Educational toy designer LeapFrog Enterprises reported strong 2012 first quarter results today helped by lower inventory levels at the beginning of the year, an early Easter, and high demand for its LeapPad learning tablet, educational content and accessories.

Net sales came in at US$72 million, an increase of 81% versus US$40 million the same period last year.

On a regional basis, first quarter net sales rose 98% in the US and jumped 49% internationally.

The company reported a first quarter loss of US$9 million, a 61% (US$13 million) improvement versus a year ago.

The strong results come as the company has increased the amount of digital apps available on its LeapFrog App Center tablet through its own in-house development team and partnerships.

Most recently, LeapFrog inked a deal with Ludorum to bring episodes of its CG-animated preschool series Chuggington to the LeapPad, and in December 2011 it bolstered its library of digital branded content through new deals with HIT Entertainment and Hasbro.