1998 Directors’ Choice Award Winners

Here are the 1998 Directors’ Choice award-winners! The name of each product, the manufacturer, recommended age-range, suggested retail price, and product availability information are listed. A short description of each product is also given. Please note that the prices are the manufacturers’ suggested retail price and may vary. Products are listed by category.

Activity Books

Preschool Art: It’s the Process Not the Product
Gryphon House, Inc.
Ages 3-6
$19.95
For more information, call 800-638-0928 or visit the Gryphon House, Inc. Web site at www.ghbooks.com.

Preschool Art offers over 200 process-oriented art experiences for children. Using materials commonly found in the home, child care, or preschool program, children explore, discover, and create open-ended art experiences. Creative!

Kids Celebrate Numbers
Totline® Division, Frank Schaffer Publications, Inc.
Ages 3-5
$6.95
For more information, call 800-421-5565.

In Kids Celebrate Numbers, children learn basic concepts about numbers in rhyming verse. Children will love the animated illustrations and looking for objects and written numbers within each page. Ideas for activities and songs reinforce number learning fun.

Pocketful of Stars
Firefly Books Ltd.
Ages 1-1/2-4
$12.95
Available from Baker & Taylor and other local bookstores.

Pocketful of Stars, a collection of contemporary rhymes and games, invites adults and children to play together. Each rhyme or chant is accompanied by suggested activities like rocking, patting, hugging, and tickling. From the delights of having a picnic, to the adventure of blasting off in a rocket ship, this read-aloud selection guarantees great fun!

500 Five Minute Games: Quick and Easy Activities for 3-6 Year Olds
Gryphon House, Inc.
Ages 3-6
$19.95
For more information, call 800-638-0928 or visit the Gryphon House, Inc. Web site at www.ghbooks.com.

Counting games, guessing games, alphabet games, and birthday games are all a part of 500 Five Minute Games. Quick and easy ideas, organized by theme, are designed to capture young children’s energetic enthusiasm for learning. Jam-packed with great open-ended ideas!

VROOM! VROOM! Making ’dozers, ’copters, trucks & more
Williamson Publishing Company
Ages 5-11
$12.95
Available from Barnes & Noble and other local booksellers. For more information about Williamson Publishing Company, visit their Web site at www.williamsonbooks.com.

Fasten your seatbelts! From bulldozers to double-decker buses, fire engines to helicopters, moon buggies to submarines, kids will be crafting everything that moves while expanding their knowledge of the physical world. The most mundane household materials are transformed into all kinds of vehicles as kids create their own exciting world of work, play, and adventure.

Young Minds At Play
A Thematic Curriculum
Instructional Fair TS Denison
Ages 3 and 4
$16.95
Available at all teacher/parent stores. For more information about Instructional Fair TS Denison, visit their Web site at www.instructionalfair.com.

Plan wonderful learning opportunities for three- and four-year-old children with Young Minds At Play. This resource contains 40 weeks of theme-based activities to help children learn about themselves, their families, and their world. Activities focus upon dramatic play and include songs, finger plays, hands-on science exhibits, and sand and water experiments.

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Art Supplies

Artwax® Stick-’ems™
Portage
All ages
$8.95
Available from American Academic Suppliers, 800-325-9118; Highsmith Co. Inc., 800-558-2110; Knowledge Tree, 901-324-9251; and Commercial, Inc., 513-241-6587.

Artwax® Stick-’ems™ are the best and safest way to post artwork, laminated items, and all visual aids. These two-sided, self-sticking waxed adhesive sheets hold items securely onto most surfaces without the damage caused by traditional tacks, staples, and tape. Plus, Artwax® Stick-’ems™ can be reused several times for increased use and versatility.

Fiskars® Paper Punches
Fiskars, Inc.
Ages 5 and up
$8.00
Available from Sax Arts & Crafts, Nasco, and J.L. Hammett.

Creative fun just became easier with the “new” Fiskars® Paper Punch. This tool is great for punching shapes from construction paper, card stock, self-adhesive labels, and many other paper crafting materials. It’s wonderful for decorating greeting cards, gift wrap, and ribbon. The large push button makes it perfect for “whole hand” use.

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Audio Cassettes & CDs

The Singable Songs Collection by Raffi
Rounder Records
Ages 3-8
$29.98 for CD
For more information, call 800-443-4727.

This special 20th Anniversary edition features the very best of Raffi. Raffi’s first three recordings—Singable Songs for the Very Young, More Singable Songs, and Corner Grocery Store—are included. Children will love to listen and sing along to the more than 50 musical delights!

