November 2007 New Toys — All

Curious George Jack in the Box by BEST OF BEST

A Jack in the Box is a great addition to a child’s toy chest. It’s sure to bring a smile to the child’s face. Curious George™ Jack in the Box is a little over 5” tall, has a plush puppet and plays "Pop Goes the Weasel". Ages 18 months and up. 9/25/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magnetic Tangoes® Jr. by BEST OF BEST

Magnetic Tangoes® Jr. brings the fun, creativity and problem-solving challenges of Tangoes® to a unique toy designed specifically for kids. With a large playing surface, seven magnetic puzzle pieces and recognizable puzzles, children can create 11 classic tangram images. Each double-sided puzzle card has two levels: on Level 1, the individual geometric shapes that comprise the image are identified; the same image appears on Level 2, but only as a silhouette--making it more challenging as the child gets older. All seven puzzles pieces store in the side drawer and all 12 puzzle cards store beneath the playing surface. Tangoes® Jr. features an integrated carry handle, making it great for on-the-go fun. 9/25/2007 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bella Sara™ Ancient Lights by BEST OF BEST

Collect your favorite Bella Sara™ horses and play fun card games with your friends! Ancient Lights released October 2007 is the latest Bella Sara expansion. New horses, including Nike, Venus, Juno and Athena, join Bella, Jewel and Fiona to encourage imagination and positive traits such as courage and kindness. 9/25/2007 (Price: $2.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Grow A Frog™ by BEST OF BEST

Watch the incredible metamorphous from tadpole to adult frog. Grow A Frog™ includes aquarium, growth food, pet handbook and certificate. Just mail in the certificate and a live tadpole will be sent directly to you! Ages 6 and up.
— “I often have to point the kits out, as [kids] are transfixed by the aquarium,” Richard Stoecklein, owner of The Toy Factory in Jacksonville, Fla., said in summer 2008 of the live Grow-A-Frog display he has kept on his counter for many years. 
— Five percent of 64 retailers said in August 2008 that Grow-A-Frog is a top-selling science and nature item. 9/25/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ruckus by BEST OF BEST

Accumulating sets is the aim of the game. . . It's holding onto them that's the trick! Taking an opponent's set is easy, just place a matching card from your hand on top and slide the captured set in front of you. But beware! With players matching and stealing sets faster than you can say "Ruckus," fortunes change quickly. 9/25/2007 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Game by BEST OF BEST

Based on Eric Carle's best-selling book, in this game children go on a journey of learning and transformation, seeing their caterpillar develop from an egg to a beautiful butterfly. Children practice their fine motor, counting and color recognition skills as their caterpillar game pieces eat their way across the board. 9/25/2007 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Quickbuild Playscale Townhouse by HOUSEWORKS LTD.

Designed for 11.5" fashion dolls, this completely finished kit includes 3/8" MDF exterior walls with clapboard finish. Only a screwdriver and white glue are required for assembly, and simple instructions are included. The exterior and interior are completely finished with paint, stain and wallpaper. There are two closets with rods. Measurements are 26" W x 52" H x 22"D (includes railing on top). Sales Manager Nancy Van Horn of Houseworks pointed out “the sturdy quality of the construction of the house. [It’s] something to cherish as an heirloom,” she said. 9/25/2007 (Price: $479.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Quickbuild Classic Colonial by HOUSEWORKS LTD.

This convenient and affordable quickbuild is a completely finished kit. Only a screwdriver and white glue are required for assembly, and simple instructions are included. The interior and exterior, featuring 3/8" MDF with clapboard finish, are completely finished with paint, stain, wallpaper, roof shingles, shutters and window boxes. The product measures 23.75" W x 31.25" H x 15.5"D. “It is more affordable when you can assemble the finished kit yourself. It takes approximately two hours to assemble [using] the simple instructions included,” Sales Manager Nancy Van Horn of Houseworks told TDmonthly. 9/25/2007 (Price: $259.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Finished Vermont Farmhouse Jr. by HOUSEWORKS LTD.

This dollhouse is cmpletely finished, assembled and ready to furnish. It features 3/8" MDF exterior walls with milled clapboard. The floors are stained hardwood, and it includes painted doors, stairways and baseboards, painted or wallpapered interior walls, a stained wooden shingle roof, working doors, shutters, and painted trim and exterior. Everything in the photo is included. The house measures 24-3/16" W x 29-7/8"H x 17-1/8" D. “The dollhouse is ready to be given as a gift with no work involved,” Sales Manager Nancy Van Horn of Houseworks told TDmonthly. 9/25/2007 (Price: $399.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Six-Arm Crystal Chandelier by HOUSEWORKS LTD.

