November 2008 Notable Toys — All

The Knight Set (60063) is made of a laminated silver spangle in a tunic style with elastics attaching the sides for flexibility. The Knight Set comes with a reversible hood, the Knight Glitter Cape and the Crown are sold separately. The Fairy Dress with Wings (34633) is made of a lilac crepe satin ruched top and the skirt is made of layers of tulle and soft lilac tricot.  The attached wings are covered with silver sparkle tulle.

Written and illustrated by Clare Beaton, this book introduced baby to different subjects, objects and themes. Sections include "Weather," "This Little Piggy," "My Toy Chest" and "Various Vegetables."

This book by John Matthews, advisor for the movie "King Arthur," is outfitted with a gold-embossed cloth spine and comes with a large poster with a beautiful map of key locations. Filled with adventure, conflict and romance, the book covers King Arthur's boyhood, his court, the history of Camelot, and his last departure to Avalon. It is illustrated by Pavel Tatarnikov. Launch date: September 2008.

Part of Barefoot's Young Fiction list, this book examines friendship in a story about the Cultural Revolution that also explores the clash of political change and personal freedom. It is written by Guo Yue and Clare Farrow and illustrated by Helen Cann. The book tells the story of author Yue's childhood in Beijing, particularly in the summer of 1966. Launch date: July 2008.

The Stamper, designed to create word or symbol impressions in everything from bananas to pancakes to pizza dough, comes with four word message pads (HAPPY, B-DAY, YUMMY and TASTY) and two image message pads (SMILEY and HEART).

This large deck of 50 cards offer step-by-step direction on yoga poses while also encouraging "green" living with eco-friendly tips. It is co-written by Tara Guber and Leah Kalish of Yoga Ed., and is illustrated by Sophie Fatus. Each card included is related to one the natural elements: air, earth, fire, water and space. The box measures 5.5" x 7" x 1.25".

Chunky wooden body shapes can be switched around to make jolly chaps! Made in Germany, this is a solid beechwood stacking toy that will entertain the young and old alike! There are nine shapes and a sturdy base with pegs so the blocks don’t fall over.
— “We sell Haba really, really well,” said Michelle Smith, owner of Piccolo Mondo Toys in Portland, Ore., in Decemeber 2008. “I love Haba blocks, so I tend to recommend them to a lot of people, and their marble run. We have a whole display.”

This necklace comes on a reusable card, and a portion of the purchase price is donated to a fund that protects animals and habitats. The back of the pouch tells consumers that the "blue speckled blowfish is slowly disappearing from the waters around French Polynesia where it is found." Launch date: 2008.

This DVD pairs colorful music videos with 12 songs from the "That Baby CD," which offers acoustic versions of songs by Joni Mitchell, The Youngbloods and Fleetwood Mac, including "Circle Game," "Get Together" and "Songbird." It was created by Rob and Lisi Wolf.

Created by Rob and Lisi Wolf, this 14-track, 42-minute album features acoustic version of songs by Neil Diamond, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles and others. The product is made in the United States, using recyclable materials.

Suitable for ages 6 months and up, one of these colorful maracas plays a tune when moved or shaken; the other makes a rattling sound.

This portable strategy game is similar to chess or checkers, but with a twist — the magnetic stones with unmarked north and south poles can jump out of their position at any point during the game, giving players a whole new element of challenge. "Jishaku" is the Japanese term for "magnet." The game received a 2008 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, an iParenting Media Award, a Major Fun Award and a Mr. Dad Seal of Approval. Launch date: June 3, 2008.
— Tutoring Toy in Salt Lake City sells about 20 per month of this game, Buyer Casey Sartain told TDmonthly in fall 2009.

This spinner lets kids determine their own fate with chores around the house. Possbilities include "wash the dishes," "feed the pets," "mow the lawn," "take out the trash" and more.

These animal-print bouncy balls measure 2.4" in diameter. There are six styles.

This poseable figurine with removable parts is part of the Shockini Robot Series. It is about 2.5" and comes with a paint set and stickers.

This colorful, handcrafted clock features a different removable shape for each hour and also has movable hands. It measures 9" x 12" x 2".

Complete with Harry Potter shoes, this whimsical footstool features Harry Potter-themed fabric and corresponding red tassels around the edge.

This wooden castle includes 26 pieces, featuring three knights, a king and queen, a working drawbridge and rope ladders. Launch date: 2008.

This colorful construction kit comes in a plastic carrying case that snaps closed and has a handle on the top. It includes more than 650 pieces, including wheels and connectors to build moveable models. Projects include a water mill house, a merry-go-round, a car, a helicopter and a sports car. The pieces make a click sound when connected or pulled apart.

This soft doll is available in versions with either pink or green accents, and features cotton, toweling, wool felt and fleece materials. It measures 35 cm x 40 cm.

Mattel Super Elite 1/18 Scale Die Cast Replica of the 1966 Batmobile from the Batman television series. This is a very detailed and realistic limited edition reproduction of the real car. Features include special packaging and display base, plumbed and wired turbine engine with braided steel hoses. Highly detailed interior and dashboard with bat phone, cloth seat belts, and photo etched kick panels. Stainless steel rocket launchers (with rockets in tubes, non-firing) and realistic leather parachutes and bat computer in trunk. Photo etched aluminum valance screens in front and rear bumpers. Stainless trim on beacon light and turbine exhaust. Limited edition of 5100 pieces.

Kids will discover the digital world with this unique introduction to electronics. They follow the story of Robert M-3, a young robot in the year 2069, who is beginning his education in electronics with an apprenticeship to Sirius Armstrong, the chief electrical engineer on an enormous space station orbiting Earth. As they read about Robert’s lessons in electronics, they will conduct experiments alongside him using the Electronics Workshop console.  They start by assembling simple circuits with blinking LEDs and resistors, as Robert travels from Earth to the space station. Once there, he goes from department to department, fixing electrical systems and devices, while the child works alongside him. Electronics Workshop 1 is a captivating combination of reading and science, with fanciful stories that enliven the experiments, making for a fun learning experience. Full-color, 68-page experiment manual takes kids through 148 experiments in electronics. Launch date: August 2008.

This set of five colorful pieces is carved from a single block of European hardwood, so the sections align perfectly with one another. It features non-toxic, water-based stains and measures 6.75" H x 4.5" W. A mini version (MSRP: $15.90) is available also and measures 4" H x 3" W.

Kotobukiya and internet retailer Action Figure Xpress announce an all-new Iron Man Movie Fine Art Bust due out early in 2009.  The exclusive will be limited to just 500 pieces, along with a limited edition two-pack featuring both busts packaged together with a certificate of authenticity. The bust features Iron Man in his Mark II Armor with light up repulsor hand and marquee base. Launch date: 2009.