Mar 19, 2007

It’s a small world after all; Bilingual toys big hit with nation’s littlest consumersBy Ashley SurdinLos Angeles Times

Toy makers and retailers say sales of bilingual toys, such as the LeapFrog toys at a KB Toys store in West Covina, Calif., have exceeded expectations.

Odra Heitmann hauled the heavy package labeled “Dora’s Talking Kitchen” off a Toys “R” Us shelf and set it on the floor for a better look.

Splashed on the box was a promo: “Says Phrases in English and Spanish!”

That sealed the deal for Heitmann, who scooped up the gift for her 1-year-old niece Ashley.

“I made a big mistake by not teaching my kids Spanish,” said Heitmann, 37, recently at the Burbank, Calif., store. “I’m not going to make the same mistake with my niece.”

Say hello and hola to the latest fad – bilingual toys.

Read complete article.