Holiday Preview - CDs & DVDs

European Playground features 15 songs and colorful liner notes in four languages, and takes families on a cross-genre musical tour around the continent.  If you’ve ever wondered what the kids across the pond are listening to, here’s your chance. Launch date: May 19, 2009.

Written by Rudyard Kipling and read unabridged by Jim Weiss. With vivid characters and an hysterically funny choice of words, Rudyard Kipling’s beloved stories “explain” how camels got humps, great whales got tiny throats, elephants got trunks and more. These time-tested classics cause us to look at accepted qualities in new and creative ways, and even better, make us laugh out loud. With his menagerie of voices and warm, witty narrative presence, Jim Weiss brings Kipling’s own words to life. The result is a wondrously charming recording that is certain to become an all-time favorite for listeners of all ages.

Featuring a performance by Tony-nominated actress Sharon McKnight, this accompaniment CD allows children to sing along with the music of the Disney Broadway musical. In addition to well-known songs from the animated movie, new songs were added by composer Alan Menken. Two versions of each song are provided; the student can learn the song by singing along with guide-vocals, then practice on their own by singing with the accompaniment tracks. It was named a Top Ten Cast Album of 2008 by TalkinBroadway.com. "All songs are fully-orchestrated and recorded in the original show key — ideal for Broadway fans. [It] works well as a learning tool when paired with the sheet music," Malinda, marketing director at Stage Stars Records, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

This DVD is designed to offer cool music, colorful animation, amusing characters and lots of humor to help students learn about fractions and decimals. It covers congruent parts, equivalent fractions, proper and improper fractions, mixed numerals, decimals and more, explaining and illustrating examples to help ensure that even difficult concepts are easy to grasp. Delayed answers give learners time to test their skills. It runs approximately 35 minutes.  "Kids enjoy the comical characters Frances Fraction, Dennis Denominator, and Newman Numerator as they explore how fractions and decimals are used in real-world applications," Cindy Burleson, communications coordinator for Rock 'N Learn, told TDmonthly. This DVD received the Parents' Choice Recommended award in 2003 and was one of Dr. Toy's 10 Best Video Products. Launch date: 2003.

On this DVD series, professional Las Vegas magicians Will Roya & Joan DuKore  teach some of the most amazing magic tricks that kids will be able to perform for family and friends with little or no practice.  From the basics of magic to some of their all time favorite tricks, kids will be able to watch, learn and perform along with 20 other kids! Lessons include: Rules of Magic, Linking Paper Clips, String Surprise, Jumping Rubber Band, Up the Nose, Coin Thru Hanky, Vanish #1 (Confederate Method), Vanish #2 (Rubber Band Method), Vanish #3 (Pant Pocket Method), Vanish #4 (Shirt Pocket Method), Disappearing Wrapper, Straw Challenge, Static Straw, Sticky Straw.  Bonus Trick:  Penetrating Coin.  Extras:  Interview with Will & More! Running time: 84 minutes. DVD is not Regionally Coded.
 — “A fun and easy way for kids to learn magic, along with other kids!  A top notch product, highly recommended,”  said Dan Rodriguez, Society of American Magicians Past President and Co-Founder of the Society of Young Magicians.
— “The Magic Tricks R 4 Kids DVD series is an excellent resource for enterprising magicians planning their own lessons or classes for kids.  I urge you to buy it and get ready to take your magic classes to the next level!” raved Al Jensen, International Brotherhood of Magicians Las Vegas Ring President

Every parent deserves R.E.S.T (Relaxation, Entertainment & Sensory Stimulation for your Tot), and they can soothe and relax baby with delightful animations, adorable puppet scenes and calming visuals. This must-have for anyone trying to quiet a fussy child was created by parenting expert and author of "Baby Prodigy: A Guide to Raising a Smarter, Happier Baby." Baby Prodigy products have won more than 19 national awards. "It is the only product on the market that provides REST to both mom and baby while simultaneously entertaining and stimulating their tot," Barbara Candiano-Marcus, president of Baby Prodigy Company, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 5, 2009.

This is the beginner set for Spanish speakers wanting to learn English. Learn new languages by singing with Sing2Learn. Songs are 100% original and the program takes a step by step approach to break down sentences into words and phrases. Learn in the car, on the PC, or on the go.