Frank Leto’s Move Your Dancing Feet
Frank Leto/Musical Ventures
Ages 2-10
$10.00 for cassette
For more information, write to Musical Ventures, 7 Caminito Trail, Placitas, NM 87043.

Frank Leto’s multicultural songs, games, and dances invite children’s eager participation. Songs like “Alphabet Chant,” “Mosquito,” “Echo Song,” and “Reggae Kids” combine the rhythms of calypso, reggae, and rumba to make you want to “Move Your Dancing Feet.” Lots of fun!

Lullabies Around the World
Sara Jordan Publishing
Ages 4-7
$14.95 for cassette
For more information, call 800-567-7733.

Lullabies Around the World captures the sounds of 11 different lullabies sung in 11 different languages. The lullabies are sung first by a professional in his or her native tongue, and then in English. Languages include Spanish, French, German, Polish, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, Yiddish, Italian, English, and Lingala. An accompanying multicultural lyrics/activity book is included. Great for nap time.

People in Our Neighborhood
Kimbo® Educational
Ages 4-7
$14.95 for CD
For more information, call 800-631-2187.

Where can you find teachers, doctors, volunteers, actors, electricians, school custodians, and even astronauts? In our neighborhood! That’s where! People in Our Neighborhood makes learning fun for children with songs that are lively, entertaining, and informative.

Silly Willy Moves Through the ABC’s
Educational Activities, Inc.
Ages 5-9
$14.95 for CD
For more information, write to Educational Activities, Inc., Box 87, Baldwin, NY 11510.

The Silly Willy fitness series continues with unique music and movement activities. Each letter of the alphabet is introduced, then followed by original songs that will capture a child’s imagination while developing fitness and locomotor skills. Learning the alphabet, letter sounds, words, and movement combine for an active learning experience!

Teaching Hippopotami to Fly
CanToo Records
Ages 2-10
$15.00 for CD
For more information, call 800-830-1919.

Imaginative and adventurous, fun and sentimental, Teaching Hippopotami to Fly is as fun for kids as the title suggests. Covering a wide range of styles from blues to country to swing, this album is sure to captivate and delight all children.

A World of Parachute Play
Kimbo Educational
Ages 4-7
$14.95 for CD
For more information, call 800-631-2187.

The opening song, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” begins this exciting journey around the world with a parachute. A World of Parachute Play will provide a learning experience rich in world awareness while helping children develop rhythm, gross motor skills, eye/hand coordination, listening skills, and more.

Learn to Read Sing-Along Cassette & Book Pack
Creative Teaching Press, Inc.
Ages 4-7
$36.00
For more information, call 800-287-8879 (Reference item number 6102).

This fun, interactive musical sing-along features 12 songs which match the text in each Learn to Read book. Children will love singing and learning to “The Seed Song,” “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” and “What’s the Weather Like Today?” Songs incorporate a variety of musical styles, special sound effects, and dramatic play.

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Building Toys

Lil’ Builder
MEGA BLOKS®
Ages 2-5
$19.99
Available from Toys R' Us, K-Mart, and Wal-Mart.

Construction fun begins with Lil’ Builder. This 150-piece block set includes a functional dump truck that can pick up and unload blocks and a construction helmet designed specifically for the preschooler. Road signs and figurines complete the set. A great value!

Megaville Build n’ Play Animal Park
MEGA BLOKS®
Ages 1-1/2-5
$29.99
Available from Toys R' Us and Price Costco.

Megaville Build n’ Play Animal Park comes with an assortment of animals and brightly colored blocks. The soft, chunky animals include a lion, a giraffe, an elephant, a penguin, a polar bear, a parrot, and a monkey. With the play sheet provided, kids are invited to build shelters for the animals and create a path through the park. Each set also includes roofs, doors, windows, flags, road signs, boy and girl figurines, and two animal keepers.

Creative Disks® “Fun Pack”
Go Images®, Inc.
Ages 3-5
$15.00
For more information, call 800-837-5437.

Creative Disks® “Fun Pack” provides hours of entertainment while helping children develop important skills such as eye/hand coordination, color identification, and fine motor movement. Each set features 56 interlocking building disks which are large enough for small hands to handle, yet too large for little ones to put in their mouth. “Magic snaps” hold the creation together and still allow for easy disassembly.

Curvilinear Blocks
T.C.Timber
Ages 4 and up
$54.95
For more information, call 800-359-1233.

“Really different.” “Geometrically challenging.” “Fantastic colors.” Our judges raved about this totally new concept in blocks! The set includes five types of unique curved blocks that will encourage kids to create spaceships, robots, sailboats, and more!

Gears! Gears! Gears!® Super Set
Learning Resources
Ages 4 and up
$39.95
For more information, call 800-222-3909.