This antique chandelier is made of brass with an aged metallic finish and accented with perfectly scaled Austrian crystals and all-in-one screw-base candlebody bulbs. It includes a 2" chain and comes with a plug for 12 volt systems and two replacement bulbs. The chandelier measures 2.5" W x 2.5" H. “The one characteristic that sets this product apart from similar products is the aged finish that gives it an antique look instead of shiny brass,” Sales Manager Nancy Van Horn of Houseworks told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007. 9/25/2007 (Price: $195.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Custom Bedding for Boys by ETHNIC INSPIRATIONS BY MARSHAE, LLC

Inspire your son by filling his room with all the Boy’s at Play bedding products which include a pillow case, throw pillow, bed skirt and valance. All products are custom printed on 100% cotton fabric and hand-made by our custom workroom. Also available in other designs. 9/25/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Custom Bedding for Girls by ETHNIC INSPIRATIONS BY MARSHAE, LLC

Accentuate your daughter’s room with all the lovely bedding products which include pillow cases, throw pillows, bed skirts and valances created from any of our wonderful designs. All products are custom printed on 100% cotton fabric and hand-made by our custom workroom. Shown here is the Ballerina Dress Rehearsal collection. Also available in other designs. 9/25/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BabyFirstTV 6-DVD Collection, Volume 1 by BabyFirstTV

Suitable for ages 6 months to 3 years, BabyFirstTV, the nation's only 24/7 channel dedicated to babies and their parents, now offers its award-winning programming on DVD. The line of developmental DVDs features content specifically tailored to meet the needs of infants and toddlers. It is created by leading child development experts, features on-screen parenting tips and a unique 3-step introduction method to topics, and is available in English and Spanish. The six-DVD collection includes Vocabulary Seeds, Numerical Concepts, Cognitive Beginnings, Night Symphony, Visual Inspirations and Social Explorations. “The BabyFirstTV DVD line is ideal for the specialty toy market since the products are not currently offered in mass retail outlets,” Marketing Director Kristin Feltz of BabyFirstTV told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 1, 2007. ( Watch Video) 9/25/2007 (Price: $69.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Suzi Shelton Live at Southpaw by SUZIMUSIC LLC

This DVD features kindie-rock artist Suzi Shelton live in concert at Brooklyn’s Southpaw nightclub. It showcases ten original Shelton songs, including “Goin’ on a Road Trip” and “So Long Chocolate Cake,” plus special interviews with Suzi and The Gumdrops. “This DVD gives kids and parents the next best thing to a live concert with Suzi Shelton, an up-and-coming family recording artist,” Beth Blenz-Clucas of Sugar Mountain PR told TDmonthly. This product is a National Parenting Publications of America Gold Award winner. Launch date: September 2007. 9/25/2007 (Price: $20.00)

Zoobie™ Pets – Mashaka the Monkey by ZOOBIES

Part of the Safari Collection of Zoobie™ Pets, Mashaka the Monkey is a plush animal, pillow and blanket all in one. It wears a light-blue collar, and the blanket is detachable for washing convenience. The Zoobie Pets Safari Line was included on the ASTRA "Best-for-Kids" toy list for Holiday 2007 and received a Best Bet 2007 Award from the Canadian Toy Testing Council. Launch date: February 2007.
— Zoobie Pets' innovative three-in-one design has captured the attention of numerous retailers at trade shows this year, also garnering a TDmonthly Top Toy 2007 award. In addition to featuring soft, quality materials, the Zoobie Pet’s identity as a stuffed animal, pillow and blanket is executed extremely well, leaving great possibilities for travel and growth with any child.
— The new Zoobies were doing well for Brandy Lindstrom, manager of Little Blue Choo Choo in Scottsdale Ariz. in fall 2007.
—  As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Two customers said they wished they had bought the larger size, because the "baby" size was smaller than they had expected.

