This weekend is the launch of DreamWorks Animation's new movie Monsters Vs. Aliens.  Just like most kids' movies, there are a bunch of toy tie-ins.  Some of the highlights, at least for this toy editor, are the following:

The Missing Link Action Figure:

The Clone Robot Action Figure:

And everyone's favorite, (really, I've seen the movie and he just STEALS the show!) B.O.B.:

The B.O.B. toy comes with "slime food" that you can feed to B.O.B.  What kid wouldn't love that?

Also in our Monsters vs Alien's store, you will find books, posters, party supplies, and tons of other cool MvA stuff.

We were able to see a pre-screening of the movie a couple of weeks ago and it was really fantastic. If you are a fan of Stephen Colbert, Seth Rogen, or Will Arnett, you will love this movie- they are hilarious and fantastic for adults and kids.  I highly recommend it and my two little toy testers at home (ages 2 and 4) loved it as well.  Check it out this weekend and let us know what you think!
--Laura McMullan

10 Year ago LEGO ventured into the world of robots with the Robotics Invention System (RIS). In 2006 this programmable set was re-named LEGO Mindstorms NXT and now, for the 10th Anniversary of LEGO programmable blocks, you can get a black brick for your Mindstorms. It's for a limited time only, and it is available for pre-order now. When you buy the black brick you also gain access to special made programs and building plans.

Not familiar with the NXT? I wasn't either until I visited a Junior High and saw them, at lunch, going absolutely bonkers with excitement for their NXTs. Their teachers were using them to teach programing, science, physics, and problem solving. They didn't expect the reaction they got from the kids. The teachers told me that they couldn't pry them out of the students' hands and that every day at lunch, instead of socializing in small groups, (or eating) they just wanted to play with their NXTs and show each other what they could do with them. I saw this at lunch while I was visiting and it was great to watch kids get so excited about learning tools.  You can learn much more about the Mindstorms NXT, here, as well as read reviews from real users.

Check out the NXT videos below, but beware, the NXT bug just might catch you too!

LEGO Mindstorms NXT...

--Laura McMullan

I just got back into town from New York City and my first toy fair.  I had a great time meeting people I had only talked to on the phone, meeting new people, and seeing all the new and innovative toys.  I gathered lots of information and pictures to share here on Toy Whimsy so lets get started. 

Among the trends for this year, green toys are still growing.  We have talked a lot about Sprig Toys on our blog, and they had a great booth all made from recycled materials.  They also have some awesome toys coming out next year that you'll hear about first here on Toy Whimsy.  Also making a great impression was Green Toys and their new line that includes a recycling truck and dump truck, and the Planet Pixies, and Idbids.

Also, walking the floor you could really see the licenses that are hot for 2009.  Along with The Watchmen, Coraline, Star Wars, Star Trek, Transformers, and Twilight for the older "kids" you saw a lot of toys with Ni Hao Ki Lan and Little Miss and Mr. Men licenses.

All over the place, you could see that the trend in ride-ons were the wooden bikes with no pedals for younger kids.  They were everywhere, and I even saw one with pedals that could be added later.

Some of the overall trends were that value was a huge emphasis.  Everyone was talking about lower price points and value play this year.  Toys seemed downsized from former years and the prices are going to be much more affordable this Holiday season.  Classic toys like LEGO, Schleich, Melissa and Doug wooden toys, Madame Alexander Dolls, Barbie, Alex Toys for Arts and Crafts, and Bryer horses all looked strong.

All in all it was a good show, it seemed busy in spite of the economy and people were not down in the dumps, but hopeful for the year ahead.  I saw a lot of innovation, and a lot of toys trying to capitalize on the "buy-the-toy-then-log-on-to-the-internet" phenomenon to add value to the toys they offer.  I am glad I went, and glad I could bring you the news from the show right here on Toy Whimsy!