Gears! Gears! Gears!® Super Set features 150 plastic meshing gears, connectors, and interlocking bases that offer hundreds of 3-D construction possibilities. Even young children will intuitively use problem-solving skills to create moving masterpieces of spinning, colorful action! The set is packed in a handy storage tub for quick clean-up, and comes with an activity guide.

Giant Duplo Dinosaur Set
LEGO Dacta
Ages 3 and up
$110.00
For more information, call 800-527-8339.

Children love dinosaurs! These friendly creatures feature rounded edges and bright colors. Each set contains 12 dinosaurs, six Duplo cave people, two suspension bridges, trees, flowers, campfires, canoe, and three baseplates. A great way to have prehistoric fun!

Magna-Tiles™
Valtech Company
Ages 3 and up
$48.50
For more information, call 888-465-8307.

Stimulate young minds with Magna-Tiles™! These colorful and inviting geometric shapes contain magnets that attract on all sides to create 2-D and 3-D objects. Each set contains 32 pieces. Endless possibilities for fun!

Middle Eastern Style Building Blocks
T.C.Timber
Ages 4 and up
$64.95
For more information, call 800-359-1233.

For ages, travelers have been attracted to the unusual elements and architectural styles from the historic Middle East. This 60-piece block set by T.C.Timber allows children to experience the majesty and wonder of these ancient Middle Eastern styles. Blocks may be combined with other standard unit blocks for expanded creativity. Innovative!

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Children’s Books

Children from Australia to Zimbabwe: A Photographic Journey Around the World
Charlesbridge Publishing
All ages
$18.95
For more information, call 617-926-0329.

With an abundance of information about cultures, languages, and the environment, this fascinating journey around the world will inspire both young and old alike. Readers will find out what children do with their families in Mexico, how they dress for festivals in Japan, and what they ride to school in India. Come explore the world and its children.

FELTKids® Interactive Storybook
(Little Red Riding Hood)
Learning Curve
Ages 3-8
$24.99
For more information, call 800-704-8697.

FELTKids® Interactive Storybook retells the timeless fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood on colorful felt pages. As the story is read aloud, children become part of the story as they move the felt characters and props from page to page. A wonderful way to combine storytime and playtime!

Grandma/Grandpa
Firefly Books Ltd.
Ages 6 months-5 years
$4.95 each
Available from Baker & Taylor and other local bookstores.

The special relationship between young children and their grandparents is uniquely presented in these two books. Each book features simple text and engaging photographs that portray young people and grandparents of all cultures involved in a variety of activities.

World’s Family Series (Four Titles)
Silver Burdett Press
Ages 2-6
$13.95 each
For more information, call 800-321-3106.

Young children’s cultural awareness is heightened by learning about families all over the world. In the World’s Family Series, imaginative text and photos illustrate the similarities and differences of the many kinds of people and animals living in the world. Colorful photographs! Wonderful text!

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Computer Hardware

kidBoard™
kidBoard, inc.
Ages 3-8
$99.00
For more information, call 800-926-3066 or visit the kidBoard, inc. Web site at www.kidboard.com.

kidBoard™ is the computer keyboard made with kids in mind. It’s fun to play with, easy to use, and compatible with your own personal computer. kidBoard™ offers all the functionality of a standard keyboard, plus special icons on the key caps and integrated software to teach children letter recognition and keyboard layout.

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Computer Software

A Color Clown Comes to Town
DiAMAR Interactive
Ages 2-6
$29.95
For more information, call 800-800-1111 or visit the DiAMAR Interactive Web site at www.diamar.com.

A Color Clown Comes to Town is a creative program for learning about color and color concepts. This imaginative program features engaging activities on color identification, color mixing and matching, and a creative painting area where children can save and print their artwork. Delightful!

Dragon in a Wagon
DiAMAR Interactive
Ages 4-8
$29.95
For more information, call 800-800-1111 or visit the DiAMAR Interactive Web site at www.diamar.com.

Explore the wacky world of transportation with Dragon in a Wagon. Children take off on fun, yet educational activities with the helpful guidance of a delightful dragon and his friend, Megan. In each of the four activity areas, children learn about transportation as they move along with creative projects, mind-bending puzzles, and quiz shows.

Mighty Math Carnival Countdown
Edmark Corporation
Ages 5-8
$35.00
For more information, call 800-691-2985.

Carnival Countdown encourages kids to grasp number concepts and build important early math skills in an amusement park alive with graphics, sound, and friendly characters. All five activities provide children with positive math learning experiences in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and logic.

Mighty Math Zoo Zillions
Edmark Corporation
Ages 5-8
$35.00
For more information, call 800-691-2985.

