We put last year's bigger, plusher and more animated Dance Star Mickey up against the new Rock Star Mickey...

I met with Bill Ritchie and Andrea Barthello, co-founders (and husband and wife) of THINKFUN games to discuss their new line-up of games for 2011.  We've been reviewing their games since we started the Toy Portfolio. We were catching up - discussing our kids.  Bill and I both went to Wesleyan (different years but both with very fond memories).  I was really interested to hear that their son Sam is now developing APPs based on  THINKFUN games.  Try Rush Hour -- it's addictive.  So I asked if I could interview Sam (in photo)  about how it feels to be the second generation in his family's business and working with his folks. His answers would make anyone laugh (and make any parent proud). Read our interview.

For many of us, the thought of science books is a reminder of some old boring textbooks we "had" to read. Forget about that. Click here for some of the new choices books for young scientists in the making.

We got word of a great new resource for parents- especially during the summer months when kids often "slide" on their academic skills.  Wonderopolis.org is a site that encourages curiosity by posing questions that kids (and adults)  "wonder" about.  Recent Wonders of the Day include: "What causes freckles?" "Why Do Ants Think They're Invited to Picnics?" "Is Dry Ice Really Dry?"...

In other words, if your kids are in that wonderful zone of having a 1,000+ questions about everything...this is the perfect site to visit together.  We spoke with educator and NBC's Today Show Correspondent Jenna Bush Hager about Wonderopolis.org.  Read our interview.

We've taken a look at many of the new toys and games created under the license.  Read Stephanie's blog for a quick survey and take a look at our youtube channel for video reviews.  You can also read our guest reviewer's take on the sequel on Stephanie's blog.

Crafts are a perfect way to keep kids busy and at the same time develop their ability to follow written directions, use their imagination, and stay with a task to completion. This season we've received some new and updated craft kits that are sure to engage your kids creativity. Click here for some of the best crafty choices.

We love this time of year!  Your kids pull on last summer's play clothes--and they soon discover how much they have grown.  During the course of the year, you'll also notice that the "growing up" goes way beyond the notch on the family growth chart.  A year older also means that they'll approach play differently.  Your now sure-footed toddler is ready to just go, go, go. Your four year old can now play a game that would have been frustrating and tear-producing just a year ago.  Your five year old who enjoyed pretend play with his whole body may now have a new found fascination in miniature play figures.   Here are some of our new favorite toys that promote active play.  Click here to read the article. You can also watch Stephanie with MSNBC's Tamron Hall on NBC's TODAY SHOW from June 17th by clicking on the video below... 

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Are you finding that your child is having trouble with math? science? geography? reading? sticking with a task? How to help without causing conflict in your house can be tricky. The key is to remind your child that learning can be fun - and give them opportunities to be successful learners in more playful settings.  Stephanie was on NBC's TODAY Show on April 6th to discuss some of the toyportfolio.com's top  solutions with Ann Curry. Click here to read the article. Watch the Segment, by clicking here.  

Watch Stephanie's bird calling (right before the segment).

Floating over head at Toy Fair, flying fish!  From William Mark Co.

FIJITS from Mattel