November 2007 New Toys — All

Giselle Chocolate Brown w/ Polka Dots by PEDIPED

The American Podiatric Medical Association-approved shoes are designed for active, growing preschoolers and early school-age children. The soft, rubber soles are suitable for running, jumping and playing indoors and outdoors. It features shock-absorbing air cushion technology, as well as an ultra-flexible pedi flex-zone to support natural foot motion. Mary Janes, open-toe sandals and white patent shoes are available for girls, while runners, slip-on sneakers and flip-flops are available for boys. The shoes are available in sizes 6 to 12. Launch date: February 2008. 10/26/2007 (Price: $38.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hannah – Pink Boot by PEDIPED

The American Podiatric Medical Association officially recognizes the shoes as a smart choice for parents. The shoes promote foot health with its 3mm soft cushioned padding, non-slip leather soles, wide toe box and hand-stitching (which provides increased ventilation). The Velcro fasteners also make it easy for the shoe to be put on and to stay on. 10/26/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Samantha – Pink/Brown by PEDIPED

The American Podiatric Medical Association officially recognizes the PediPeds shoes as a smart choice for parents. The shoes promote comfort and natural foot health with its 3mm soft cushioned padding, non-slip leather soles, wide toe box and hand-stitching (which provides increased ventilation). The Velcro fasteners also make it easy for the shoe to be put on and to stay on. 10/26/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Confrontation: The Age of the Rag'narok, Griffin and Wolfen Starter Set by RACKHAM

The starter set contains eight Griffin spearmen, four Wolfen hunters, two heroes, a terrain element, a tape measure, six dice, six profile cards and a poster. The game is one of strategy and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Launch date: November 2007. 10/26/2007 (Price: $75.00)

Titanic by CANDLEWICK PRESS

The book documents the ship’s history, from blueprint to maiden voyage departure. A breathtaking 2-1/2’ 3-D model, six pop-up scenes of the ship’s interior, a deck plan, a first-class ticket, menu cards from the first- and third-class galleys, a mini newspaper with actual reports of the day and much more. Launch date: October 2007. 10/26/2007 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Trains by CANDLEWICK PRESS

The book is full of flaps, pull-tabs, 3-D train models, pop-up models and fun facts about trains. Launch date: October 2006. 10/26/2007 (Price: $17.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BébéSounds® Flat Panel LCD Video & Sound Monitor by BEBESOUNDS

The 5-1/2” color LCD flat screen monitor allows caregivers to see and hear little ones from another room. At only 1-1/4" deep, its slim, lightweight design allows it to be placed, mounted and tilted anywhere, in any direction, for easy viewing. The camera features automatic night vision, dual camera channels to enable viewing two rooms at once, an AV cable that hooks up to televisions, an external antenna for optimal reception and much more. 10/26/2007 (Price: $199.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 – Lei Fang Artfx Statue by KOTOBUKIYA / KOTO INC.

Based on the videogame “Dead or Alive,” this multi-attired martial artist is depicted almost flying out of her inner tube. She wears her “Xtreme Beach Volleyball” outfit, which can be removed to reveal a black bikini set. The 1:6 scale PVC figure sits approximately 6” tall. Launch date: Early 2008. 10/26/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Halo 3: Master Chief Artfx Statue by KOTOBUKIYA / KOTO INC.

Based on the video game Halo, this 12” replica of the armored Mjolnir battle suit is highly detailed. The PVC figure comes with accessories such as a Covenant Energy Sword and dual Magnum handguns for expanded play and posing options. 10/26/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Panda Bear Bean Bag Plush by KIDS PREFERRED INC.

The little beanbag plush sits 7” tall and is modeled after the character in Eric Carle’s book “Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?” A hand puppet version is also available, with an MSRP of $14. 10/26/2007 (Price: $9.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Butterfly Pullstring Musical Toy by KIDS PREFERRED INC.

Based on the book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle, the sunshine face will help babies drift to sleep. The sun’s rays project softly flashing lights, and the butterfly, when pulled, plays a soft lullaby. 10/26/2007 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dado Squares™ by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.

The colorful, 3”-flat plastic squares can be arranged to construct almost any 3-D design. The squares can be put together by even very young children, and can help them develop advanced visual-spatial development and problem-solving skills. The 35 squares can be used to build a design up to three feet high. ( Watch Video) 10/26/2007 (Price: $22.00)

WaterKiD™ by WATERKID INTL.

The infant carrier offers babies and caregivers ease of mind while playing in the water, whether at the pool, at the beach or in the shower. The easy-to-use, hands-free carrier is securely designed for babies and infants weighing between 12 and 25 pounds. The carrier can be adjusted to position the infant in front or on one’s hip. Six different carrier colors are available. 10/26/2007 (Price: $49.95)

Ame-Comi: Batgirl PVC Figure by DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTORS

Part of the DC Direct Ami-Comi Heroine Series, this figure lends a Japanese Manga-style look to DC Comics’ traditional female heroine. The limited edition PVC figure is hand-painted and stands approximately 9” tall. A display base is included. Launch date: January 23, 2008. 10/26/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Welly - Audi A4 Hard Top by TOY WONDERS INC.

The Audi A4 Hard Top car is cast on a 1:34 to 1:39 scale and measures approximately 4-1/2” in length. The die-cast metal car comes with fully functional doors and pull back action. The cars are available in assorted colors. Launch date: October 19, 2007. 10/26/2007 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mail Truck by TOY WONDERS INC.