Zoo Zillions offers five fun-filled activities to engage children in hour after hour of math discovery and learning. Throughout the program, children are supported and encouraged so that they experience success. As the basics are mastered, unique Grow Slides advance automatically, offering more challenging problems. A real variety of activities!

Scholastic’s The Magic School Bus Explores the Rainforest
Microsoft Corporation
Ages 5-10
$44.95
For more information, call 800-426-9400.

The games, activities, and experiments in Scholastic’s The Magic School Bus™ Explores the Rainforest offer kids a compelling way to discover the fascinating ecosystems of a tropical rain forest. In this adventure, kids are in control as they drive the bus through the many layers of the rain forest.

Microsoft® Greetings Workshop
Microsoft® Corporation
All ages
$29.95
For more information, call 800-426-9400.

Whether you are creating parent newsletters, celebrating student birthdays, or planning an open house, you can now conveniently create personalized cards, banners, invitations, calendars, and more—all on your computer! Special teacher’s activity guide enhances learning possibilities with software introduction, class project ideas, and student activities.

Stanley’s Sticker Stories
Edmark Corporation
Ages 4-7
$25.00
For more information, call 800-691-2985.

Stanley’s Sticker Stories is packed with more than 300 friendly characters, background scenes, colorful graphics, animation, and story ideas to create a fun-filled learning environment where kids can explore and create their own multimedia stories. Kid-tested tools, large buttons, and spoken help make creating animated stories easy and fun for both readers and nonreaders.

Tonka® Construction
Hasbro Interactive
Ages 4-8
$19.99
Available from all major toy and game stores, computer stores, and specialty stores.

Children master a fleet of heavy-duty trucks and take control of realistic construction projects when they enter the Tonka® Construction zone. With the help of on-screen supervisors, kids can dig in the quarry, build roads in the mountains and desert, and design a park in the city.

Ultimate Writing & Creativity Center
The Learning Company, Inc.
Ages 6-10
$34.95
For more information, call 227-5609 or visit The Learning Company, Inc. Web site at www.learningco.com.

Three powerful programs in one! Ultimate Writing & Creativity Center features a full-featured word processor, a painting and creativity program, and a multimedia presentation theater. With this all-in-one program, children have the tools, inspiration, and confidence they need to write and to develop a love of writing.

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Curriculum Products

Chef Combo’s™ Fantastic Adventures in Tasting and Nutrition
National Dairy Council®
Ages 4 and 5
Price varies per local Dairy Council
For more information, contact the National Dairy Council at 800-426-8271.

“Hop on the Magic Carpet. Chef Combo is your guide. It’s time to take another Fantastic Tasting Ride.” Chef Combo’s™ Fantastic Adventures is a curriculum organized around nine popular preschool themes that helps children develop healthful eating habits. Includes Chef Combo puppet, 42-lesson teacher’s guide, and music audiocassette.

Juggle-Jar
Chime Time
Ages 3-9
$82.00
For more information, call 800-283-5700.

Children as young as three can find immediate success tossing and catching a single scarf, and from there they can progress step by step to tricks with one scarf and on to two and three with the help of the instructional JuggleTime video. The kit also includes 36 scarves, Joy of Juggling book, audio cassette, poster, and teaching guide.

Rainbow™ CD-ROM Program
Curriculum Associates®, Inc.
Ages 6-10
$39.95
For more information, call 800-225-0248 or visit the Curriculum Associates, Inc. Web site at www.curriculumassociates.com.

Each book in the Rainbow series—A World of Hats, The House I Live In, and Walk in My Shoes— takes students on a trip around the world. Students learn how geography and the environment affect the way people dress and live around the world as they practice reading and writing skills in a multimedia environment. A unique product!

We Can Get Along: A Child’s Book of Choices
Free Spirit Publishing, Inc.
Ages 3-8
$9.95 for children’s book
$14.95 for leader’s guide
For more information, call 800-735-7323.

We Can Get Along: A Child’s Book of Choices uses simple, yet empowering words and captivating, full-color illustrations to show children the many choices they can make when conflict arises. The accompanying Leader’s Guide reinforces the messages found in the child’s book.

Take-Apart Doll
Lakeshore Learning Materials
Ages 3-7
$34.50
For more information, 800-421-5354.

Take-Apart Doll provides a fun and friendly way to teach young students about anatomy and about how to take care of their bodies. All of the organs attach with Velcro and are color-coded, so that it is easy for young children to use. Exceptional idea!

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Furniture

Childcraft Language Experience Center
Childcraft Education Corp.
Ages 4-10
$499.00
For more information, 800-631-5652.

