It’s happened. David Bowie has landed in the toy space thanks to the latest launch from the kids’ audio system, Tonies and the 1978 recording of the cultural icon narrating the double bill Peter and The Wolf/Carnival of the Animals.

Destined to take children on a musical adventure, the classical music Tonie will launch on June 9th this year, taking the form of the story’s Wolf, adorned with its own Aladdin Sane red and blue lightning bolt. The launch will introduce children to the sounds of both classical music and the pop icon, David Bowie.

The new Peter and the Wolf / Carnival of the Animals Tonie will play a double bill symphonic fairy tale as Bowie narrates the story of Peter and the Wolf, while the Philadelphia Orchestra brings it to life, followed by the Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals.

Sergei Prokofiev, the Russian composer, pianist, and conductor, wrote the musical composition of Peter and the Wolf in 1936 to introduce children to orchestra. Each animal and character within the story is represented by different instruments, with Peter conveyed in the narration by the strings whilst the wolf is represented by the French horn.

As well as encouraging independent play, the new classical music Tonie will look to ignite all areas of child development. Research conducted by music charity, the Apollo Music Projects, found that classical music has a direct impact on children’s listening and concentration skills, while also evoking positive feelings. Helping to create a sense of relaxation and calm, classical music can have a positive impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing.

Tim Schumacher, head of Sony Classical, said: “We are so excited to see this wonderful music narrated by David Bowie in 1978, specifically composed and recorded to give children easy access to the world of classical music and help them enjoy it, being released by Tonies.

“To us at Sony, it seems like the perfect fit: a beautiful musical adventure and tales created for children to be enjoyed on an audio player which was also created just for children.”

Pinky Laing, UK partnerships at Tonies, added: “Tonies is committed to helping children through the power and magic of storytelling and music. We are delighted to be releasing our new classical music Tonie that tells the story of Peter and the Wolf and plays the beautiful symphonies by the Philadelphia Orchestra and Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals.

“Music has been proven to help development with children in their early years. Classical music in particular helps to promote a sense of calm and relaxation, which is all so important for young children today. With the launch of our new Tonie we are continuing our commitment to engage young minds, support the wellbeing of children and help the next generation to learn and develop.”

The new releases from Tonies next month don’t end there, as the firm also gears up to release its new Monster Inc Tonie with a running time of 33 minutes and aimed at children aged three years old and upwards, and its Oi Frog and Friends Tonies with a running time of 35 minutes.

The new Tonies are available from selected toy retailers, bookshops and via the Tonies website www.tonies.com, and will RRP £14.99.