TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Preschool Product Category

ZOOB JR. Scooter by INFINITOY

ZOOB is a building set with a difference—the pieces move after kids put them together. So kids can play with their creations, instead of just looking at them. ZOOB JR. provides ZOOB’s award-winning creative play with softer pieces designed for young children. ZOOB JR. pieces are made with a special memory material that flexes and goes back to its original shape, so they bend, move, and snap together snugly. And just like ZOOB, ZOOB JR.'s open-ended versatility lets kids build anything they want to build as it sparks young imaginations. The ZOOB JR. Scooter includes 18 ZOOB JR. pieces, 4 wheels, and instructions for 17 creations, such as a scooter, a mini go-cart, a skateboarder, and a spinning robot (but kids can make up lots more). The instructions require no reading, and are printed on sturdy cards. Launch date: September 2011. 5/27/2011 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Disney Pixar Cars 2 Bubble Mater by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Mater is a good ol’ boy with a big heart and the only tow truck in Radiator Springs that blows bubbles. When kids push this toy, it blows bubbles. 5/24/2011 (Price: $32.99)

Little Tikes Spiralin' Seas Waterpark by LITTLE TIKES INC.

This water table helps children develop "put and take" and early motor skills. They can: drop balls down spiral, watching them go round and round and down into the lazy river; turn the Ferris wheel to scoop up and drops off balls; fill the cup and pour into the funnel to power twin water wheels; and turn the spinner that powers the "lazy river."
— As of 05/24/2011 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 7 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Assembly is somewhat difficult; one customer received a box with missing pieces, but the company replaced them when she called.
— In a May 2012 survey, Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barstons Child's Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly that they "just sell Little Tikes" in the furniture/play house category. 5/24/2011 (Price: $39.99)

Thomas & Friends: Thomas in Charge by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

Thomas and his friends are preparing for the Railway Inspector’s visit to Knapford Station.  But when the coal trucks crash, covering Gordon in soot, can Thomas take charge and help straighten out the mess? This 48 minute DVD includes four episodes and a bonus trivia game. 5/18/2011 (Price: $14.98)

Shaun the Sheep: Animal Antics by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

Shaun and his barnyard buddies deal with a fiendish fox, attempt some clever catering, take to the links, run a farmer’s market, stage a daring rooster rescue and more in this 44 minute DVD. Episodes include Foxy Laddie, Whistleblower, Frantic Romantic, Who's the Caddy, Everything Must Go, In the Doghouse, and Cock-a-Doodle Shaun. 5/18/2011 (Price: $14.98)

Barney: 1-2-3 Learn by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

In this DVD, Baby Bop discovers that counting can lead to hidden treasures and that there’s a carnival of shapes and colors for all to enjoy. And BJ™ uses the alphabet to help Riff™ get ready for his music concert in the park. Launch date: July 12, 2011. 5/18/2011 (Price: $14.98)

Fireman Sam: Brave New Rescues by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

Fireman Sam and his friends in Pontypandy work together to save the day when Mike’s kitchen catches fire, Dilys gets stuck out at sea and Norman cries wolf. This 55 minute long DVD features six episodes. 5/18/2011 (Price: $9.98)

Timmy Time™: Picture Day by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

With slapstick humor yet not a single line of dialogue, Timmy Time follows a day in the life of a preschooler where they learn lessons about friendship and trial and error. This 45 minute DVD features five episodes, including "Snapshot Timmy." Launch date: June 28, 2011. 5/18/2011 (Price: $14.98)

Quadrabyke- Ice Silver by BIG TOYS USA

The Quadrabyke is a children's cycle that can be used with four, three, or two wheels, thanks to its unique axle system.  As a child's cycling skills grow, parents can alter the bicycle, until they are riding a two-wheeler. A
Awards: Toy Man 5 Star Rating; Toy Man Top 50 Product of 2010; Product Design Awars- Nottingham Creative Awards. 5/18/2011 (Price: $139.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Tikes TotSports T-Ball Set by LITTLE TIKES INC.