I have some videos of some cool products I saw that I will be posting in the next couple of days, everything from a flying fairy, to a building maze toy, to a new way to roast your marshmallows, so stay tuned!  Also, Marianne Szymanski has her overview of the show that I'll post in the next couple of days as well.

I'll leave you with these last couple of pictures:

Transformers chalk art, all hand drawn over the course of 4 days

The Captain's chair from the SS Enterprise

Obama Dolls

People Dressed as Ugly Dolls

--Laura McMullan

Imagine a playroom  filled with laughter and experimentation. Robotics challenge children  to explore problem solving and develop a deep sense of the value of innovation.   It brings with it the joy of learning  that stimulates the curious mind.
Kids are more than  passive receptors of knowledge; they are active constructors of lasting conceptual understanding. These kids are experiencing the joys of inquiry learning. Their eyes shine with excitement as they are determined to  learn a  correct gear ratio combination or how a touch sensor works.

There are different kinds of robot toys:  those you  build, those you control and those that you collect. Whatever the preference, creative play with a touch of science expands imagination.

Tech Robots:

• Robosapien - Spider Man
• WowWee Robotics Roboquad
• i-Dance WALL-E
• Pleo Dinosaur - A UGOBE Life Form
• Revell Vexplorer Robotics System
• Children's Educational Science Kit: Make Your Own Robot
• WowWee Radio-Controlled Roboraptor - Green

Non-tech Robot Toys:

• Schylling Classic Windup Robot
• Pack 140 Battle Space Robot Toy Figures
• Build a Robot Puzzle and Spinner Game
• Rocket USA Gort Wind-Up Tin Toy
• Robot Cards in Tin Box

A Great Gift for Anyone Who Likes Robots:

• Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots

For more ideas or to review the Toy Tips toy report cards, see toytips.com.. type robot in the search box.  Also visit my Amazon.com page for more ideas and tips and follow Toy Tips on Twitter (twitter.com/toytips).

--Marianne Szymanski

Back in September I reviewed Dancing Brobee on our old blog and put the video on YouTube.  I was amazed to look today and see that it has had over 15,000 views!  I thought I would repost this successful review for all to see.

Sept. 22nd, 2007

A belated birthday present arrived at our house today from my daughter's Uncle in Chicago. Being the hip bachelor Uncle, he of course sent a super-cool toy. Some of you parents (and maybe some of you college students who watch daytime TV) might know of the kids' program Yo Gabba Gabba. Our little green friend in the video is one of the stars of Yo Gabba Gabba, which has been commonly described as an updated version of the early 70s show, H.R. Pufnstuf. Certainly psychedelic in nature, YGG also has fun guest stars, hip indie bands, and enough color to make your eyes sore. I will admit, it is a kids' show that I do not mind watching, especially when they have bands like Smoosh and The Shins. And who could resist Elijah Wood dancing The Puppet Master?
Out of the box, I wasn't so sure that Dancing Brobee would be much fun. He's a little big,  kind of robotic, and not very huggable. Well, see for yourself what happened when he was turned lose with the 4 year old.

so as you can see, she loves it.  I didn't have a rating system the last time I reviewed this toy, but I do now so I'll go ahead and rate it for you.

Rating System: On a five star scale, one being horrible, five being wonderful.

Assembly: 5 stars, took him out of the box, and put the batteries in.  Make sure you put batteries in BOTH feet-not just one.
Fun Factor: 5 stars, as you can tell, my 4 year old loves it.  Whenever he starts dancing and singing, both my 4 yr old and 2 yr old cannot help buy join in.  The fun has not worn off over the months either, they are still loving him and dancey-dance with him quite a bit.
Educational Factor: 0 stars, but I do like that he gets the kids up and moving.
Novelty Factor: 3 stars, my kids also have the Elmo, Live! and he does much more than Brobee and actually is played with longer than Brobee usually does (like 45 min vs 20 min). What's really fun is to put the two of them together and really make it loud and crazy in the house!