This past weekend, the Zhu Zhu Wild Bunch descended upon our neighborhood!

Rocco (the raccoon), Sweetie (the rabbit), ZuZu (the hedgehog) and Stinker (the skunk) made their presence known in a big way. We just had to have a party so they could go crazy and run loose!

I was one of the lucky bloggers chosen by MomSelect to host a Zhu Zhu Pet “Wild Bunch” party — and what a party it was! Eleven Wild Bunch Zhu Zhu Pets arrived at our doorstep, ready to play. Activity ideas, recipes, and a bucket of sidewalk chalk also traveled with them.

This past Saturday, our kids and several of their friends attended the Wild Bunch party we planned. There were races, there was graffiti painting, and yummy “hamster snacks” to munch on.

Zhu Zhu Wild Bunch Party from Megret on Vimeo.

Thanks to Zhu Zhu Pets/Zhuniverse and MomSelect for letting us host such a fun party!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received these items from Zhu Zhu Pets and MomSelect for the purpose of hosting a party, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A couple of weeks ago I told you that Learning Curve introduced a line of toys sprung out of the popular PBS show for kids, Dinosaur Train.

Learning Curve sent over a couple of dinosaurs for us to try out — and the kids have been playing with them nonstop!

Tiny and Ned were the kids’ picks. They’re semi-posable, of sturdy weight and size, and super fun to play with. Their interactive talk technology amazes even me — I was mesmerized the first time I heard the two dinos “talk to each other!”

Put together, the Dinosaur Train InterAction Figures collaborate to say over 40 different sounds and phrases!

Dinosaur Train toys interacting from Megret on Vimeo.

You can purchase Learning Curve’s Dinosaur Train toys, including these InterAction Figures, via Learning Curve’s online store, at most Toys ‘R’ Us stores, or at these other locations near you! Collect them all for the most supreme interactive toy fun!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received these items from Learning Curve at no cost per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

There are two educational (and fun!) games we love from Learning Resources.

POP for Sight Words Game

The concept is simple, but the playtime is huge! POP for Sight Words is buckets of fun. A “popcorn box” holds 92 “popcorn kernels,” each with a sight word on the back. Eight “POP” kernels are hidden in the mix — so watch out! Kids can keep each sight word kernel that they spell correctly.

At $9.95, this is a must-have for backseat entertainment, classroom phonics centers, and playrooms everywhere.

Linkology™ Human Body Card Game

One of the kids’ favorite things to learn about is the human body. They’re right! It IS truly fascinating! But keeping up with all of the parts and systems can be a lot for little minds….and that’s why the Linkology™ Human Body Card Game is such a fantastic interactive resource!

Kids can make “links” between body parts, body systems, and diagrams — make matches to win! Everything from bones to muscles to organs are in the mix. Photographs/diagrams enhance a visual learner’s ability to learn, remember, and make connections.

This game can be played individually (just for drill), with friends in a classroom, or as a whole family. 100 self-checking cards are included in the convenient slide-out storage box. The Linkology™ Human Body Card Game also retails for $9.99.

You can order these two games and all other products from Learning Resources’ online store….or check out their store locator to find other locations for purchase.

Win it! Thanks to the folks at Learning Resources, I can give away one of each of these games!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another item from Learning Resources that caught your eye.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Sunday, September 5th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

#37, Staci A, the winner of the POP for Sight Words Game…and
#23, Jaclyn, the winner of the Linkology Human Body Card Game!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received these items for free per my review, but I did not receive any other monetary or product compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Another winning game from Educational Insights: Color Scheme!

Color Scheme is a strategy game intended for kids ages 6-8. (Though my kids are younger and enjoy it — and I can see older kids getting into it, too.)

Think “Tic-Tac-Toe meets the rainbow.” Transparent, colored, double-sided squares drop down into the swiveling color tower. When they overlay, the colors “blend” and change. Players try to layer the right primary colors to gain three secondary colors in a row. Use “blocking” strategies, just like in Tic-Tac-Toe, to keep your opponent from winning.

We love that this game encourages strategic thinking skills, cause-and-effect, friendly competition, as well as drills in scientific/artistic color mixing practice!

And it’s SO pretty to look at! Don’t you agree?

You can order Educational Insight’s Color Scheme for $29.99 directly from the online store….or find a location near you selling Educational Insights products by using the store locator feature on the EI website.

Win it!
Courtesy of Educational Insights, one of you will win Color Scheme….where “creating secondary colors is your primary strategy!”

