Summary of Online Toy Reviews: Earth Day Edition

Earthworm Ensemble is a 22-piece folk/country group producing music the whole family can sing along to. Their self-titled CD contains 11 songs about worms, a pizza moon, growing corn and a superhero dog and bear.
— Dadnabbit’s Jeff Giles applauded the album’s ample heart, homespun feel and eco-friendly subject matter. He concluded, “Children’s records don’t get much timelier, or more well-meaning, than this.”
— Kathleen of Katydid and Kid enjoyed the lovely vocal harmonies. The casual feel of the recording made it perfect for her to dance to with her child.
— CanCan of Mom Most Traveled called the CD “fresh.” She shared the music with her pre-K students, leading an interpretative dance to “Bang A Drum” and humming along to “That’s What The Earthworm’s For.”

The informative and fun flashcards teach kids not to take their planet for granted. Friendly animal illustrations show kids simple ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.

— AJ of Thingamababy reported mixed feelings about the flashcards. While his wife felt the cards were useful for introducing and reinforcing good environmental habits, AJ thought the cards were redundant for families that already live green.
— Teensygreen’s Stefani described the tips on the cards as “simple yet powerful” reminders. Stefani said the illustrations give the cards “a classically vintage twist that’s appealing to both kids and design-conscious adults.”

This little plush duck is made of organic velour and canvas, and has textured toes, tuggable wings and a rattle inside. The machine-washable duck is 8" and stuffed with natural corn fiber filling.

— On MothersClick, Patti gave the Dandelion Duck Plush 5 out of 5 stars. As a pregnant mom with a sensitive nose, she was pleasantly surprised by the toy’s lack of chemical odor. She also praised the duck for being machine washable, super soft, and an ideal size for baby.

Parents and children can enjoy this classic memory game together while learning new ways to be an earth-friendly inhabitant of Mother Earth. I Cherish Planet Earth is all about appreciating and preserving nature and our planet. It is a celebration of Earth's life and beauty and a call to be active in creating a sustainable future for all. It includes a 32-page, full-color story book, 48 game pieces, and a cotton storage pouch. The game is made in the USA with recycled paper and vegetable inks. Launch date: 2009.

— “I Cherish Planet Earth” earned praise from Slee of Paisley and Pretties for presenting its eco-friendly message in an affirmative way as opposed to the scar-tactics used by other environmental products. Of the messages in the book and game, not only do they help children to internalize a deeper sense of connectedness to the planet, but they also encourage meaningful thought and positive ecological action.
— Jeralee of Babes and Kids Review found the product to be even greener than advertised because it includes not only a memory game, but suggestions for several other games that can be played with the kit. Her daughters eagerly embraced these alternate games, even more so than the basic memory game. Jeralee also loved the watercolor illustrations, although their complexity and muted colors made the matching game difficult for her young daughter.

This toy rocket lights up for flight and makes realistic rocket sounds, but doesn’t require batteries. It simply needs to be wound. The product comes in biodegradable Gekopak™ packaging made completely from recycled paper.

— Caitlin from Toys on the Brain was immediately stricken by the refreshing package the Eco Rocket came in. Both environmentally friendly and attractive, the package allowed for quick removal of the rocket to move on to play. Her kids heartily approved of the rocket, with one even exclaiming, “I love the toy you got me!”
— Amanda Robinson of Natural Mommie was thrilled by the fact that the rocket’s noises were not too loud or annoying. The rocket’s large handle was perfect for her son to hold.