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RATINGS EXPLAINED: - perfect score = 5 1. Price is within reason for the product (1 pt) 2. The product does what it claims (1 pt) 3. Suited for recommended age (1 pt) 4. Quality manufacturing (1 pt) 5. Instructions are clear and easy to follow (1 pt) 5 = PERFECT | 4 = GOOD | 3 = OKAY | 2, 1, 0 = rejected |
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Balloon Time Helium Kit (30 Ct) |
Company: | Worthington Cylinders Corporation |
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Balloons MAKE a celebration! What is a birthday party without a helium balloon? What is a hospital room, without a helium balloon to bring cheer and good luck! Balloon Time brings you helium kits for every occasion! We have reviewed the 30 balloon kit and it is GREAT! It has everything you need, including easy instructions, to make your celebration terrific, by filling up those balloons and letting them fly! They guesstimate that their balloons will float for 5-7 hours. We found this to be a very conservative estimate and ours floated for over 10 hours. The 30 balloons in this kit are fun colors, a good quality - only one broke when going through the process of filling, tying, etc. and that was most likely our fault - not the balloon. If you are tired of running to the store to grab a balloon every time you need one, grab one of these well priced kits and have it handy when you need and want it! Your kids and friends will love you for it. WHO WILL LIKE IT? Every child will love having Balloon Time, as they will be able to enjoy helium balloons again and again. However, the purposes we recommend this kit for are Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Showers, Weddings, you name it! While this kit only holds enough helium for 30 balloons, they offer larger kits should you need more! SIDE NOTE: The Balloon Time® 30 balloon kit contains: FOOTNOTES: Instructions are provided in English on the outside of the carton. They are provided in Spanish and French on the balloon bag contained within the kit. You can also view the English instructions online. Balloon Time tanks are fully recyclable. Balloon Time tanks cannot be refilled. Do not allow any person to inhale helium. Inhalation of helium can cause asphyxiation or suffocation, which may lead to serious injury or death. <<<- (2006) RETURN TO TOP | 2006 Silver Award | Press Release |
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Diggity the Dog [Puppetshow Book] |
Company: | Lisa LeLeu |
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The clever ideas just don't stop ... What a GREAT idea Home grown entertainment had, when they developed these lovely Puppet Show Book Sets! In this set you get a puppet show book, with the theatre included! You get the main character of the story (in this case it was Diggity Dog!). You then get the story book itself, and then you get a story starter book, where you can write your very own story, slip it inside the theatre and you have a new theatre show to perform for your audience! This enables children to write a new story anytime they wish, and perform another puppet show! Kids LOVE this! They also offer add-on kits of 5 or 10 extra story starter books, so the children can continue writing new stories / shows again and again.
These books have cutouts, where the character puppet's head can pop through to perform the puppet show ... These are hand puppets that are soft and cuddly friends as well as puppets, and their faces are so adorable. A fun new friend for your child, and a delight for them to be able to perform their own little puppet show before family and friends, or to delight themselves with, at storytime. FOOTNOTES: The quality of these sets is terrific! They are not only well made, but so darling! The stories shared are entertaining and fun, and the characters are so lovable. These make excellent Christmas or Birthday gifts and will work perfectly for children ages 2/3 up to ages 6/8 ... (range differs, depending on the child and their level). Be sure to check out their site for all of the sets they offer. These are a lot of fun and I am sure your children will enjoy them as much as mine have. This is a TERRIFIC idea if your child has show and tell for their playdates or classroom. All of their peers will enjoy this one and they will be a hit!  |
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Every Day Is A Birthday | Company: | Bumblin' Bee Records |
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This CD was a true delight to listen to; it had all of us laughing!
If you want to find a cd that you will enjoy along with your children,
this is a great choice. The cd offers many styles blended for a nice set of tracks;
from cajun flare to foot stomping, country ambience.
Brady Rymer has a hysterical way of putting everyday life to music, with songs like "Keep Up With You". This song speaks about how hard it is to keep up with children on the constant go, and does so in a manner that when you can relate, you will crack up! Rock 'N' Roll Mother Goose was another one of our very favorites. This is a fun filled cd, with songs which will spark a child's imagination, and keep parents rolling on the floor. The cd offers two tracks that are unique. One of these is like playing "Name That Tune". It offers snippets of the songs, and you guess which song it is (this is not as easy as you may think!) The other unique track offers Karaoke versions of three of the songs from the cd.  |
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Get Fit with Sqedunk DVD |
Company: | Sqedunk Productions |
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Lori Reeves has been working with preschool children for the past 25 years
and endeavors to reach them at their level. Using her education, skills and
background, she has an enriching way of motivating children and helping them
to become all they can be.
