November 2008 Notable Toys — All

Hyperspace, the final frontier. Think of this as a mental spaceship that will help you project your consciousness straight into the fourth dimension.  The first Hyperdo ever built took over two years to construct. Measuring 14" (35cm) in diameter, this 120-cell model will take a lot less time, but you still won't want to take it apart.

Become acquainted with the structure of space by building hundreds of models from simple to profound. Zometool bridges nature, math, science, art and architecture; this kit can be a great introduction to the Zometool universe.

From the Jewels Girls Love to Wear Collection, this jewelry features bright colors while reinforcing eco-friendliness. MSRP: Choker: $14.00; Bracelet: $10.00. Launch date: 2008.

Printed on soft, green vinyl, these removable rat stickers can be placed in the home to add a bit of decorative fright. Bags of bats and spiders are also available.

Each black window poster silhouette is printed on soft, green vinyl and is designed to be applied to the inside of a window so it is viewable from the outside at night. Available in several varieties, also including Witch and Classic Raptor (MSRP: $14.99), the product adds drama and creepy elegance to the facade of any house.

Mrs. Claus awaits Santa's return for Christmas in an overcoat, mittens and beret. This limited-edition set comes in window packaging, ideal for gift-giving. Launch date: October 2008.

Gus loves being a turkey, that is, until his friends tell him about Thanksgiving. So Gus heads south, the way birds do, to escape being part of someone’s dinner. He’s surprised to see where he ends up, but most of all he’s surprised to find he’s a Pilgrim, too! Teresa Bateman’s spunky Gus is perfectly captured by Ellen Sasaki’s sassy pictures. Children will laugh at loud at this new turkey tale, perfect for Thanksgiving and story hours year-round.

Lucy is good at drawing and making things at school. But there’s a bully at school, and he’s very mean to Lucy. She can’t tell anyone the bully rips her books and breaks her things, because he told her not to—or else! Now every day she comes home scared and sad. What can Lucy do? And who can Lucy tell? Claire Alexander’s simple story and bright illustrations will help young children talk openly about bullying. Best of all, it will reassure them that bullies can be stopped.

In The Mystery of the Singing Ghost, the Aldens fix up the house that their cousins are moving into. There’s just one problem--it seems to be haunted by a ghost who sings! A mysterious mansion alive with skeletons is the setting for The Mystery at Skeleton Point. And finally, in The Mystery of the Mummy’s Curse, the Aldens start to believe in the power of the 4,000-year-old sarcophagus on exhibit at Greenfield Museum. Boo!

One night, under a full moon, four orphaned children set out on their own and turned an abandoned boxcar into their home. So begins the story of the Boxcar Children, a series of unforgettable, now classic favorites. Originally, Gertrude Chandler Warner wrote 19 stories about the Alden children. As the series grew in popularity after paperback publication, children wanted more books. Now there are many titles for children to enjoy. The paperback editions of The Boxcar Children Mysteries: #1, The Boxcar Children; #2, Surprise Island; #3, The Yellow House Mystery; and #4, Mystery Ranch are offered together in a cardboard case.

This DVD presents personal safety instructions to be shared by children and parents. Also included with the DVD is a booklet to catalog and store child’s vital information.

Ratz in the House features eight original hit songs about reading, writing and math.

This 30-minute DVD contains a variety of educational rap, dance and music.

Features new spins on 10 popular holiday classics. Includes printed lyrics for easy Sing-Along.

Cuddle up at night with Emily the Strange's kitty, Miles, the cutest one-eyed pilot around! He is 12 inches high, and comes with a striped pilot scarf, goggles and cap. He makes a great gift for aviation, cat or Emily the Strange fans. Pilot Miles also makes a great Halloween gift. "This plush toy is Miles, an Emily icon. He does not look like the average black cat, as he has an X replacing one eye," explained Jill Beaverson, PR/Marketing Director, Emily the Strange. "And he is outfitted in all pilot gear. Emily and cat fans alike will love Pilot Miles."

Housed in a pink, patent-leather tote, this extensive kit holds a rainbow of different kinds of beads. Glass, metal, semi-precious stones in all shapes and colors allow children to design endless combinations, and the included instruction booklet gives them the skill needed, too. Along with the also-included chain, hemp, wire and other materials, the Fashion Angels Jewelry Design Workshop is a comprehensive accessory-making studio.
- “The price point's nice,” said Diana Gisolfi, co-owner of Sister’s Kids in Springfield, Mass., of the Fashion Angels line, which she listed as a top seller for jewelry and accessories in September 2008.
- “That would be our best,” agreed Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books in Oklahoma City.
- Ten percent of 51 retailers told TDmonthly that Fashion Angels is a top seller in the jewelry category.

