MIAMI, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Learning should never stop when students leave the classroom. For this reason, Maru® was named one of this year's best educational toys by Learning® magazine. The nationally acclaimed educational publication presented Maru and Friends® with the 2010 Teacher's Choice Award for the Family.

The Teacher's Choice Awards honor products of exceptional quality and outstanding performance among educators. More than 220 products were evaluated by a group of teachers, who are also parents. Entries included books, games, toys, web sites, electronics and more. Winners were chosen for their educational merit at school and in the home.

Learning® magazine prides itself on being one of the professions best resources for successful teaching.

Maru and Friends® is a celebration of childhood fun with a beautifully crafted ethnic play doll. Made with love, the collection of three dolls serve as a role model for many young girls growing up in today's challenging world.

Our box of sunshine comes with a beautiful 21-inch vinyl doll, and her hard cover story book, Forever Friends, which chronicles the story of young Maru®, a Hispanic immigrant, who comes to America leaving behind her parents to live with estranged relatives. The illustrated chapter book brings Maru's journey to life.

As this Christmas season approaches, get your special little girl the perfect blend between an educational toy and an entertaining play doll.

Our program encourages young girls from all cultures to enjoy the virtues of childhood fun, imagination and diversity while still focusing on the importance of reading. All of our dolls have unique child-like facial features representative of each of their cultures: Hispanic, Anglo-American and African American.

Dolls were sculpted by award winning American doll artist, Dianna Effner.

This holiday season come with Maru® as she learns new customs and meets new friends!

For more information on Maru and Friends® visit http://www.maruandfriends.com/

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