Beginning T-ball set includes an easy-to-use oversize bat, 2 oversize baseballs and Tee. Adjustable height “T” adapts to a child’s developing skills. Special “hang-on-the-wall” design for easy small-space storage. Helps improve batting skills, motor skills and coordination.
— As of 05/12/2011 this product was #1 in the Toy Sports category on Amazon.com and had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 50 reviews. Cons: One reviewer said that though the minimum age is listed at 2 years, her two year old had trouble with it; the base isn't very heavy so on the grass it's not very steady; the height only adjusts by about an inch. 5/12/2011 (Price: $19.99)

Ricky Is Brave by Guido van Genechten by CLAVIS PUBLISHING

It is too hot to sleep indoors, and Ricky wants to sleep outside, in a tent. His parents ask if he is brave enough, and Ricky says "I'm not afraid at all!" But is he really brave enough? This hardcover book follows Ricky on his adventure sleeping outside for the first time. He busies himself with fun activities, but when his flashlight batteries die, he begins to second guess himself. This reassuring story has a silly ending that emphasizes the bond between parent and child, and encourages children to face their fears. 5/12/2011 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Thankyouplease by Pierre Winters by CLAVIS PUBLISHING

Nina has bad manners. She is rude and talks back to her mother. But one day when she is outside, she discovers the Thankyouplease circus inside a knot on a tree trunk, and everything changes. Using this whimsical story, the author clearly emphasizes the importance of good manners. This hardcover book features detailed, painted illustrations that bring to life the contrast between Nina's humble forest home and the fantastic circus she attends. 5/12/2011 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Going to the Beach with Lily and Milo by Pauline Oud by CLAVIS PUBLISHING

Lily and Milo, a bunny and mouse, get ready to go to the beach in this hardcover book, which features thick, toddler-safe pages. Kids follow the pair as they choose what to bring- from bathing suits to food, sun lotion to juice. But by the time they collect everything, will they still want to go to the beach? This book is for children 24 mos. and up, with a focus on the child's world. 5/12/2011 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Going to the Zoo with Lily and Milo by Pauline Oud by CLAVIS PUBLISHING

This hardcover book with toddler-friendly, thick pages, follows Lily and Milo on their day at the zoo. With a rhyming refrain and detailed, colorful illustrations, there is plenty to keep a toddler's interest while they learn about all the different animals at the zoo. 5/12/2011 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Big Baby Book by Guido van Genechten by CLAVIS PUBLISHING

This board book, ideal for children 24 mos. and up who have a new sibling on the way, focuses on babies across the animal world. From naked baby rodents in a warm nest, to a lamb born with all of its curly hair, the charming paintings illustrate the story John's mom tells him about babies in nature. Eventually, John ends up with a new baby to lean about- his little brother. 5/12/2011 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Daddy by Guido van Genechten by CLAVIS PUBLISHING

This story is about the relationship between a child and his father. John plays with his Daddy, dangles from his arm, and listens to Daddy read a story. The charming illustrations feature lots of bright reds and yellows that give the board book a cozy feel. The book is for children 24 mos. and up and focuses on emotions. 5/12/2011 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

PlasmaBike Red by PLASMART INC.

No batteries, gears, or pedals - just a fun, encouraging and progressive start to bicycle riding. PlasmaBike’s unique design encourages balance, coordination and motor skill development while offering a fun ride. Children as young as 18 months can enjoy the freedom or riding without the added complication of training wheels or anxiety of having to hold their balance too long, too early. Wide wheels ensure that PlasmaBike doesn't tip over in a stopped or stationary position, giving children added confidence and promoting self-esteem. The wide wheels and limited steering range enhance balancing capabilities and provide a smoother transition to a conventional 2 wheel ride.
Awards: 2012 The Toy Insider – Top Summer Toys, 2012 The National Parenting Centre – Seal of Approval, 2012 Parenting Magazine – Recommended, 2012 Creative Child Awards – Preferred Choice Award, 2011 Parenting Best in Play – New York Toy Fair, 2011 Best Toys Guide 5/11/2011 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Timmy Steals the Show by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

The Oscar-winning creators of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep show off their all-new preschool play group, with adventures showcasing Timmy and his young friends. Fun, laughter and surprises take center stage when Timmy performs groovy dance moves, genuine acts of kindness, and also learns the true meaning of saying "I'm sorry." This DVD is 40 minutes long and features five episodes.
— As of 05/12/2012 this product had 4.2 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Recommended age may be too high; not as entertaining as other cartoons from the same creators.
Awards: Parents’ Choice Gold Award 2011 5/11/2011 (Price: $14.99)

DUPLO Basic Bricks 80 pc by LEGO

LEGO DUPLO bricks are sturdy and safe for a toddler’s hands and imagination. Features 80 basic bricks in different sizes. Includes bricks in red, green, yellow, blue, orange, light green, white and black. The blocks are a great introduction to the world of construction play for toddlers, to whom smaller bricks present a choking hazard. 5/2/2011 (Price: $19.99)

