Mason Moves Away/ Mason se muda - Bilingual vdoBug compatible DVD by Playentertainment, LLP
Press the vdoBug buttons and follow along as Mason's peaceful lodge is destroyed and he is forced to find a new place to live. Watch video of the animals in their natural habitat, color along with the coloring page, work crossword puzzles and learn vocabulary words. Listen and sing along to music written by Grammy nominated Red Grammer along with Latin Grammy nominee Marie del Rey. "This is the most interactive bilingual DVD available. With the vdoBug DVD remote you can easily move between languages as well as the other 5 activities available on the DVD," Sales and Development manager Cheri Scheufler of Playentertainment LLP told TDmonthly. Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine Product of the Year, Kids Products - Educational Equipment Catagory 8/19/2010 (Price: $14.95; Age: 3 to 9) ENTER Playentertainment, LLP TOYSHOW
Baby Goes Pro DVD Early Beginning: Learn & Move with Emkei by BABY GOES PRO
This DVD, created by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Tennis Hall of Famer Gig Fernandez, introduces children to sports at a time when brain development is at its peak. Kids learn and move with Emkei the Monkey and high level athletes while enjoying original sing-along songs. Interactive on-screen flashcards reinforce all motions and equipment associated with the five sports throughout the 25 minute video. Awards: 2010 White House Easter Egg Roll participant; 2010 Bronze Telly Award; 2010 Parent Tested Parent Approved Award 8/19/2010 (Price: $11.95; Age: 0 to 4)
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; Age: 2 to 9)
Bug's Adventure Series by CREATIVELY CANNY
Bug takes children on a lively, animated, educational journey, encouraging them to try hard to work through the games and puzzles at hand. Awards: Dr. Toy Best Green Toy Award 2010 8/4/2010 (Price: $8.95; Age: 9 to 12)
Thomas & Friends: Merry Winter Wish by HIT ENTERTAINMENT
This winter-themed DVD is the first "Thomas & Friends" CG-animated holiday special. The disc features interactive dialogue and educational storylines. 7/30/2010 (Price: $14.98; Age: All Ages)
Storybook Treasures: A Pocket For Corduroy...and More Stories About Friendship by SCHOLASTIC
This line of DVDs is designed to teach early sign language skills to preschool-age children. Featuring beautiful video productions of some of the most recognizable children’s books of all time, this series offers a unique approach to learning sign language and helping kids of all hearing abilities to gain literacy and pre-reading skills. "A Pocket For Corduroy...and More Stories About Friendship" is adapted from the beloved book by Don Freeman. 7/21/2010 (Price: $12.95; Age: 2 and Up)
Stable Days follow 8-year-old Araya as she explores what it takes to be a true equestrian. From grooming and tacking up to training and showing, Araya will take kids through the day-to-day trials and tribulations of being a rider. Awards: 2009 Dove Award 6/25/2010 (Price: $7.99; Age: 4 to 15) ENTER MARVELOUS MEDIA LLC TOYSHOW
I Can Make Art by CRYSTAL PRODUCTIONS
This 74-minute DVD, featuring six artists with diverse talents and backgrounds, aims to inspire young viewers to make art. Activities use simple materials and techniques for projects including Found Object and 3D Sculptures, Self-Portrait Relief Prints, Abstract Art and Folk Art Paintings, Murals and Stained Glass. 5/20/2010 (Price: $39.95; Age: 9 to 12)
Cartoon DVD vignettes on behavioral issues along with a coloring and puzzle book. This set mainly focuses in on valuable lessons for young children such as lending a helping hand, the importance of paying attention, sharing with friends, and being polite. 3/16/2010 (Price: $12.95) ENTER PLAYDATE KIDS PUBLISHING TOYSHOW
Foreign Language and Fun, Disc 6: I Can Count! by LITTLE PIM CO.