“Wonderful.” “Attractive.” “Great!” These praises were offered by our judges as they evaluated this unique space-saving study center. The Childcraft Language Experience Center enhances learning with its customized reading, listening, and writing areas. Two comfy cubby seats provide opportunities for children to chat and read. Top and bottom storage areas are great for supplies.

Heavy-Duty Evacuation Crib
Childcraft Education Corp.
Ages 0-2
$599.00
For more information, call 800-631-5652.

Designed specifically for child care settings, the Heavy-Duty Evacuation Crib is built for years of hard wear. Each crib meets safety standards and features a steel reinforced frame, heavy-duty locking casters, and protective teething rails. A sound investment!

Kin-der-link® Plastic Stool
Skools, Inc.
Ages 4-10
$30.00
Available from Lakeshore Learning, 800-421-5354, Beckley, 800-446-1477; and Childcraft Education, 800-631-5662.

Kin-der-link® multi-purpose stools work magic wherever young kids meet. Each stool can double as a lap desk and connects in three ways to make rows, zig-zags, snakes, and a nine-foot circle of 20 units. Available in bright primary colors. Ideal!

Versa® Junior Chairs & Junior Tables
KI
Ages 5-14
$128.00-153.00
For more information, call 800-454-9796.

Versa Junior Chairs and Tables accommodate children of all ages, from preschooler to young adult, with three chair and table heights. The attractive and comfortable chairs can be upholstered in fabrics or vinyl. Surface laminate covers the solid core table, which is available in round, square, or rectangular shapes. All tables feature safe, smooth edges.

LCN Safety-Guard
LCN Division, Ingersoll-Rand
Architectural Hardware
Adult use
$36.00
For more information, call 800-446-1477.

Protect little fingers from being pinched in a closing door with LCN Safety-Guard. This lightweight and easy-to-install product covers the opening between the interior door and hinge edge frame where most hand injuries occur. When installed, Safety-Guard allows for 100° door opening and meets fire door safety guidelines. A great product!

The Pond
Carpets for Kids etc..., Inc.™
Ages 4-9
$269.95
Available from school supply distributors nationwide.

The bright primary colors and ecological design of The Pond carpet will capture the attention and fantasies of your young students. Manufactured with the finest commercial grade of DuPont Nylon® and finished with bound, double-stitched edges, this product will endure years of hard wear. Beautiful!

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Games

Fast Track Learning Math Card Games
Learning Resources®
Ages 6 and up
$9.95
For more information, call 800-222-3909.

Try this fast-paced card game alternative to flashcards! Players solve equations, match solutions, and practice number facts. The richly illustrated cards add a self-checking aspect. Titles include Addition in the Amazon™, Subtraction Super Safari™, Multiplication Monsters of the Deep™, and Division Down Under™. Great for classroom activity centers.

Guess How Much I Love You™ Game
Briarpatch
Ages 3-6
$19.95
Available from specialty toy stores and select mail order catalogs.

Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare animate this matching and pantomime game based on Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram’s bestselling children’s book. Beginners take turns drawing cards and imitating the motions depicted. Next they match the picture cards to the illustrations on their game boards. Variations of play challenge and entertain older children, too.

Match Me® Games
TREND enterprises, Inc.
Ages 3-6
$14.95
For more information, call 800-328-5540.

Practice matching, challenge memory, and improve word/picture recognition with Match Me® Games. Five titles are available for complete learning fun—alphabet, numbers, colors and shapes, positions, and dinosaurs.

Match Me® Cards
TREND enterprises, Inc.
Ages 4 and up
$4.99
For more information, call 800-328-5540.

These fun flash cards feature six easy-to-learn activities for mastering the essential skills of memory, matching, and word/picture recognition. Four titles are available—money, alphabet, time, and numbers. Each set has 52 photo cards in a sturdy storage box. A great value!

Who’s at Home?
Aristoplay, Ltd.
Ages 8 and up
$25.00
For more information, call 888-478-4263 or visit the Aristoplay, Ltd. Web site at www.aristoplay.com.

What special tools and traits help animals survive? Why do animals look the way they do? Who’s at Home? presents the amazing wonders of the animal kingdom, including the ways in which animals adapt to their diverse habitats. Two levels of questions allow children of varying ages to join in the fun!

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Infant Products

BabyBjorn® Soft Bibs
Regal Lager, Inc.
Ages 3-6 months (Small)
6-30 months (Large)
$6.00 & 7.00
For more information, call 800-593-5522.

No more cloth bibs! Just rinse and use this soft, plastic bib again and again. This unique bib is soft and perfectly formed to fit the child’s shoulders and arms and is ideal when baby starts eating solids. No matter how active baby is, the food will stay in the catch-all pocket.

