Koch Vision
Based on the “Popular Mechanics for Kids” series on the Discovery Kids channel, Koch Vision (ToyDirectory) released "Slither & Slime and Other Yucky Things” in July 2004. This DVD contains more than 90 minutes of exploring dirty areas filled with things that are gross, yet interesting at the same time. The hosts will lead the viewer through sewers, tunnels, the trash at the city dump, and a leech farm. Learn about recycling, how to make slime, and where things go after the toilet is flushed. According to Lucille Deane, Product Developer Director at Koch Vision, “this isn’t just passive entertainment for kids – it has a real interactive component. It’s also a lot of fun.” Another DVD to check out is the “Radical Rockets and Other Cool Cruising Machines.” Both are available in DVD ($14.98) and VHS ($12.98).
Carpet Square Records
Acclaimed as being “a rising star in the world of children’s music” and able to hit “all the right magical buttons to charm parents and children alike,” Justin Roberts released his latest CD “Way Out” from Carpet Square Records in July 2004. Roberts’ last four albums have received numerous awards, such as the Parents’ Choice Gold Award and NAPPA Gold Award. In “Way Out,” tracks like “Doctor, Doctor” and “Picture Day” are some of the fun songs that depict experiences all children have encountered at least once. The 12 upbeat tracks will appeal to children and adults, whether they like pop, country, or rock music. ($15.98).
Classical Fun Music 
Winner of the 2004 Dr. Toy’s Best Vacation Products award, “The A to Z Symphony” DVD by Classical Fun Music is a brilliant way to introduce children to the world of classical music. Classical Fun Music’s motto is “The Best Music Builds the Best Minds.” Available in early August, parents will be stimulating the minds and ears of their children with this DVD, which features 26, one-minute video clips. Children will be introduced to famous composers like Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart. Each clip begins with a letter of the alphabet, a list of vocabulary words, and the title and composer of the music piece. For ages 0 to 5. DVD ($19.95) and VHS ($14.95).
Sounds in Silence, Inc.
After five years of research in homes and daycare centers, Sounds in Silence, Inc. released The BabySleep System CD, a CD that claims to help infants “fall fast asleep and experience deeper sleep for longer periods of time.” The CD demonstrates the WombEffect, featuring a mixture of soothing “underwater” sounds of a mother’s rested heartbeat, womb sounds, a mother’s breathing, and singing. “We’re able to accurately simulate the womb-sound environment, and the end result is a profound audio experience,” states Jay Oliver, President and co-founder of Sounds in Silence. This is a miracle item for parents who spend sleepless nights trying to calm their infant to sleep. ($24.95).
Madacy Entertainment Group (ToyDirectory)
With the release of the Care Bears video “Journey to Joke-a-lot,” Madacy Kids (a division of Madacy Entertainment Group) teams up with American Greetings to produce a Care Bears musical CD, which debuted on June 29th, 2004. Parents will want to purchase the “Meet the Care Bears” CD because “the core values of the Care Bears – caring, loving and sharing your feelings – are very relevant for today’s children,” said Sandy Gardner, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Madacy Kids. Included with the CD is a lyric booklet, so children can sing along to all the songs, like “We Live in Care-a lot” and “Have I Got a Friend for You.” More CD titles will arrive in 2005. For ages 2 and up. ($5.98).
Amadeus Press
New this year from Amadeus Press is the latest book entitled, “The Blue Piano and Other Stories” by Carol Montparker. This book contains 31 delightful nonfiction stories – stories of friendship, true love, and even escaping the clutches of a surreal piano. Carol is described to have “an artist’s eye, a musician’s ear, and a gifted writer’s knack for description.” Each story is filled with humor, happiness, sorrow, and a lighthearted frankness that is Carol Montparker. Readers will laugh and cry, not wanting to put down the book until it is finished. ($24.95).