Where to Buy: Kazoo Toys; Poopsie's ( Watch Video) 9/25/2007 (Price: $30.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

FOZEX Dig it Up! Excavation Kit Tyrannosaurus Rex by NEAR NATURE CORPORATION

This kit includes a paleontological buried fossil and a full set of excavation tools including a mallet, a flat chisel, a point chisel, a brush and a sponge. “Dit It Up! excavation game is the only digging play-type dinosaur game that uses stone powder. Our dinosaur fossil is three times stronger than competitor's products. This makes Dig It Up! the only digging excavation game that could make layers simulating real paleontologist's action. The powdered gypsum that we use is toxic proof. We also use no lead material,” President Tony Sangvacharakul of Near Nature Corporation told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 24, 2007. 9/25/2007 (Price: $19.95)

Emily Mini Crib by MILLION DOLLAR BABY

Born from the company’s best-selling Emily Crib, the Emily Mini Crib was created to meet the budget of a growing family aimed at conserving space. It was also designed as a complementary piece to any nursery. The crib comes with a pad and has four-level mattress support. The crib “converts to a twin bed with bed rail kit M4799 (sold separately). [It is] available in Ebony, Amber, Cherry, Natural, Coffee, Oak and White colors. It meets and exceeds all U.S. safety standards,” Regina Diaz of Million Dollar Baby told TDmonthly. 9/25/2007 (Price: $150.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Dog Book by THE LISALEE COMPANY LLC

This 20-page album makes a perfect gift for dog owners and includes fun pages such as “Paws-itively,” “Bath Time” and more. “The albums are unique because they make scrapbooking easy for anyone,” CEO Lisa Lee of The LisaLee Company told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2007. 9/25/2007 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Wedding Book by THE LISALEE COMPANY LLC

This keepsake book helps a bride celebrate and treasure her most important day. It features a mother-of-pearl leatherette cover and 20 sophisticated pages, including those that honor the bride, groom, family, friends, best man and maid of honor. Launch date: July 2007. 9/25/2007 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pssst! by HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT

In this comical graphic picture book by Adam Rex, a little girl’s visit to the zoo reveals that the animals there want some crazy things — tires, bicycle helmets, paint and corn, to name a few. “Adam Rex is a rising young talent whose most recent book was “Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich,” a New York Times bestseller. His inventive and comic illustrations appeal to adults and children alike,” Associate Director of Publicity Barbara Fisch told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2007. 9/25/2007 (Price: $16.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Superior Sun Star Platinum – Mercedes-Benz W115 Strick 8 Hard Top with Sunroof by TOY WONDERS INC.

This 1:18-scale, red die-cast collectible model car is 10" long and has a hood, doors, sunroof and trunk that open. It is individually packed in a window box measuring 14.75" L x 6.8" W x 6" H. A case includes six pieces. Launch date: September 10, 2007. 9/25/2007 (Price: $56.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

RC2 Brands ERTL – John Deere "G" Farm Tractor (1:16, Green) 15782 by TOY WONDERS INC.

This 1:16-scale, green die-cast collectible tractor measures about 8.75" long and is individually packed in a box measuring 10.75" L x 6.5" W x 6.25" H. A case pack includes four pieces. Launch date: September 10, 2007.
— Ray Goodhart, of Ages & Stages Toy Box in Golden, Colo., told TDmonthly that RC2 Brands die-cast vehicles are a best-seller in his store.
— Three of 55 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in May 2008 named tractors as a best-seller in the die-cast vehicles category.
— In May 2008, two retailers singled out RC2 as the maker of their stores’ best-selling die-cast vehicle. 9/25/2007 (Price: $116.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

RC2 Brands ERTL Elite – Plymouth Road Runner Hard Top by TOY WONDERS INC.

This 1971 purple muscle car is a 1:18-scale die-cast collectible that measures 11” L x 4.25” W x 2.75” H. It has a hood, doors and trunk that open plus steerable front wheels and a detailed interior and chassis. This model is a limited edition of 1254 pieces. It comes in a window box that measures 13.75" L x 6.25" Wx 6" H. A case pack includes six pieces. Launch date: September 10, 2007. 9/25/2007 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bibs and Aprons by VITAMINA BEBE

Ideal for ages 6 months to 3 years, these luxuriously soft bibs and aprons are very absorbent and waterproof in order to protect clothing. They provide more coverage than the average bib by protecting the shoulders and sides. They come in six unique colors with six original and fun designs. 9/25/2007 (Price: $18.00)

10 Days in Asia by OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING

This game takes two to four players on a trip around Asia, by train, airplane, ship or on foot. Participants chart their course with destination and transportation tiles as they attempt to outmaneuver their opponents. Play takes 20 to 30 minutes, and the game contents include 57 destination tiles, 22 transportation tiles, eight tile holders, a map game board and full-color rules.
“[You] learn geography without feeling like you are learning geography!” Matt Mariani, director of marketing for Out of the Box Games, told TDmonthly. 9/25/2007 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]