This program introduces students to professionals who have chosen to work in the visual arts and related fields. The thirteen careers described and visually illustrated include Architect, Art Educator, Fashion Designer, Framer, Gallery Owner, Graphic Designer, Industrial Designer, Interior Designer, Metal Sculptor, Painter, Photographer, Publication Designer and Urban Planner. "Each career is introduced in a concise manner," President Amy Woodworth of Crystal Productions told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 16, 2009.

Designed to help children connect children to nature and teach them about environmental concerns, this album features the Missoula Coyote Choir, made up of children ages 7 to 12 who are building eco-awareness. The project also promotes the process of biomimicry — learning from nature itself in order to develop solutions for a more sustainable world. The CD includes 18 tracks.  “A bunch of great songs for kids, their grownups and other animals.” —Bill Harley, Grammy® Award Winner.
Awards: 2009 Creative Child Preferred Choice Award, 2009 Parents' Choice Award, 2009 iParenting Media Best Choice Award.

This four-DVD set in the Scholastic Storybook Treasures collection features nearly five hours of colorfully animated, action-packed stories-on-video based on classic children's picture books. The series has won numerous awards. Many of the stories on both sets also feature an enhanced Read-Along function, making it easy for early readers to follow along. "The series features carefully crafted adaptations of classic children's story books that stay true to the original text and illustration," Beth Blenz-Clucas of Sugar Mountain PR/Foundry Communications told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 18, 2009.

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.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010

The Breadheads, Personalized Learning Cartoon is a personalized learning cartoon where a child's name will be heard 50 times throughout the educational DVD cartoon. Designed to have children sitting and dancing in front of the TV, learning and hearing their own name

The AdoraPet Puppies DVD shows 5 puppies, Watson, Bela, Dart, Oliver and Raleigh, playing and romping, set to beautiful music. Suitable for all ages, the DVD is 40 minutes long and will delight children and parents. Minimum retail price of $12.99.

This is the intermediate set for English speakers wanting to learn Spanish. Learn new languages by singing with Sing2Learn. Songs are 100% original and the program takes a step by step approach to break down sentences into words and phrases. Learn in the car, on the PC, or on the go.

Spanish Volumes I & II is designed to offer an easy way to learn greetings, counting, colors, survival phrases, subject pronouns, travel phrases and more. It was created with energetic performers that entertain and motivate while delayed answers make it convenient for students to check their progress. The DVD runs approximately 55 minutes. It has received a Parents’ Choice Recommended Award and a Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media Award. Launch date: 1993.

These uproarious American folk stories will have you laughing out loud and pondering. You'll meet Paul Bunyan, taller than the trees and mightier than the rivers; Johnny Appleseed, whose gentle generosity make him a beloved legend; and Pecos Bill, whose outrageous Texas-sized exploits make him the greatest of all cowboys. There's even one of Jim's own tales, a tongue-twisting, hilarious tale of the Old West. The entire family will listen to this recording over and over again.

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.

Put on your western hats and boots for this toe-tappin’, knee-slappin’, sing-a-along collection of dancin' songs, perfect for any shindig.  A delightful mix of original and traditional songs that overflow with country charm, whimsical humor and hootenanny, merry-time fun!  Kick up your country heels with lively dances including, "Scootin’ Dance Boogie", "Knees Up Mother Brown" and "Cadence Square Dance".  Rejoice in unforgettable, heartwarming renditions of "You Are My Sunshine" and "Happy Trails to You".  Explore our beautiful nation with a song that rhymes all 50 states, patriotic favorites and cherished classics like, "Froggy Went a Courtin’", "My Aunt Came Back" and "I Love My Rooster". This is a country assortment of 18 tunes that is certain to become a treasured favorite.  The CD comes with a 24-page booklet with lyrics and dance movements.

This album is Abby's third rockin' release and winner of an iParenting Media Award. Featuring a wide array of genres and instrumentation, including pop, rock, funk, country, rockabilly and calypso, it offers 45 minutes of fun, danceable tunes that will have the whole family on their feet. Interactive songs spotlighting four-part harmonies engage kids and get them moving. As a bonus, the CD is made from eco-friendly packaging with recycled cardboard, veggie inks and recycled water bottles. The CD features "educational and encouraging themes written into catchy tunes that are great fun for kids and parents alike," Michele Senitzer, owner and creator of Pipsqueak Productions, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 11, 2009.

