyboard and designed to develop basic math skills. There are 10 three-piece puzzles and each puzzle shows a group of friends for young children to count, from one to 10. Roisin Ross of eeBoo told TDmonthly this product features "beautiful artwork by Kevin Hawkes." 4/30/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Robot Explorers Board Game by eeBoo corp.

This game is part of eeBoo’s eco-friendly board games series and is designed to develop patience and number skills. Each player works his way around the solar system (game board) and collects one element from each of the planets to complete a space lab. Children can learn counting, judgment, cooperative play and taking turns, as well as strategy, planning ahead and how to win a race. Along with learning the names of the planets, their gases and the solar system, the game includes additional facts about each planet. 4/30/2010 (Price: $16.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

eeBoo Learning Puzzles by eeBoo corp.

Puzzles are a great quiet-time activity to hone fine-motor skills and spatial perception. eeBoo’s versions of this classic format are made of extra sturdy 90-percent recycled board and printed with non-toxic inks. Roisin Ross of eeBoo told TDmonthly, "eeboo's tray puzzles are made using recycled board, have a vintage look and are multicultural." 4/30/2010 (Price: $8.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Math-o-matic Bilingual Math Game by SMART PLAY LLC

Math-o-matic is a fun puzzle card game that teaches numbers and math concepts. Children can learn numbers (from 1-20) and their spelling in English and Spanish. Kids can play the self-checking math game using numbers and symbols to learn number sequencing, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. 4/30/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ingenio Bilingual Alphabet Puzzle by SMART PLAY LLC

This reversible alphabet puzzle has English letters on one side and Spanish letters on the other side. Color-coded puzzles makes it easy for the child to complete the floor puzzle and learn the English/Spanish alphabet. 4/30/2010 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ingenio North America Map Bilingual Puzzle by SMART PLAY LLC

This colorful and informative puzzle is designed to help develop an early appreciation for geography. It icludes illustrations of all 50 U.S. states, 32 Mexican states and other North American countries, allowing kids to learn country and state names in both English and Spanish. The puzzle has 48 large, easy to grasp pieces and measures over 6' square when fully assembled. Durable, extra-thick pieces store easily in the reusable box. Ilango Sankaralingam, president of Smart Play, told TDmonthly, "All Ingenio products are bilingual. In addition, this map puzzle covers the entire North American region and has colorful illustrations of all countries in this region." 4/30/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Viewfinder: Fossils by SILVER DOLPHIN BOOKS

Junior paleontologists will delight in the engaging text and cool illustrations of Viewfinder: Fossils. Featuring a unique removable magnifier, readers can take a close-up look at extraordinary photos and eye-popping digital illustrations of the fossils of the Velociraptor, Sauropod and more. Interactive elements include flaps to lift, slider panels and comparative exercises. Silver Dolphin Publicist Julie Serra told TDmonthly, "Kids will explore like never before in this fascinating fossil book!" 4/30/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Look Who's Signing Part 2 K-Z Sign Language DVD by EXPRESS YOURSELF BABY

"Look Who's Signing Part 2 K-Z" jumps right in where Part 1 left off. The DVD continues to teach children the art of signing by introducing new vocabulary and using the second half of the alphabet. Express Yourself Baby DVDs are based on communication and self-expression. Jennifer Magee, Chief Creative Officer at Express Yourself Baby! LLC, told TDmonthly, "Children get the head start they deserve in communication by learning a second language, American Sign Language. Both parents and children will communicate with one another and have fun all at the same time!" 4/30/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Look Who's Signing Part 1 A-J Sign Language DVD by EXPRESS YOURSELF BABY

"Look Who's Signing" is based on communication and self-expression, and includes 26 basic signs in American Sign Language, the alphabet, classical music and more. The basic signs on Express Yourself Baby DVDS relate to early language development, everyday objects and actions that are familiar to babies and children. This interactive DVD gives parents, caregivers and teachers a tool for not only communicating with their children but also educating them and having fun all at the same time. Jennifer Magee, Chief Creative Officer of Express Yourself Baby! LLC, told TDmonthly, "Our products are created with other families in mind. They not only teach a second language but are educational and entertaining for both children and adults!" 4/30/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Adventures of Tommy the Tomato Playing Cards by Tommy the Tomato

The Adventures of Tommy the Tomato Playing Cards is an extension of the alphabet book for children. It is a memory, "go fish" and trivia game all in one. The games are designed to teach children literacy though the alphabet as well as the benefits of nutrition while being interactive. 4/30/2010 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]