The DVD contains five-minute shorts starring a lovable, animated panda named Little Pim who, along with live-action kids, teaches very young kids themed vocabulary in a foreign language. Little Pim the Panda is now joined by Lola the Elephant and Bob the Bobcat in Disc 6: I Can Count! The DVD is specially designed for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, and is available in Spanish, French and Mandarin Chinese. Launch date: early 2010 2/15/2010 (Price: $17.95)
Grandpa Read's Quiet Time Tales by QUIET TIME PRODUCTIONS LLC
Quiet Time Tales is created to offer wholesome, educational children’s programming. Each of the 12 DVDs in the collection contains five complete stories read aloud by the gentle character of Grandpa Read. "Most of the shows on Nickelodeon are full of frenetic animation, frenzied dialogue, frantic sound effects, and don’t encourage a sense of calm in children. From the tone of Grandpa’s voice to the static illustrations and the mellow songs, Quiet Time Tales are soothing and relax children," Brad Juhasz, Vice President, Marketing, Quiet Time Productions, LLC, told TDmonthly. Grandpa Read's Quiet Time Tales received a Kids First! endorsement from the Coalition for Quality Children's Media. Launch date: August 2009. 2/2/2010 (Price: $14.99; Age: 2 to 8)
Robby The Blue Koala is specially designed with education in mind. The storyline follows the exact guidelines of any trained teacher's lesson plan which includes identifying educational objectives, reviewing topics as necessary, and finally, delivering a large amount of material in a hilarious animated children's film. Topics in this DVD include Shapes, Counting, Opposites, Animal Sounds, Saying Please, Nutrition, Exercise, Colors, and Body Parts. 1/8/2010
DVD - Big Ball Fun with Baby and Me by SPOTLIGHTBABY
Disc 1 provides fun baby activities on a yoga ball to enhance motor development for 0- to 6-month-olds. Disc 2 provides 19 core exercises for new moms using a yoga ball. In some of the mommy exercises, the baby is also working on tummy time and trunk stability, balance and sitting. "Moms can exercise and engage their new babies all at the same time. They can workout without ignoring their babies or leaving them at home while mom is at the gym. Both discs benefit baby development and bonding to moms," Judy Kang, president of spotlightbaby, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010. Watch DVD Preview 12/16/2009 (Price: $17.99; Age: 0 to 1)
Book Box Animal Stories by MASTER COMMUNICATIONS
Conceived by child literacy expert Dr. Brij Kothari, BookBox Series stories are designed for child entertainment while simultaneously improving reading skills. Using scientifically tested same language subtitling (SLS), children are assisted in the improvement of listening comprehension and reading and foreign language skills — while watching fascinating “Stories from Around the World” that bring cultural and educational values to children. The "Animal Stories" DVD features three stories: Based on an ancient Indian fable, "Four Friends" is about animal friends that work together to outwit a hunter and protect each other. "The Turtle’s Flute" is about a turtle that is a gifted flutist. When the turtle played her flute, everyone danced. One day, she is trapped by a greedy man. How will she escape? "Zippy the Zebra" is about a zebra that is bugged by a hide full of fleas. No amount of tail swishing or tree trunk scratching would give him any relief. Finally a pair of birds help him out by making a meal of his unwelcome guests. "This DVD helps children to read in English, Spanish, Chinese, French, German or Italian. With three ways to use the program - Read to me, Let me read and Let me listen plus you can print the PDF of the book from a computer," Selina Yoon, President, Master Communications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 6, 2009. Awards: Kids First, Dr. Toy's 100 Best Products, Dr. Toy's 10 Best Audio/Video. 12/16/2009 (Price: $24.95; Age: 3 to 8)
This colorful DVD featuring real-life nature scenes explains about summer solstice, pollination and various insects, summer safety and seasonal foods. Bonus features include sign language, a game, a quiz, a slideshow of images, and a Spanish vocabulary slideshow. A corresponding Activity Book is also available. 12/2/2009 (Price: $18.95)
Monsters vs. Aliens by DREAMWORKS SKG
Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogan and Paul Rudd star as voiceover artists for the cartoon characters in this film about what happens after a meteorite crashes on a couple's wedding day. 10/29/2009 (Price: $19.99)
Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince by WARNER HOME VIDEO
This three-disc, Blu-ray/DVD combo features stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson in this long-awaited Harry Potter film, rated PG. Launch date: December 2009. 10/28/2009
The It's Hip Hop Baby! line of exercise DVDs use hip-hop beats and fun songs to teach kids about healthy habits. The DVDs showcase children singing, dancing and helping kids learn how to stay fit. Get Healthy, Get Fit Get Healthy, Get Fit teaches kids about nutrition. It features the Hip Hop Kids, Soul Children of Chicago and is directed by Candi Carter. Launch date: 2009. 10/20/2009 (Price: $14.98; Age: All Ages)
Kristen's Fairy House by LIGHT-BEAMS PUBLISHING
Join Kristen as she vacations on a small island off the New England coast with her aunt Tracy, an artist. Tracy is creating a picture book about “fairy houses” built in the woods by visiting children. What happens when you build a house for the fairies? Will they come to visit? Find out, and share an island adventure as a special relationship develops and Kristen becomes the heroine of her own story. The DVD features gorgeous, rustic New England scenery and unique subject matter. Awards include Parents’ Choice Gold Award, American Library Association Notable Children’s Video, Parenting magazine Video Magic Award, National Parenting Publications Honors Award Winner, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award, and Parent’s Guide Award. 9/10/2009 (Price: $19.95; Age: All Ages)