In this great new exercise video, Miss Anna and Sqedunk (the star of the show) lead a group of children in exercises that are fitting to their age and that help create a love for fitness as well as a healthy lifestyle. By incorporating this into the lives of young children, we enable them to approach life from a healthy viewpoint and help them to fight the rising epidemic of weight issues we are seeing in our country. Children learn quickly and easily at this prime age level. If they are equipped with this type of motivation to help set them on a course to a healthy lifestyle, they will learn to live in this manner as they grow up. The exercises portrayed in the DVD are easy and fun to do. Having Miss Anna, Sqedunk and a group of children exercising live on the video, helps to encourage the children watching to join in with them. A lot of stretching and it leads then into more rigorous exercise that is fun and gets them on their feet and moving. Children love to join in and get a thrill out of being able to workout with Miss Anna. The video also includes a storybook about bathtime fun. This is a short story, fully illustrated abnd a pleasure to watch / listen to. Sqedunks mom encourages him to take a bath and motivates him to do so by supplying him with a basket full of surprises to play with while he bathes. When he gets out he is amazed at how clean he is, when he just played! After that, he wants to take a bath every day and it quickly becomes his favorite time of day. A great video, at a great price point. I encourage all parents to incorporate this one into their children's routine and into their home video library.  |
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Adventures in Storytelling Keys to Imagination DVD |
Company: | Storywatchers Club |
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We found this video (Storywatchers Club - Keys To Imagination) to be
like being a part of the storyteller's audience. Each storyteller who
shares on this video has their own unique way of sharing their story,
yet each one is a lot of fun to watch.
The kids loved the origami storyteller the best. As she shares her story, she is creating a story "prop" if you will, with origami - folding and folding, until the mystery is solved. What I, as a parent, liked about this dvd is it shows children many different ways people express themselves, and share their stories. This helps to build and expand their imaginations, and will help them as they begin to form their own story ideas, either in writing or in sharing them as those in the video have done, as a storyteller. Instead of sitting a child in front of an animated story, try Storywatchers Club! This allows a child to build / create the story in their mind, rather than to visualize someone elses version of a story. This uses a child's imagination in the way reading a story does, but they don't have to know how to read to enjoy it. FOOTNOTES: A great video to watch as a family, so you can then bounce ideas back and forth once it has ended, to see who liked what parts the best, and see if the kids have their own ideas to expand on what they have watched. Creative - imaginative stories - All a lot of fun and each with a different flavor, as each storyteller offers his or her own way of sharing their story. Filmed in front of a live audience - There are many titles to experience and enjoy at their website - be sure to check them all out and see which ones you wish to add to your video library!  |
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Ki Toy |
Company: | Aware Toys, Inc. |
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This product by Aware Toys, Inc. is an
earth friendly toy, created to bring awareness to children, about the world
in which they live, Mother Nature and all of earth's inhabitants.
Velcro holds the attached trees, dolphins and sun to the base unit which is the planet earth. Children can easily remove these pieces, to play make believe and learn from. Available on their website are child friendly lessons to use in conjunction with this set. The Ki song is also available on the site, in MP3 format. An e_book is soon to follow, at the time of this review posting. FOOTNOTES: This is a great set to give to any child, to help them be more conscious of the world around them, and their role in preserving it for all of the creatures that inhabit it with us. It would also be great in a preschool - gr 1 setting, for a teacher to use in teaching these truths to her classroom. By having a toy they can relate to, children will better accept a message of hope for their world. They will also have something tangible to relate to, in the lessons where they learn about our world and mother nature. This will help the truths be more true and dear to them. Made in China, constructed in USA. Soft and cuddly - well made and this toy is washable in cold water. <<<- (2006) RETURN TO TOP |
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Rescue Pets |
Company: | MGA Entertainment |
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How much is that doggy in the window? The one with the wagging tail ...
Rescue Pets leave your heart aching if you won't pick them up and love them,
when they cry for your love and attention.