One of RAVENCLAW™'s...ummm...well...most unusual students joins the ranks of HARRY POTTER™ TONNER® DRESSED CHARACTER FIGURES™. LUNA LOVEGOOD™ at HOGWARTS™ is 17" tall and features a new face sculpt of an authorized likeness of actress Evanna Lynch from Warner Bros.' "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," with 14 points of articulation (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, bust line, hips, knees, and ankles). She features hand-painted face details and rooted saran hair. LUNA LOVEGOOD™ comes dressed in her school uniform, which includes a white cotton shirt, pleated wool skirt, button-down cardigan, blue & grey striped tie, grey tights and faux leather Mary Janes. Her RAVENCLAW™ robe, wand and cheery earrings complete her ensemble — not to mention a special charm necklace that helps to ward off NARGELS. Display stand included. "Highly detailed costumes, likeness sculpts and quality of collectible dolls and Character Figures sets Tonner apart from similar items," explained Shauna Perry, Director of Sales and Marketing Tonner Doll Company, Inc. Launch date: Fall 2008.

As part of Pink Poppy’s extensive line of kid-friendly jewelry and other accessories, this matched set features a necklace and bracelet strung on elastic cord. Pink, magenta and clear beads are centered around a hanging butterfly charm on both pieces. The necklace measures approximately 7.5” long.  
— “Pink Poppy is a great line. They’re very cute, there’s a lot to choose from, and the price point is really great,” Janet Gregory, owner of Over the Rainbow Toy Store in Anchorage, Alaska, told TDmonthly in early fall 2008.
— Four percent of 51 retailers said Pink Poppy was their main jewelry line in Fall 2008.
— John Taylor, owner of O.P. Taylor's in Brevard, N.C., told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey that he sells 60 Pink Poppy necklaces a month at each of his stores. Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Toys in Paoli, Pa., also called Pink Poppy necklaces a best seller.

Designed to allow girls to weave their own jewelry, this kit comes with a wooden loom, glass beads, a needle, thread and instructions.
- “Bead Bazaar is No. 1,” said Jenny Thomas, owner of Applause! Give Your Kids a Hand, in Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada, when discussing best-selling jewelry items.
- Six percent of retailers told TDmonthly in September 2008 that Bead Bazaar is one of their top-selling lines.

Handmade in Germany, the white and the brown alpaca have a durable woven fur made of natural alpaca wool, which makes them especially soft and cuddly. Special emphasis was given to their naturalistic appearance. All KÖSEN plush animals conform to the highest safety standards. The materials, products and production are inspected by TÜV and meet all requirements of the European safety standard for toys EN 71. "This toy has the potential to be a keeper beyond childhood and to be passed on to the next generation," assured Sybille Hartmann, Sales and Marketing Manager, KÖSEN USA, Inc. Launch date: January 2008.

Watch in amazement as this extraordinary plant sprouts, grows, flowers and produces seeds of its own within two months. The leaves of these fast-growing plants are edible. Within weeks, a flourish of yellow flowers will appear and delight. Rocket Plants have both medicinal and culinary value that were useful in the past and persist into the present. This set comes complete with everything needed to grow Rocket Plants, including a 3.25” four-color printed planter, sprouting dome, germination medium and seeds. "This product is all inclusive and contains a character from a top-rated children's show," said Alicia Borley, PR manager for DuneCraft. Launch date: February 2008.

Catnip plants sprout quickly and are easy to grow for great fun for kids and their cats. Fresh catnip causes a stronger reaction among cats. Catnip was originally native to Europe and Asia and can grow to 3 feet high. If you crush the foliage of this herb, it releases oil that attracts cats. In fact, cats will rub up against the foliage themselves to bruise it and release the scent. Fresh catnip leaves are used in tea, which is said to relieve head colds, and can also be added to salads, stews, and sauces. Catnip is also said to attract good luck. Safe for ages 4 and up. "We pack a lot of eye-catching fun into a small package with our Micro Terrarium Line," noted Alicia Borley, PR manager for DuneCraft. Launch date: February 1, 2008.

Fairy Dust is the trail of sparkling material that follows pixies and fairies. This enchanted dust is said to have magical powers of its own. Fairy Dust is a precious thing that can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary and make fairy tale dreams come true! "DuneCraft products have an exciting secret! In addition to being fun, engaging, and unique, all of our items are educational! Ignite a love of learning and of the world around us," said Alicia Borley, PR manager for DuneCraft. Launch date: February 2008.

One of many species indigenous only to Madagascar, Madagascar Palms are one of its most breathtaking prizes. These fascinating plants will sprout in less than a week and will form into unusual seedlings that resemble an artistic rendering of a full-grown palm in miniature. Although this plant forms leaves at its top like a palm, it is actually a unique succulent with a thick, spiny grey trunk that stores water, and will reach heights of 15 feet in nature. This kit comes complete with a state of the art terrarium, natural sand and stones, a custom plant stake, and more. "It is educational, unique, 100% American made, and includes a plant that was chosen based on its special characteristics, longevity, and ease of germination," said Alicia Borley, PR manager for DuneCraft. Launch date: February 2008.