Hurray for Huckle “The Best Outside Fun Ever!” by NCIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Following the books of Richard Scarry, “The Best Outside Fun Ever!” is part of a series of new DVDs. Huckle and his friends work together to solve mysteries and have fun. There will be holiday-themed movies and titles announced for release in 2010. Launch date: Summer 2009. 9/1/2009 (Price: $9.99; Age: 2 to 4)
The Strawberry Shortcake Movie: Sky's the Limit by 20th CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Strawberry Shortcake and friends have to work together to move Berry Bitty City after a storm in this animated tale. The movie's release is supported by a wave of Strawberry Shortcake toys with a mix of classic touches that made the line popular and a new style for today's girls. Launch date: Fall 2009. 9/1/2009 (Price: $19.98; Age: 3 and Up)
Barbie and the Three Musketeers by UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT
In this computer-animated tale, Barbie and her friends become the first girl Musketeers while rescuing the prince from danger. According to press materials, it's a combination of a classic story and modern girl power. The feature joins 16 Barbie Entertainment DVD releases, which have collectively sold more than 60 million units worldwide. Launch date: September 15, 2009. 9/1/2009 (Price: $19.98; Age: 3 and Up)
Dancing With the Earth by THE BANANA SLUG STRING BAND
Kids can join the Banana Slug String Band in their rollicking concert and as they travel with a group of children to their favorite habitats. Mr. Dirt talks nutrition and fun food facts on the farm, Nature Man leads the way to the ancient redwoods, and Marine Mark holds class in the tide pools. "The catchy songs fit perfectly into teachers' lesson plans for topics including nutrition, ecology, and the water cycle," Monica Woelfel, administrator for Banana Slug String Band, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2006. 8/28/2009 (Price: $15.00; Age: 3 to 11)
Billy Blue Hair: Why Are Fire Trucks Red? by BILLY BLUE HAIR
In this episode, Billy Blue Hair loses his dog Doogie while playing fetch. As Billy searches for Doogie within the live-action video, Billy discovers Fire Station 25, where he learns fun and quirky facts about fire stations, fire engines, ladders, turnout suits, hydrants and how to safely battle a fire. "Why do fire stations have a pole?", "Why are fire hydrants different colors?" and "Why are fire trucks red?" are just a few of the many questions answered during this adventure with Billy Blue Hair. "Billy Blue Hair is a child's personal guide and educator, speaking directly to the child during the episode," Kris Olson, president of Kayo Media, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009. It received a 2009 Kids First Approved approved. 8/27/2009 (Price: $14.95; Age: 3 to 8)
For ages 3-8, The Word Wits features the funny and friendly live action characters Joni, Obediah, Tuba, Mark & Puey (a zany pig puppet), who demonstrate the definitions of word through songs and skits. 8/27/2009 (Age: 3 to 8)
Baby Brains Storybook Animations by CANDLEWICK PRESS
It's never too early to start bringing up the smartest baby in the whole world. So thinks the expectant Mrs. Brains, who reads to the baby inside her tummy every night and plays music and language tapes to her baby during the day. Soon enough, Mr. and Mrs. Brains have their very own Baby Brains. He reads the paper, fixes the family car, and works as a doctor in the local hospital. Now even the space program is calling on him. Is there anything Baby Brains can't do? Candlewick Storybook Animation packages include a full-color hardcover picture book, a dual-disk DVD/CD with full animated story and two audio read-along versions of the text — one with page-turn prompts, and a full-color poster, plus a sheet of reusable stickers. Launch date: September 2008.
TDmonthly Review:
Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product. 8/19/2009 (Price: $14.99; Age: 2 to 5)
"The Tails of Abbygail" Series by THE TAILS OF ABBYGAIL
A curious little Jack Russell Terrier named Abbygail dreams of going on adventures with her new friends. This live-action story telling series consists of five episodes that teach children about manners, friendships and safety. Together, they discover a "magical key" that makes their "Dreams Come True." Launch date: August 2009. 8/19/2009 (Price: $12.99; Age: 2 to 10)
Barney: Tee-Riffic Holiday Collection by LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT
Barney is featured in this special collection of wintertime favorites on three DVDs. Launch date: October 13, 2009. 8/19/2009 (Price: $19.98; Age: 2 to 5)
Meet the Musicians - Volume 1: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by MEET THE MUSICIANS
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. 8/4/2009 (Price: $19.00)
Wild Animal Baby - 4-DVD Deluxe Box Set by TOPICS ENTERTAINMENT
Wild Animal Baby is created to have kids laughing and smiling at the antics of Izzy, Rosie, Sandy and Skip as they solve mysteries and learn about the natural world. Brought to you by the National Wildlife Federation and Sunwoo Entertainment featuring high-quality animation and live action footage, these endearing animals aim to make learning fun and keep children glued to every educational episode. "Wild Animal Baby helps preschoolers develop important skills through 3-D animated characters, footage of real-life animals, animal sounds and intriguing puzzles. This multi-sensory approach is a feast for the eyes, ears and the entire body!" Aaron Zeigler, national account manager for TOPICS Entertainment, told TDmonthly. Single titles received a 2006 iParenting Media Award. Launch date: June 9, 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $19.99; Age: 2 to 8)
The Jimmies' Trying Funny Stuff DVD (and Bonus Live Audio CD) by PLUCKYPEA INC.