This book and CD collection features rich and diverse musical entertainment for young children and grown-ups. Led through "A World of Happiness" by engaging characters such as “Knowa’ the Cat” and “Lady Leo-Lani,” the ladybug, children will discover inspiring stories and toe-tapping, thoughtful songs. lyrics and sheet music are included, and each age-appropriate chapter focuses on a positive, universal character trait and contains a  “Happiness Activity." For teachers, there are accompanying music lesson plans designed and developed by Music Educators National Conference (MENC). "Each of the wonderful performers on the recording truly believes that the world can be a better place and that it all begins with the children," Marina Terteryan, marketing coordinator for Alfred Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008.

This CD by RONNO will encourage children to grow as individuals, learners and responsible citizens. The song lyrics focus on timely and important topics, such as bullying, respect, responsibility, compassion, conflict resolution, self-esteem and more. Positive songs support solid character building, and the music is lively and fun. An extensive guide is included. Launch date: March 2009.

This album features fun children's music that encourages creative movement and embraces, enriches, and extends early learning through songs that are age- and developmentally appropriate, as well as relevant to themes in a child's world. As a former prekindergarten teacher, Brian has long been an advocate of the philosophy known as emergent curriculum — a system of creating lesson plans that are based on student’s passions and interests. It was through this process, including arrangement tips and lyrical ideas from children, that each song was crafted. The CD won the 2008 Children's Music Web Award for Best New Artist for Preschoolers Ages 0-5. Launch date: June 2008.

Alphabet Rockers is a cool educational music CD for pre-K to early elementary school children. It incorporates original hip-hop beats, DJ-style scratching, reggae grooves, contemporary urban sounds and rock guitar. Singer Kaitlin McGaw and former "4 Non Blondes" drummer Dawn Richardson collaborated on the high-energy beats and contagious lyrics that will keep parents and their kids dancing and moving while they learn. "Alphabet Rockers" is a 2008 Parents' Choice and 2008 National Parenting Publications award winner. "The hip, urban sounds appeal to both adults and children," Barbara Zamost, owner of Zamost Public Relations, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2007.

Blending watermelon with imagination, learning, and fun, each Wumbler DVD and CD centers itself upon lessons critical to nourish the "whole and balanced" child. The Wumbler Patch's goal is to help parents raise children that understand the many responsibilities they have to "human kind and the world" in a way that leaves a positive impression on them and remains a lifelong goal.

This 2007 Parents' Choice Approved Award winner offers a creative variety of music for children of all ages. The family-friendly audio CD features songs that promote tolerance and caring for the earth and its creatures, while spotlighting fun kids' favorites and soothing lullabies. "Love Makes a Family" is an original song about adoption. And "What Should I Dream About?" gives listeners a chance to identify the word painting provided. "Parents love this CD as much as children do!" Denise Mitkus, a member of the Peanut Butter Jellyfish band, told TDmonthly. "It's entertaining for the whole family and [is] a refreshing change from silly songs." Launch date: December 1, 2007.

It's a surprise birthday for Cozmo with visits from Leonardo da Vinci, Mozart, Cleopatra, Mr. I and Benjamin Franklin. Our story begins on the Planet Dzzt, where Cozmo's friend Nena is telling him all about birthday parties. Cozmo has never had a birthday because his planet takes a very long time to orbit its sun. Determined to help Cozmo find some birthday cheer, Nena, her uncle El Mundo the Great Wizard, and Cozmo's mother Azatara use math to discover that Cozmo will soon be 7 earth years old. Together they decide to follow Cozmo's love of math and create an Addition Celebration!

Kid Hip CD was written and arranged with the help of Qualified, Certified and Credentialed teaching professionals, most of whom teach at the Kindergarten and Preschool levels.  The words and music are designed to stimulate the child's learning through Repetition, Encouragement, Praise and Fun. Each song is personalized with the name of the child the CD is given to, and the name is used over 50 times throughout the CD. Awards: 2009 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award; 2009 Family Choice Award; 2009 Mom's Best Award; 2010 The Toy Man Seal of Approval Recognition Award; 2010 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Product Award