Rescue Pets by MGA Entertainment, want to be adopted and loved. Do you have it in your heart to love one? I know your child will! These little guys are too adorable for words! They wag their tails, and cry when you walk by. Rescue Pets come complete with adoption papers and can be registered online, at the Rescue Pets website, making their adoption official in a make believe sort of way. Soft, cuddly, and adorable faces that are so sweet and loving, you will fall in love the moment you lay eyes on him. He has those big huge puppy dog eyes we all hear about ... When his eyes detect a change in light, such as casting a shadow on him by walking by, or by turning out the light, etc. he will cry for attention. When you want him to go to sleep, simply turn him to off mode. MGA Entertainment offers a full line of Rescue Pets, and they are all adorable. My personal opinion is this little guy is the sweetest of the line, but I am sure other pet lovers will disagree, if they have a differing personal favorite puppy. FOOTNOTES: Bet you can't love just one! Once you have one, you will want them all - trust me. They are so precious and lovable, they are addicting! Great for any child over 3. Soft enough to cuddle with, but made to be played with. He will enjoy watching tv with your child, sitting by them to be read to, or lying in bed with them at bedtime - he is not fussy on what he is doing, he only wants your child's love. My only item on my wishlist for this product, is a feature for it turning itself off. I found that it remains on and can scare the turkeys out of you, when you walk byunknowingly and it begins whining at you.  |
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Paws & Tales The Animated Series Seeing the Unseen DVD | Company: | Providential Pictures |
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When Paw Paw Chuck takes the kids on a hike and overnight camping trip, they
have no idea what they are about to encounter. What starts out as a trip to
enjoy nature and the beauty thereof, takes a sudden twist, as the storm hits
out of nowhere.
When the storm hits, Paw Paw Chuck gathers the children around him and prays. Shortly thereafter, they encounter another bear who takes them to his cave for shelter and safety - God has provided refuge for them, and heard their prayer. Paw Paw Chuck uses the wind of the storm, love, and other examples, as a simple lesson in faith, and believing in the unseen. Eventhough you cannot see the wind, you can see the effects of it. Eventhough you cannot see love, you know your parents love you. These are examples of faith. This lesson helps their new friend, Wally Wicket, come to an understanding of a God that you cannot see. Staci, CJ, Ned and Gooz, are quite a handful ... but Paw Paw Chuck is always patient and understanding. He uses every moment, to teach the children and God, His love, and the beautiful things in nature He has created. BACKGROUND: From Insight for Living, the Bible-teaching ministry of best-selling author and pastor Chuck Swindoll, and Providential Pictures comes "Seeing the Unseen," the first animated adventure from Paws & Tales. This 3-D animation is full of fun, laughter, and learning for the whole family! WHAT IS IT? Paws & Tales is a 3-d animated series, filled with life lessons and lessons in the Word that are geared to help children understand them, using terms and settings they will understand and embrace. WHAT IS IT USED FOR? This video is great entertainment, as well as being a useful tool in teaching children about faith, in a manner they will appreciate and understand. WHO WILL LIKE IT? All ages will truly enjoy this film. I enjoyed watching it. It is geared for the 4-8 age group, but both younger and older will definitely enjoy watching it as well. SIDE NOTE: FOOTNOTE: The animation in this video is exceptional. Very well done, and a high quality experience. Thumbs up to Providential Pictures, and their fine work on this new series. I cannot wait to see the future editions in the series. I know they will be enjoyed as well.  |
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Sheira & Loli's DittyDoodle Works DVD #1 | Company: | Rogar Studios |
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Twin sisters, Sheira & Loli, share the lessons they learn with their
viewing audience, in this 2 episode DVD which lasts about 1 hour.
Children may choose from games, an introduction of the characters,
or one of 2 episodes of the DittyDoodle Works show.
