Nick Jr. Family Magazine November Issue Names Best Video Games and Fifty Best Toys in 2006 for Kids' Holiday Wish List

Nick Jr. Family Magazine November Issue Names Best Video Games and Fifty Best Toys in 2006 for Kids' Holiday Wish List

Celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse Shares His Family's Favorite Recipes and Tips on the Pleasures of Cooking With Kids

Family-Themed Issue Hits Stands October 24

NEW YORK, Oct. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The holiday season is once again upon us, which for some parents means frantically trying to find the perfect gift for their little ones. The November issue of Nick Jr. Family Magazine, on sale October 24, takes a look at the newest toys, gadgets, clothing and books for which kids will be clamoring. For the tech savvy kids, also featured are the Best Video Games for Kids of 2006, which lists the cream of the crop in console and PC games. The November issue also offers a behind-the-scenes look at dinnertime in the home of famed Chef Emeril Lagasse as well as celebrates the joy of the modern blended family.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061023/NYM052 )

"Holidays, while fun for families, can also be a stressful time for parents," said Freddi Greenberg, Editor in Chief of Nick Jr. Family Magazine. "With so many gift options, it's hard for parents to narrow down their choices and pick out quality toys or games that their children will enjoy. This issue does the work for parents and relieves some of the guessing game from holiday shopping."

The "2006 Best Video Games for Kids" feature (pg. 25) includes the best of the best in video game offerings. Selected by technology expert and editor of Children's Technology Review, Warren Buckleitner, along with a team of kid testers, who played hundreds of games to narrow the list down, the story features different categories, ranging from "Best Graphics" and "Best Comedy Adventure," to "Most Innovative Family Game" and "Most Creative." Each category includes a short description of each game and why it made the grade. Not limiting the awards to the bigger consoles, there is also a list of the best handheld games of the year. A few of the top console and PC game picks for 2006 include:

* LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy (LucasArts)
* I SPY Mystery (Scholastic, Inc.)
* Happy Feet (Midway)
* Barnyard (THQ, Inc.)
* Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz (Sega of America)

The "Wish List" (pg. 63) is comprised of more than 50 games and toys that were tested by kids with varied interests. Organized by kids' passions from puppies to art, to architecture, there is something on this list for everyone, even tweens. Among the toys featured are: VMIGO virtual pet; Impro Solar; Solar Helicopter; Leopard Clogs; animal print clogs; Tumbling Mat; gift cards; and more.

Other features in the family themed November issue of Nick Jr. Family Magazine include a feature on famous Chef Emeril Lagasse, who invites readers into his home and shares some of his culinary secrets, delicious recipes and tips on how to make cooking a family affair (pg. 79). "Places Everyone" (pg. 51) explores the diverse makeup of the modern family. With input from social psychologist Susan Newman, author of Little Things Long Remembered: Making Your Children Feel Special, this story delves into how bringing blended families together for Thanksgiving can be an enriching experience.

About Nick Jr. Family Magazine

Nick Jr. Family Magazine, now in its seventh year, is the fastest growing magazine in the Parenting category. Published nine times a year, it is distributed to preschools across the country and is also available at bookstores and newsstands and via subscription. Nick Jr. Family Magazine builds on the strength of the Nick Jr. brand to provide today's busy parents of kids ages 0-11 with the latest information on child development, news and family products, as well as the simplest creative activities and ideas for spending time as a family. Nick Jr. Family Magazine has won numerous awards from the Association of Educational Publishers, including Periodical of the Year and the Golden Lamp Award. The magazine has been featured on ADWEEK's Top Ten Hot List in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Nick Jr. Family Magazine has a circulation of 1.15 million and a total audience of 5.0 million.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one rated basic cable network for eleven consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA and)(NYSE:VIA.B).

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Source: Nickelodeon

CONTACT: Joanna Roses, +1-212-846-7326, or Thamar Romero,
+1-212-846-7491

Web site: http://www.nick.com/

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