BabyBjorn® Baby Carrier
Regal Lager, Inc.
Ages 1-10 months
$80.00
For more information, call 800-593-5522.

Sometimes it’s hard for caregivers to stay close to baby and do other things at the same time. That’s why the BabyBjorn Baby Carrier was created. The carrier frees your hands while baby stays close and gets important contact. A unique features allows you to unsnap the front and lay baby down without waking.

Sassy Toys for Baby Mini Polka-Dot Rattle
Sassy, Inc.
Ages birth and up
$5.49
For more information, call 616-243-0767.

“Very colorful,” “Lots to grab,” “Variety of textures,” exclaimed our judges as they evaluated Sassy Toys for Baby Mini Polka-Dot Rattle. Designed for use beginning at birth, this rattle has a thin center bar that fits baby’s tiny hand for grasp reflex. Baby is alerted to sight and sound by brightly colored round balls on each end and movable rings that slide back and forth on the center bar.

Sassy Toys for Baby Shapes Puzzle with Happy Sounds
Sassy, Inc.
Ages 12 months and up
$9.99
For more information, call 616-243-0767.

Sassy Toys for Baby Shapes Puzzle with Happy Sounds encourages development of thinking and learning in babies 12 months and up. The puzzle features three pieces: a circle, a square, and a triangle. When baby fits a puzzle piece into the right space, one of three cheerful sounds rewards the accomplishment.

Sassy Toys for Baby Pogo Rattle
Sassy, Inc.
Ages 3 months and up
$7.99
For more information, call 616-243-0767.

This flexible, colorful toy features movable parts and a variety of textures to delight babies three months and older. Baby can mouth, pull, and push the multi-textured oval rings and shake the rattle. Very attractive!

Sassy Toys for Baby Smiley Face Rattle
Sassy, Inc.
Ages 3 months and up
$6.99
For more information, call 616-243-0767.

One side of this large, colorful rattle features a bright funny face with eyes and other beads that move and a nose that beeps. The other side features a mirror for baby’s reflection. Flexible ears are slender enough for gripping in baby’s small hand and multi-textured for teething and mouthing.

Sassy Toys for Baby Circus Rings
Sassy, Inc.
Ages 6 months and up
$8.99
For more information, call 616-243-0767.

Unlike other stacking ring toys, there is no wrong way to stack the rings of Sassy Toys for Baby Circus Rings. It has four colorful, multi-textured rings that fit into a sturdy plastic base in any order the baby tries. The baby is always successful! One ring features a clear outside with colorful beads floating inside. Other rings have interesting textures baby will love to mouth and teethe on. A wonderful product!

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Musical Instruments

Hap Palmer Six-Piece Rhythm Set
Rhythm Band Instruments
Ages 4 and up
$24.95
For more information, call 800-424-4724.

Make music more fun with the Hap Palmer Rhythm Set. Each set includes maracas, jingle stick, tambourine, triangle, guiro tone block, and rhythm sticks. Children are sure to enjoy these large, easy-to-hold and -use instruments.

Kidsplay® Rhythm Kit
Rhythm Band Instruments
Ages 4 and up
$21.95
For more information, call 800-424-4724.

Strike up the band with Kidsplay® Rhythm Kit. Children can explore and create new sounds with this six-piece kit which features a tambourine, tone block, finger cymbals, rhythm sticks, wrist bells, and triangle. A good value!

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Play Equipment

Dinosaur Playground Structure
Little Tikes Commercial Play Systems®
Ages 2-7
$290.00
For more information, call 800-325-8828.

Designed to meet all playground safety guidelines, the Dinosaur Playground Structure is perfect for childcare or school play. Children will love pretending to ride through prehistoric forests on this colorful and friendly dinosaur. Safety anchors prevent accidental tipping. Excellent play value at an affordable price. Available in four colors.

Let’s® Hopscotch
Casteel Products Co.
Ages 4-12
$69.00
Available from Sportime, Inc., 770-449-5700; Flaghouse, 201-288-7600; and Childcraft Education Corp., 717-391-4011.

You’ll never hear, “We don’t have anything to do,” when its raining or snowing or when the children have to be kept indoors with Let’s® Hopscotch. Now children can play this always popular, yet traditional game on a durable, non-slip carpet. Carpet can be rolled up and stored in a handy container when not in use.

Radio Flyer All-Terrain Wagon-Model #32
Radio Flyer, Inc.
Ages 1-1/2 and up
$100.00
Available from Toys R' Us, K-Mart, and True Value Hardware.

All-Terrain Wagon has a full-sized, all-steel seamless body; selected American wood stake sides; and steel wheels. A new longer handle makes pulling and steering easier while the no-scratch edges prevent injury. Great for afternoon adventures!