The postal truck measures approximately 4-1/2” in length and features pull back action. The die-cast metal truck is also designed with a U.S. Postal Service-style slide-away rear door. Launch date: October 19, 2007.
— “The mail vehicles are [our best seller]. … I guess a lot of kids see them,” Tara Friese, assistant manager at Tree Top Toys in Redmond, Wash., told TDmonthly, when asked about die-cast vehicles. “[If] we get 24 in …we'll have them for a week or two and then they're gone.”
— The “postal truck is a strong seller,” Linda Hill, owner of Emerald Isle Toys in Emerald Isle, N.C., told TDmonthly in May 2008, when asked to name the best-selling die-cast vehicle in her store.
— In May 2008, more than 27 percent of 55 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly named a public service vehicle as their best-selling die-cast vehicle. 10/26/2007 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Welly - Jeep Wrangler Convertible by TOY WONDERS INC.

The Jeep Wrangler convertible is cast on a 1:34 to 1:39 scale and measures approximately 4-1/4” in length. The die-cast metal car comes in assorted colors and features pull back action. Launch date: October 19, 2007. 10/26/2007 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Giggles™ by GOLDBERGER DOLL MFG. CO. INC

The 13” soft, huggable doll giggles when her tummy is squeezed. The doll can help babies develop large motor skills, hone their sense of sight, hearing and touch, improve their hand-eye coordination and help them develop a sense of security. The baby doll is filled with non-allergenic polyester and is available in Caucasian and African American varieties. 10/26/2007 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Baby Doll Gift Wraps™ by GOLDBERGER DOLL MFG. CO. INC

The 11” doll has a soft vinyl face and painted eyes. It comes dressed in adorable baby outfits and is packaged in a gift box, with a bow and a gift card. 10/26/2007 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Waterworks™ by GOLDBERGER DOLL MFG. CO. INC

Simply submerging these creatures in water will cause the lights on their body to immediately begin flashing. Each character is individually named and comes with its own unique back story. The toy is both waterproof and water-activated, and features a self shut-off to preserve battery life. Six creatures are available, each packaged in a try-me package that allows consumers to see the light-up effect right on the shelf. Launch date: June 2008. 10/26/2007 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Antarctic Antics… and More Hilarious Animal Stories! by SCHOLASTIC

From the Scholastic Storybook Treasures line, the hour-long, fully animated DVD includes a read-along feature, kid-friendly authoring, catchy tunes and six additional tales. The title tale is a winner of an Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children’s Video and a Notable Video Award from the American Library Association. Launch date: November 20, 2007. 10/26/2007 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

EcoRanch by ENLIGHTENED PLAY

The game is one of strategy, based on inner and social awareness. It celebrates Earth Day every day and invites everyone to think about their choices and actions and the larger community around them. By answering questions and engaging in discussion, players learn how their choices affect the earth and its inhabitants. "[This is] the only game on the market where a player wins by using a 'pay-it-forward' strategy," Elightened Play! Owner Eileen Thournir told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 17, 2008. ( Watch Video) 10/25/2007 (Price: $34.95)

Ball of Whacks by CREATIVE WHACK COMPANY

A marvel of engineering, the Ball of Whacks is made up of 30 magnetic, rhombic pyramids that can be taken apart and rearranged in endless creative ways. More versatile than a puzzle and lots more fun than a brainteaser, there’s no right or wrong way to use it. Just pick it up and play with it! Designed to be a creativity workshop in a box, Ball of Whacks comes with a 96-page illustrated guidebook providing exercises for creative brainstorming, strategies for problem solving, insights into the creative process, and challenges to construct shapes and mosaics and invent new ones. The game is also a good stress reliever for active individuals working under pressure, the manufacturer informed TDmonthly. "This item is immediately engaging and challenging for all ages up to adult, with endless ways to play," said Creative Whack Company Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Operations Kathryn Cooperman. This product received a Spring 2007 Parents' Choice Recommended Award. Launch date: 2006.
— Although this ball comes with an illustrated guidebook, it virtually has no limitations for imaginative combinations. It’s largely the open-ended appeal, in fact, that earned this product a TDmonthly Top Toy 2007 award. Fascinating for kids and adults, the magnetic structure takes on various forms with creativity, forming aesthetically pleasing configurations that lend themselves to further exploration.

Where to Buy: Escapade Direct

( Watch Video) 10/23/2007 (Price: $35.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Niecey Doll and Book Set by JAMBOKIDS COMPANY INC

Niecey, a soft and huggable adventure doll, is all fabric and stands 12" tall. She comes with a soft-cover storybook that gives parents and children an opportunity to bond while helping to build children's attention spans and sharpen their listening skills. In "Niecey’s Surprise Pie," readers witness an entire town’s transformation from grumpy to joyous as Niecey’s Surprise Pie puts a smile on everyone’s face. 10/23/2007 (Price: $29.99)

Luz Doll and Book Set by JAMBOKIDS COMPANY INC

Luz will light up your playtime when you have your own soft doll and adventure storybook. The all-fabric doll is 12 inches tall, and is just right for ages 3 and up. The name Luz means light, and the visual arts play a significant role in her life. Make friends with Luz as she learns to express herself through art, and explores its great power to transform a person who appreciates it.

In Luz and Little Butterfly, ancient artifacts and stunning visual images magically come alive in her first adventure, which takes her back in time to visit an ancient Maya civilization, where she develops a deep love and appreciation for the art of weaving. 10/23/2007 (Price: $29.99)