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another product from Educational Insights you’d love to have for your kids or your classroom!

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Monday, August 16th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!


CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to the winner, #14, Cindy!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Maybe you have heard about PBS Kids’ new series for 3-6 year old kids, a show combining the entertaining and educational qualities of both dinosaurs and trains….aptly called Dinosaur Train?

Or maybe your kids are already head over heels for this show (created by the Jim Henson Company) and its lovable characters.

Either way, keep reading!

After much anticipation, Dinosaur Train toys have finally arrived on the market! Learning Curve, an award-winning toy company, is excited to announce the release of a line of toys from this popular television series.

“The new Dinosaur Train product line brings dinosaur play to life like never before. With many of the items available for under $20, the innovative preschool product line includes interactive dinosaur action figures, collectible dinosaurs, plush, train sets, and electronic learning aids.”

With their “Smart Talk Technology,” it’s difficult to explain the new Dinosaur Train InterAction Figures without showing them to you….and that’s why Learning Curve has put together three excellent and entertaining videos for you to enjoy:

(If you’d rather watch these videos on Learning Curve’s site, click here.)

Be on the lookout this fall for the Dinosaur Train InterAction Figures line to hit store shelves.

(I know a few little folks who will probably be getting one of these fun toys for Christmas!)

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received neither product nor monetary compensation for this review/announcement. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thomas the Tank & Friends (by Learning Curve) welcomes some more cast members to their ensemble! Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway Early Engineers line is especially designed for ages 18 months and up.

With the Early Engineers line, The track layouts are already done — the sets are easy to snap together and combine — and the actual train characters are easier to grasp by little hands!

(Watch this video demo to get a better idea.)

We received the Early Engineers Roundabout Station for review. It, along with all of the Early Engineers track sets and trains, fit seamlessly into our existing Thomas the Tank railway track. The included Thomas car is easier to hold onto and more substantial for younger-aged play. The crossing gate, spinning “cargo” and railway tunnel are all removable and easily maneuverable by little hands.

There are currently three track kits and seven trains/cars within Learning Curve’s Early Engineers line. You can find them via Learning Curve’s online shop, at Toys ‘R’ Us, and Amazon.com.

Win it! Courtesy of Learning Curve, I can offer one Early Engineers Roundabout Station Set as a giveaway!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, another item from the Thomas & Friends Early Engineers series your kids would love to have.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Sunday, August 15th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; Continental US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the lucky winner, #90, Jill Myrick!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This past weekend, we were able to attend a friend’s birthday party that was “fire truck” themed. G was able to sit up inside of a real live fire truck — and the buttons, controls, hose knobs, and switches were oh-so-appealing and cool!

It’s no secret that kids love to pretend to be their favorite community workers — more specifically, rescue workers.

That’s why I’m so excited to tell you that Learning Resources recently debuted yet another installment in their super-fun “Pretend & Play” line: The Pretend & Play Emergency Rescue Set!

The Pretend & Play Emergency Rescue Set would be an educational and fun addition to a playroom’s dress-up bin OR a primary classroom! The set includes:

* A helmet (with working light and siren sounds)
* A pretend hammer, ax, and pick
* A pretend walkie talkie
* A megaphone
* A fire extinguisher
* A firefighter’s vest with detachable badge

It’s so fun to watch the kids don this firefighter’s costume and “take charge.”

The props are sturdy and varied for lots of creative play.

The included parents’ safety guide includes activities to help build your child’s awareness of fire safety. This kit is a great jump-off point to help you sit down as a family and discuss fire safety rules, fire prevention, and escape plans.

You can purchase the Learning Resources Pretend & Play Emergency Rescue Set from Learning Resources’ online store for $27.99, or check at any of these other retailers for product availability.

Win it! Courtesy of Learning Resources, one of you can win your own Pretend & Play Emergency Rescue Set!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: In a comment below, tell me what other Pretend & Play set offered by Learning Resources your kids would adore!

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, #9, Laura Pita!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

GeoSafari knows how much kids like things that glow in the dark. At Educational Insights, you can find the coolest art tool made by GeoSafari that will keep your kids entertained for hours: The GeoSafari Light Writer!

Of perfect size for toting around, GeoSafari’s Light Writer is a carrying case/mini writing desk in one. Inside are two reusable glow-in-the-dark sheets plus seven stencils to help your child create one-of-a-kind GLOWING images!

The included light-up “pen” tucks neatly in a spot to the side. With a simple twist, the lighted pen illuminates and your child is ready to create.