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Puzzles

African Adventure Circle Puzzle
Totline® Division, Frank Schaffer Publications, Inc.
Ages 3-5
$16.95
For more information, call 800-421-5565.

Children will love piecing together this double-sided circle puzzle from inside the hole large enough for them to sit and work. Each puzzle includes 10 action pieces to encourage hands-on participation and extended educational play. A four-page booklet with additional activities and songs completes the puzzle fun.

Rain Forest Frogs
Frank Schaffer Publications, Inc.
Ages 3-7
$14.95
Available from specialty stores, museum stores, and school retail stores.

Bright, colorful frogs practically jump right out at you with this 50-piece giant shaped floor puzzle. The 13 frogs are identified and shown actual size on the identification key for extended educational activities. Unique!

Construction Site Floor Puzzle
Frank Schaffer Publications, Inc.
Ages 3-7
$14.95
Available from specialty stores, museum stores, and school retail stores.

Over five feet of trucks, loaders, girders, and people hard at work are found at this busy site. Lots of action, plus six vehicle pop-out pieces add to the fun. Additional activities are included. A great product!

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Religious Education Products

Many Miles to Bethlehem: Stories of Advent and Christmas
Living the Good News, Inc.
Ages 4-8
$28.95
For more information, call 800-824-1813.

Many Miles to Bethlehem focuses upon the Gospel of Luke to tell three stories about Jesus’ birth: the annunciation to Mary, the nativity, and the shepherds’ visit to the infant Jesus. Resources included in the accompanying storytelling kit include an advent calendar, Mary’s work poster, baby care photographs, a gather at the manger game, and a Can You Find? poster.

Hosanna and Alleluia: Stories of Holy Week & Easter
Living the Good News, Inc.
Ages 4-8
$28.95
For more information, call 800-824-1813.

Filled with warm, sensitive illustrations and simple text, this book includes retellings of stories from the Gospels of Mark and John that compassionately explain Jesus’ last days on earth. The Storyteller Series also provides supplemental activity packets to help early childhood educators plan experiential sessions that invite children to enter into the stories in Hosanna and Alleluia.

The Vineyard and the Wedding: Four Stories of God’s Kingdom
Living the Good News, Inc.
Ages 4-8
$28.95
For more information, call 800-824-1813.

This book creatively draws on the Gospel of Matthew to tell four related parables about God’s Kingdom: First, Middle, Last; The Two Sons; Come to the Feast; and Ten Girls. The stories are presented with a contemporary flair and inclusiveness marked by a cast of characters who represent diverse ages, cultures, and races.

The Star of Bethlehem
Toy Box Productions
Ages 4-10
$16.95 for CD
For more information, call 800-750-1511.

Billy the Goat, Cali the Cow, Dizzy Dove, and Dano the Donkey narrate the story of Mary and Joseph’s travel to Bethlehem with vivid sound effects and memorable music. Storybook included. Perfect for quiet time.

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Staff Tools & Training Materials

The Parents’ & Teachers’ Guide to Helping Young Children Learn
Preschool Publications, Inc.
Directors/administrators/parents
$24.95
For more information, 800-726-1708.

This comprehensive book covers language development, literature, reading, writing, arithmetic, music, art, and science. Chapters include theoretical discussions along with activities and practical ideas for exploring the topic. Each section ends with a complete listing of resources. Very helpful!

KIDEX for ONES™
Child Development Services, Inc.
Teachers/directors
$75.00
For more information, call 800-947-9181.

KIDEX for ONES™ is a reproducible manual with written and audio-taped instructions to help teachers organize and develop a daily schedule for one-year-olds. Sample monthly development checklists, inventory and individual profile sheets, and daily sheets diagramming a toddler’s day are included. Also included are songs and other support documents that will help maintain outstanding care.

Time for Assessment
Teaching & Learning Company
Ages 4-8
$13.95
For more information, call 800-852-1234 or visit the Teaching & Learning Company Web site at www.ierc.com/tlc.

Now that your early learning centers are up and running, how do you evaluate the work that’s taking place? This book will answer your assessment questions and provide tips, techniques, guidelines, and models for getting the very most out of your learning centers.

1, 2, 3, 4 Parents!
Active Parenting Publishers, Inc.
Parents of one- to four-year-olds
$199.00
For more information, call 800-825-0060.

1, 2 , 3, 4 Parents! is a video-based, multicultural program for parents who face the special challenges of parenting children in the one- to four-year-old age group. Developed in conjunction with Scottish Rite Children’s Medical Center, the program teaches parents non-violent discipline skills, encouragement skills, and methods of bonding with children.