Fantastically Fun Edible Finger Paint by WEE CAN TOO

This edible fingerpaint was created in 2007 with babies in mind, adhering to baby safe ingredients which are organic. The paint is also vegan, wheat-free, sugar-free, and contains no preservatives. Babies and toddlers can start expressing themselves artistically earlier, without parents having to worry about them ingesting harmful chemicals and dyes. Fantastic Finger Paints come in 5 colors. Purple/Blue with REAL blueberries, Red/Pink with REAL beets, Orange & Yellow with REAL pumpkin and green with REAL spinach. CPSIA Compliant. Made from Organic Fruit & Vegetable powders, rice cereal and rice flour. Paints come in 6 oz. convenient tottle bottles which have powder in them. Just add the water, shake and create. Makes over 12 oz. of paint per bottle (refill bottle with water and get more paint). Must be refrigerated after water is added.
Awards: A Dr. Toy Best Green Product for 2011; TDmonthly Top Toy Award, June 2011
— Why it won: This paint is extremely eco-friendly, and encourages parents to introduce their children to art and painting as soon as possible, without having to worry about their child being harmed by ingesting the chemicals in non-organic, non-plant based paints. This means kids can start learning forms of creative expression from a younger age. 4/28/2011 (Price: $35.00)

Alphabet A-Z by PLANTOYS

The set comes with 26 capital letters and 2 side bases. The font base has pictures which relate to the alphabet. On the back are directions for writing the alphabet. Children can recite the alphabet, letter-names, and identify letter-sounding relationships, by spelling with words in the vocabulary. Helps children match the alphabet with the animal picture base. Teaches children how to write the alphabet correctly by finding the letters to spell familiar words. For example, How do you spell C A T? This toy is great fun and helps develop letter recognition and fine motor skills.
Awards— A Dr. Toy Best Green Product for 2011 4/27/2011 (Price: $38.00)

Green Toys Sandwich Shop by GREEN TOYS INC.

With the Green Toys Sandwich Shop young chefs can open their own imaginary deli and take orders, create sandwiches and serve guests. This 15-piece, stackable, mix-and-match play food set comes with all the fixings to create two complete sandwiches. Each realistic part is made in the USA from food-safe, 100% recycled plastic milk containers which save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Interchangeable with other Green Toys stacking play food products. Fits on Green Toys kitchen sets. Set includes two bread slices, bun top and bottom, burger patty, fillet, two cheese slices, lettuce leaf, tomato, two sets of onions, one red pepper, one set of pickles, and Sandwich Shop order form. No BPA, PVC, phthalates, or external coatings. Meets FDA food contact standards. Dishwasher safe. Stacks to 3-1/4"H. Each piece approximately 3"W. 4/26/2011 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Shalom Sesame- Countdown to Shavuot by SISU HOME ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

It's Shavuot, a holiday that commemorates the anniversary of the day God gave the Torah to the entire Israelite nation assembled at Mount Sinai. Avigail and Brosh want to stay up all night observing the holiday, like the grown-ups. But will they be able to do it? They try their best, along with the help of a dancing cow and their friends. Shalom Sesame is a brand new series of 12 episodes from the creators of Sesame Street. Grover and his friends explore Israel, its people and places, and learn new things. Launch date: May 10, 2011. 4/18/2011 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Scrambled States of America and More Stories By Laurie Keller by SCHOLASTIC

This DVD features more than an hour of carefully animated stories by the wildly talented Keller including “The Scrambled States of America Talent Show”, “Do Unto Otters” and “Open Wide: Tooth School Inside”. The original stories featured on the DVD have won numerous awards, including the Caldecott Honor, ALA Notable, Nick Jr. Best Book, and more, and bonus extras include read along captioning, discussion questions, an interview with Keller and the music video “Tooth School Anthem”. Runtime is 66 minutes plus bonus footage. Launch date: May 24, 2011. 4/15/2011 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The North Star and More Stories About Following Your Dreams by SCHOLASTIC

It is often said that life is a journey, and it’s true. But sometimes it’s hard to know which path to follow when signs point in so many directions.  From best-selling author Peter H. Reynolds comes the inspirational tale “The North Star”, encouraging learners of all ages to navigate to their full potential and follow their dreams. Celebrity narrators such as Zooey Deschanel and Tim Curry lend their voices to the other three stirring tales featured on this all-new DVD, including as William Steig’s “Brave Irene”, “Players in Pigtails” and “Swamp Angel”, a Caldecott Honor book from Anne Isaccs and illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky.  Extras include read along captioning. Total running time 57 minutes. Launch date: May 24, 2011. 4/15/2011 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]