Since the iPad came out we have been itching for an app like Inkling, and this new textbook app might really be a game changer. The problem for kids has always been that textbooks are way too heavy to carry around, especially multiple ones. Have you ever seen those 10 year olds with bulging backpacks, shlepping more pounds on their backs then their little bodies can handle? Heck, even big kids have a hard time carrying around textbooks. And then there is always the problem …

Playskool’s Alphie is yet another classic old toy that is being brought back to be introduced to a new generation of children. Alphie is an adorable robot figure that helps kids learn sound. The little guy with his smirky grin and funny faces is able to teach kids about letter sounds, shape sorting to patterns, cause and effect, vocabulary development and much more. As Alphie’s buttons light up, he’ll sing and play music. Meanwhile, on his back he has storage for carrying his cards around. …

The piggy bank is dead, but long live the Digital Coin Counting Robot Bank. This cute little guy from the Sharper Image is an interactive talking robot that is able to automatically recognize and tabulate ever coin you put in him – so that you can keep track of your savings and withdrawals. He also has a large LCD scream and a rugged rubberized body with motion activated alarms – you know, in case his look wasn’t intimidating enough to scare away thieves on its …

There is still plenty of summer left, but before you know it September will roll in again and it’ll be back to classes. Our big sister site, Chip Chick has a great Back to School Guide containing 17 tips, tricks and gadgets for going back to school this Fall, many of which apply to students of all ages – so check it out!

Barbie Pocket Learner is an adorable new handheld device set to be released soon from Oregon Scientific. Designed to resemble mom and dad’s BlackBerry, the Barbie Pocket Learner comes with eight fun activities that teach essential skills like alphabet knowledge, vocabulary, spelling, numbers, shapes and memory. Plus, kids will have a blast pretending to send SMS text messages from Barbie. Barbie Pocket Learner will retail for $19.99 and is currently available for pre-order, and it will go on sale September 1st.

Today Velocity Micro announced three great new affordable color ebook readers that are running Android, But what we’re particular excited about is their $149 Cruz StoryPad aimed at children. This ereader packs in a simple touch friendly interface, inside of a drop resistant package with a 7” 4:3 800×600 full color touch screen display. The device can also playback videos, audio, it comes preloaded with audio book content and is able to read classic stories to children as they follow along. Cruz StoryPad will come …

We had gotten a chance to play around and view the new VTech VReader when it was known as the VTech Flip a few months ago and now it’s finally coming to market. The VTech VReader will launch on June 21st and is designed to engage kids for hours of play. It will retail for $59.99 and still contain all that original functionality we observed months ago. Stories will come to life with vivid animation, narration, character voices, graphics, sounds and music as they …

Ellen’s Acres Splashing Around is a a new interactive storybook and coloring activity for the iPad that is based on the Ellen’s Acres TV series. The Splashing Around coloring activity is filled with pictures of Ellen in a number of different environments. These pictures can be painted using a variety of brightly colored pencils and easily saved to the device’s photo album or erased with a simple shake.  In the book portion of the app, kids can read along with Ellen’s adventures as she films …

K-Magic is a new educational game console and video player that has been inspired by the Patrick and Friends cartoon. It also looks like an actual contender for Leapfrog’s handheld gaming products. Designed for kids ages 2 to 6, K-magic features a 2.5″ 3.5″ screen, and it comes with cartoons, educational games, First Words, and music designed for babies. K-Magic will be launched this July, and pricing is to be determined.

3D has become all the rage nowadays, but not everyone can afford a super expensive 3D home theater system. Fortunately, 3D Sneaky Puzzles Singin’ Sea Creatures is a great 3D toy that will both entertain and educate your kids, without breaking the bank! This 6-piece floor puzzle lets kids put together the colorful sea and then slip on the included sturdy 3D glasses for a magical experience. Children will be amazed as they watch the sea creatures swim towards them and try to reach out …