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Toys

Toddler Wobbler
BRIO® Corporation
Ages 18 months and up
$70.00
For more information, call 888-274-6869.

Provide a toddler with the needed stability and self-confidence while learning to walk with BRIO’s® Toddler Wobbler. Once a child is steady on his feet, the two-position handle converts the walker into a wagon for collecting blocks and other cargo. The bright red wagon has a working brake and rubber tires for added safety.

BRIO® Wooden Railway Advanced
Land & Sea Set
BRIO® Corporation
Ages 3 and up
$100.00
For more information, call 888-274-6869.

All aboard the Advanced Land & Sea Set! The nine different types and lengths of track as well as an innovative T-switch will challenge any experienced engineer. The blue engine with yellow tipping car, bright red arch bridge, and red and yellow sailboats complete the set.

Power of Science® Investigator™
Slide Viewer
Learning Resources®
Ages 5 and up
$14.95
For more information, call 800-527-8339.

Designed to satisfy children’s early interest in microscopes and the marvelous miniature worlds they reveal, the Investigator™ Slide Viewer allows young scientists to view specially prepared slide strips from Learning Resources (which are actual images photographed through a microscope), 35mm slides, or conventional prepared slides without using an additional light source.

Thomas Wooden Railway System Story Set: Percy Takes the Plunge™
Learning Curve
Ages 3 and up
$79.99
For more information, call 800-704-8697.

Put the imaginations and motor skills of all your little engineers to work on this durable wooden railroad. Children will love to recreate the story included in the set and make up new stories for added fun. The set comes complete with all the “Shining Time Stationª” characters, Clickity-Clack Trackª, and railway accessories.

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Video Program

Animated Hero Classics®
Nest Entertainment, Inc.
Ages 3-12
$29.95
For more information, 800-428-2353.

Each of the action-packed videos in this series provides young viewers with an exhilarating glimpse at the exploits of some of history’s greatest men and women. Patriotism, honesty, perseverance, determination, and hope are spotlighted in the lives of real-life heroes such as Abraham Lincoln, Helen Keller, Harriet Tubman, and Alexander Graham Bell. Each video is accompanied by a 48-page resource/activity book.

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Other

EasyEar®
PG Tucker & Company
Adult use
$89.95
For more information, call 800-532-7932.

EasyEar® is a patented, FDA-certified earscope that lets caregivers and parents observe the condition of a child’s ears. EasyEar® comes with a fully illustrated instruction manual that guides the user step-by-step through the process of examining a child’s ear health. There’s never been a smarter or easier way to take care of children’s ears.

BabyBjorn® Apron Bib/Eat & Play Smock/Hobby Smock
Regal Lager, Inc.
Ages 6 months-7 years
$24.00-30.00
For more information, 800-593-5522.

This nice, wonderfully soft apron bib ties in back, feels like clothing, and is impossible to tear. No matter what a child gets into, clothes stay clean in front and back. Soft elastic cuffs protect sleeves. Machine washable. Available in three sizes.

BabyBjorn® Safe Step
Regal Lager, Inc.
Ages 1 year-adult
$16.00
For more information, 800-593-5522.

With help from this step stool, children can reach the toilet and sink. The unique rubber mat on top prevents sliding, as do the generous rubber pads that are squarely fastened on the bottom. This strong, sturdy step stool can also be used by adults.

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The Judging Process

Each and every product submitted was reviewed upon its own merit by six judges and six judging criteria. The judging criteria included:

Meet the Judges

This year’s Directors’ Choice judges were selected because of their excellent teaching, management, and research experience. Combined, they have over 100 years of experience working with young children.

Samuel Harris, Ed.D.
Dr. Harris is an associate professor and coordinator of the early childhood program at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

Rita Hoppert, Ed.D.
Dr. Hoppert is the program director for the EvenStart Family Literacy Program in Cincinnati, Ohio, and author of 365 Arts and Crafts Projects for Kids and Rings, Things and Climbing Things.

Sally Kilmer, Ph.D.
Dr. Kilmer, a professor of human development and family studies at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, co-authored a chapter in Reaching Potentials: Transforming Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment recently and served as treasurer of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Leslie Rogers
Ms. Rogers is a director with KinderCare Learning Centers, Inc., and serves as the area representative for 26 KinderCare Learning Centers in the Region Newsletter.

Ruth Wilson, Ph.D.
Dr. Wilson, an associate professor of early childhood at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, is author of Fostering a Sense of Wonder During the Early Childhood Years and editor of Environmental Education at the Early Childhood Level.

Sandra Crosser, Ph.D.
Dr. Crosser teaches developmental psychology at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio, and operates a private preschool. She also serves on the advisory board for Early Childhood News magazine.