The artistic expressions are endless — since the images fade over the next few minutes to allow a fresh, blank slate to appear, just waiting for more glowing art!

The stencils are my daughter’s favorite way to use the Light Writer, since many of them are animal skeletons and fossil shapes. Glow in the dark dinos?! How cool!

There’s an included 16-page activity guide that gives even more ideas! At just $19.99, it’s the right price for birthday gifts, summer vacation entertainment add-ons, and “just because” occasions. It’s no surprise that the Light Writer is one of Educational Insight’s bestselling items.

Win it! Courtesy of Educational Insights, one of you can win a GeoSafari Light Writer for your kids to play and create with!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Browse around at Educational Insights and tell me, in a comment below, another item your kids would flip for.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close the contest next Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the lucky winner, commenter #28, Pixie13!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Just out from VTech — at Target (and later other retail avenues): The VTech V.Reader!

The V.Reader “brings reading to life” — and is designed exclusively for children ages 3-7. It’s an animated e-reader. Think of it like a “Kindle for kids.” It’s adequately sized and features the following:

- Two types of interaction: Listen and follow along or touch and play. Your child can listen and watch as each story is animated before his/her eyes….or select the touch screen feature for interactive educational game play.
- Numerous educational skill building, such as comprehension, phonics, word awareness, and awareness and building, and vocabulary growth.
- An actual touch-screen (with a stylus) as well as a qwerty keyboard….one of the first of its kind to offer both.
- A host of available-for-purchase cartridges that feature their favorite popular characters…such as Dora, Toy Story 3, and Disney Princesses.
- Downloadable extras (more than 100 additional stories), which will be available from the VTech website very soon!

The kids have had trouble putting the V.Reader down since it arrived in the mail for us to review!

What do we also love about the V.Reader?

- It has a clear plastic “cover” which flips over the screen and keyboard for protection from dings and fingerprints. The page-turning buttons peek through a slot at the base so they can be reached even when the cover is closed.
- The “pages” of the stories look like actual storybook pages….complete with pictures, text, and page turning sounds. The text/words are highlighted when read, however, so your child can easily follow along.
- The characters in the stories are familiar and entertaining.
- Progress reports and reading certificates are available to give parents peace of mind about the V.Reader’s educational value.

The V.Reader became available at Target stores on June 21st (both online and in stores) and will be available at key retailers nationwide in August. Its suggested retail price is $59.99, and each storybook cartridge sells separately for $19.99 each.

(**Follow VTech Toys on Twitter and Facebook for exclusive news about the V.Reader and other spectacular VTech educational products!)

Win it! Courtesy of VTech, I can offer one of my readers a V.Reader of their very own!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, which separately sold VTech V.Reader storybook cartridge your kids would enjoy the most!

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close the contest next Friday, July 9th, at 11pm EST. Sorry; US addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, commenter #105, Sandy!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this V.Reader from VTech for free for review purposes. I was allowed to keep the product; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Yet another winner from the Learning Resources lineup of educational toys and games! I’m excited to tell you today about the Sky High Scoops™ Colorful Count & Stack Electronic Game!

Just press the button and start to play! The game even tells you which player goes first (youngest or oldest). Each time the “Scoop” buttons are pressed, the player adds a specified ice cream scoop from his pile to the top of the sundae stack. (Be careful! The ice cream can come toppling down!) The first player to use all of their scoops (and put the whipped cream and cherry on top) wins!

The music and spoken instructions are whimsical and fun. The kids had a great time “cooling off” with this “icy treat” of a game! Terrific for sharpening several skills: Color recognition, following directions, counting, and fine motor skills.

This stacking game requires intense concentration. (Which, as most of you know, can only be achieved with holding one’s mouth just so:)

CUTE!

Learning Resources’ Sky High Scoops™ Colorful Count & Stack Electronic Game is intended for 2-5 players ages PreK and up. 16 colorful “scoops” are included, as well as the whipped cream topping and the dish (which includes volume control). It retails for $24.99 and can be ordered directly from Learning Resources’ online store or wherever Learning Recources’ games and other products are sold!

Win it! Courtesy of Learning Resources, one of you will win the Sky High Scoops™ Colorful Count & Stack Electronic Game for your family’s indoor summer fun!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Take a look at the other terrific new products Learning Resources has recently debuted. Tell me, in a comment below, another one that catches your eye!

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close the contest next Monday, July 5th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, commenter #21, Jamie!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”