This DVD includes six award-winning music videos, a 45-minute live concert, six karaoke videos, an in-depth, behind-the-scenes "Film 101" documentary, and a bonus 45-minute live audio concert CD. Launch date: September 29, 2009. Awards: 2010 Parents' Choice Gold Award; 2009 Independent Music Awards Best DVD of the Year 6/29/2009 (Price: $17.99; Age: 2 to 12)
Alphabet Exercise by ROCK 'N LEARN INC.
This DVD promotes fitness and imaginative play while teaching children about letters. Young learners may enjoy performing new and traditional exercises, developed with a certified fitness trainer. It runs approximately 37 minutes. "Children get exercise and build coordination while learning their ABCs," Cindy Burleson, communications coordinator for Rock 'N Learn, told TDmonthly. The product received a Best Vacation Product award from Dr. Toy. Launch date: 2003. 4/28/2009 (Price: $19.99; Age: 3 to 5)
Healing Stones & Gardens by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.
The DVD's images of peaceful, flowering gardens and multidimensional stones transitioning in an artistic display of creation, accompanied by tranquil nature sounds, are designed to shift the mind to right-brain thinking and free viewers from anxiety and stress. It comes with colorful 5” x 7” postcards to mail or frame. "'Healing Stones and Gardens' suspends time for an extraordinary moment and facilitates a journey to a sacred place where we can reconnect with inner divinity," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $24.95)
This DVD program features a full exercise routine coupled with mathematical concepts from lines to numbers. The exercise program is for kids of all ages, with math concepts ranging from 2nd to 5th grade. It was named 2009 DVD of the Year by Creative Child Magazine and one of Dr. Toy's 2009 Best Vacation Children's Products. 2/11/2009
Baby Signing Time sets your baby's day to music with signs and songs for everyday events - playtime, getting dressed, going places, getting ready for bed, manners and more. Baby Signing Time is a great first step into signing or add Baby Signing Time to your existing Signing Time collection for new songs and reinforcement of those beginning signs. Created specifically for babies as young as 3 months old up to 3 years. Features Emmy-nominated host Rachel Coleman, along with animated Baby Alex, Baby Leah, and Baby Hopkins. 1/29/2009 (Price: $129.99)
artsee smartsee by ARTSEE FARTSEE INC.
artsee smartsee, a mesmerizing DVD created for babies, contains a 30-minute movie of animated, high-contrast objects and shapes choreographed and finely timed to a mix of 24 popular classical recordings. artsee smartsee also includes a 12-minute vocabulary section (with six different languages to choose from) where 50 objects appear and transition from black-and-white shapes to contour line drawings, then to full color. "A huge quality jump for the customer translates to big sales for the retailer," Cat Chapman Smith, vice president and co-creator of artsee fartsee, told TDmonthly. Awards include a 2008 iParenting Media Award, an iParenting Media HOT Award, a 2008 Telly Award and a 2008 Davey Award. artsee smartsee was created by an Emmy-winning broadcast designer. Launch date: 2007. 1/9/2009 (Price: $15; Age: 0 to 3)
Italian for Kids Vol. 1 by LANGUAGE TREE LLC
From the leader in language instructional videos for children, Language Tree introduces Italian to kids in a way that engages them from start to finish. Blending 3D animation, sing-along songs and interactive games, this DVD clearly demonstrates conversational Italian used in everyday situations. Topics include meeting and greeting, counting, colors, eating and playing. "To enable children to learn faster, we employ a unique methodology,the Multi-Cognition Approach, developed by a Stanford University PhD in Cognitive Sciences. Our DVDs also makes learning fun by incorporating 3D animation, original sing-along songs and interactive, remote-control games," Ana Leung, president of Language Tree, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 6, 2007. 12/12/2008 (Price: $24.99; Age: 3 to 12)
The Legend of the Crystal Skulls by INFINITY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
This documentary follows the story of Jane MacLaren Walsh, a curator at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and her journey to discover the origins of a 31-lb. quartz crystal skull that was sent to the museum in the early '90s. In her quest, she visits ancient Mesoamerica and studies archives in the Americas and Europe, eventually discovering, along with her colleagues, the truth about crystal skulls. Launch date: October 14, 2008. 12/4/2008