While 100% entertaining and fun, this video shares much in the way of communication and honesty. With the help of their many friends on the show, the ragdoll sisters work through their problems and lessons, and learn by them, becoming better people and better friends. The first episode is Feelings and Communication. In this episode the sisters learn that communicating their feelings to one another is very important and a vital part of family life and friendships. In this episode the stage is set for painting their shared bedroom. The second episode is Sheira's Penpal. In this episode Sheira learns the importance of true honesty and being yourself. In this episode the stage is set for videotaping the friends at DittyDoodle Works, so she may share this with her penpal. FOOTNOTES: We greatly enjoyed this video as a family. It will be one that the children will watch again and again, as they all thought it was a lot of fun. After watching each episode, we shared together on the things we had learned. We (the parents) guided the conversation to carry on with the topics of friendship, communication, honesty and how important they are in each of our lives. The children seemed to stay tuned to this time of sharing, and gave their thoughts on the topics, bringing in tidbits from what we had watched and then transposing those situations over to their own lives, so I know the message was understood. This series is fun, with a lot of humor thrown in for good measure. Kids and adults will enjoy watching it together, and it allows children to have another video they can watch when they want, without parents having to worry about what they may view. - Sing along songs are included on the DVD, as well as some interactive games. My children really enjoyed the game where we helped Professor Eeky Eeky Kronk fix his lab. Here the professor tells you what is wrong and what is needed. You then help him find what he needs, using the DVD remote. Check out their site for the details on this video and others. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: With new costumes and puppets fabricated by experts from Jim Henson's Creature Shop, the series uses original music to deliver character-building messages to preschoolers. Series music is composed by award-winning songwriters Sheira and Leora "Loli" Brayer and seven-time Emmy Award winning writer Mark Saltzman. The music is produced and arranged by Joseph Baker. <<<- (2006) RETURN TO TOP |
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Teach Me...Spanish & More Spanish | Company: | Teach Me Tapes |
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Children learn thru music and stories very well. This set will capitalize on this,
and give them a fun way to learn spanish as a second language.
By using familiar songs and stories they already love, they will hear these
in spanish, and be able to learn them, and can easily translate them
by using the bilingual book included. The book doubles as a coloring book and includes all
the words to all of the songs.
Using this set children will learn both songs and stories in spanish. They will also learn the basics such as numbers, alphabet, days of the week, and familiar everyday phrases. It covers all of the basics in a very fun and inviting format that children will enjoy using everyday. A fun poster is included, as well as 2 books and 2 cds. If you are wishing for your child 2-12 to learn a second language, this is a great set to start with! This will develop a love of learning a second language that a normal textbook cannot create. They offer many sets, in many languages at Teach Me Tapes. Be sure to check their site for the information on all they offer. These are priceless sets your child and you will treasure.  |
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Tell Me About Today Calendar | Company: | Quiltown |
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What a great way to teach children the date, the weather, the season ...
This calendar is made of cloth and is beautifully detailed.
Simply choose the appropriate velcro piece, to attach to the proper place and
your calendar displays not only what day, date, month and year it is, but also gives a visual for the weather outside and the season.
You have seen these in kindergarten classes, but now your children can experience it at home too! Great for in the family kitchen or to hang in a child's bedroom. Each day they will enjoy changing the pieces, to display the correct array for the day. This is a well made calendar that is delightful to look at and will last through 2010. The calendar is large and easy to read. Perfect for home or classrooms. Highly recommended for preschoolers through kindergarten age. <<<- (2006) RETURN TO TOP |
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Woe Is Me Bear [lg & sm] | Company: | Aurora Gifts |
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From Woe - to WOW! These bears are GREAT!
With so many teddy bears around to love, you may begin to think that once you have seen one, you have seen them all. Woe is me Bear is out to set the record straight however, that not all bears are alike. Aurora Gifts have outdone themselves, with this high quality, darling bear, that is sure to bring a smile to the recipient. Hand made in Indonesia, the Woe is me Bear has such fine detail, and is so adorable, he is sure to please even the fussiest bear lover / collector. He comes in white or brown, and is offered in many sizes. He is made of all new polyester material and is filled with plastic pellets. His feet have soft, velvety pads, his nose is a shimmery hard plastic, and his eyes are black marble texture. His fur is so silky soft, it is unbelievable. It is so fun to cuddle with Woe is me Bear, that he will quickly become a childhood favorite, I am sure. These are high quality and ones you will be pleased with. The Woe is me Bear has such a woe is me expression - he will leave you wanting to love him, hold him, hug him to make him happy. He is adorable! WHO WILL LIKE IT? It is my opinion and belief that every age will adore the Woe is me Bear. He is a lovable creature, made to please his audience and family, no matter who they may be or how old they may be. FOOTNOTES: While you do not want to throw Woe is me Bear in the washing machine, his surface is fully washable. Woe is me Bear comes in small, medium and large sizes. Choose your size and adopt your Woe is me Bear to adore today! You will be sure to love him, I know. <<<- (2006) RETURN TO TOP |
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RATINGS EXPLAINED: - perfect score = 5 1. Price is within reason for the product (1 pt) 2. The product does what it claims (1 pt) 3. Suited for recommended age (1 pt) 4. Quality manufacturing (1 pt) 5. Instructions are clear and easy to follow (1 pt) 5 = PERFECT | 4 = GOOD | 3 = OKAY | 2, 1, 0 = rejected |
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