April 2012 New Specialty Toys — All

Vanessa's sister, Virginia, is in a "wolfish" mood — growling, howling and acting very strange. It's a funk so fierce, the whole household feels topsy-turvy. Vanessa tries everything she can think of to cheer her up, but nothing seems to work. Then Virginia tells Vanessa about an imaginary, perfect place called Bloomsberry. Armed with an idea, Vanessa begins to paint Bloomsberry on the bedroom walls, transforming them into a beautiful garden complete with a ladder and swing "so that what was down could climb up." Before long, Virginia, too, has picked up a brush and undergoes a surprising transformation of her own. Loosely based on the relationship between author Virginia Woolf and her sister, painter Vanessa Bell, Virginia Wolf is an uplifting story for readers of all ages. Launch date: Spring 2012.

No one believes Larf exists, and he likes it that way. Larf, you see, is a sasquatch, the only sasquatch in the world (or so it seems). He has a very pleasant, and very private, life in the woods, where on any given day he might be found jogging, gardening or walking Eric, his pet bunny. But everything changes one morning when Larf discovers that another sasquatch is scheduled to make an appearance in the nearby city of Hunderfitz. What?! That must mean he's not the only sasquatch in the world! Excited by the prospect of having a friend to share hair grooming tips with (and let's face it, teeter-tottering alone is no fun), Larf disguises himself as a city slicker and heads for Hunderfitz — where he's in for a couple enormous surprises. Ashley Spires once again shows her chops for creating irresistible, quirky characters and laugh-aloud stories and illustrations. Readers with little feet and big feet will fall head over heels for Larf. Launch date: Spring 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

This kid-friendly exploration of faith provides a superb overview of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. Young readers will learn about different aspects of each religion, including historical origins and beliefs, holy texts, religious clothing and places of worship. They will also find out about the values, customs and symbols all five religions share, such as the golden rule, charity, prayer and candles. Straightforward, simple text makes the content interesting and accessible, as do the vivid photos of children around the world. Parents and teachers will find Faith an invaluable tool for teaching youngsters tolerance and respect for people of different beliefs. Launch date: Spring 2012.

When Shaina finds a magnificent hen, she knows that Izzy Pippik, the hen's owner, is sure to return for her. In the meantime, Shaina decides she will care for the animal. But when dozens of eggs hatch and rowdy chickens scatter throughout the village, Shaina must fight the entire town if she has any hope of protecting the birds. Inspired by Jewish and Islamic traditional texts, this is a beautiful tale about doing the right thing, even in the face of adversity. Launch date: Spring 2012.

One-eyed alien Frazzle recounts his flying adventures in a new journal (in alien vernacular, of course). He bighearts his little Model 7, but as time passes, it starts making strange sounds, and Frazzle — pressured by friends and co-workers — wonders if he should trade it in. One day, when it goes CLUNK in the middle of the flyway, it's clear something must be done. Youngsters will love the out-of-this-world illustrations depicting worlds rife with all manner of alien life. Even more irresistible: an unexpected ending sure to delight careful readers. Launch date: Spring 2012.

Armed with Get Outside, a kid will never say, "I'm bored!" again. This book is a key to the world of fun beyond the front door. Activities are divided into four categories (Nature Lover, Outdoor Fun and Games, Cozy Inside and Look to the Sky), where readers will find instructions for making things like sundials, bird feeders and kites, as well as rules for games such as 500 Up, Spud and Shinny. Accompanying these descriptions are fun facts and scientific, historic and cultural context. The passage on playing jacks, for example, includes a sidebar about a similar game played by the ancient Greeks. Children in Northern climes will love learning to play traditional First Nations winter games and be thrilled to find out how to create a backyard ice rink. It's a wealth of fun and fascination that will captivate any young person — who won't mind ditching the video game for the great outdoors. Launch date: Spring 2012.

Brand new in the Green Start series, made from 98% post consumer recycled materials and printed with eco friendly inks, this extension brings earth-friendly messages and all natural materials to the joy of creating beautiful floor puzzles. Packaged in a reusable totebox, each of these floor puzzles reveals a unique, endearing scene that kids will love to build. A bright and bold shape parade contains seven basic shape pieces with fun patterned designs. Pieces are self-correcting and can fit only into one spot. Names of shapes are printed under each piece. Launch date: April 2012.

Brand new Earth-friendly green start chunky wooden puzzles are made with wood from sustainable forests and packaged in a reusable carry-along storage case. Created with the help of child-development experts, these puzzles have chunky, raised pieces to support basic grasping skills, combined with slight gradations of cognitive challenge. A fun double-decker bus contains six square windows of the same size and shape that can fit into any of the spots but need to be rotated so the animals face right side up. Border of each piece matches color inside well. Launch date: April 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— In a February 2013 survey, two out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that puzzles were their best selling wooden toy.

Kids can just tear, stick, and wear. Create unique duct tape fashions using the fluorescent and animal print tape and easy templates included in this fun Alex kit. Get all "duct" out in colourful rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, headbands, brooches, belts and more. Includes 8 rolls of duct tape (2.74 metres each) and other items needed.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Deran Muckjian, owner of Catch a Falling Star in Lexington, Mass., told TDmonthly that "anything Alex releases that has to do with duct tape" becomes a best seller at his store.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that duct tape kits from ALEX were their best selling hobby item.
— In a December 2012 survey about bestselling toys, four out of 12 retailers said that Duct tape kits from Alex were their bestselling Arts & Crafts toy.

Gloria is very sociable and loves being the center of attention. Norma loves playing in the snow with her brother and sister. Elijah loves to go swimming and dancing, especially tap dancing. Calico Critters are posable, with jointed arms and legs, and heads that turn. All Critters come with high quality clothing, that is removable.

Penelope loves being outside and riding her tricycle. Peter is a fantastic brother and is always looking after his sisters. Patricia can spend the whole day playing in the baby sandbox. Calico Critters are poseable, with jointed arms and legs, and heads that turn. All Critters come with high quality clothing, that is removable.

Where to buy:
NORTH WEST

This nine-block puzzle challenges kids to re-create six familiar animals. But it's not always a 3x3 square shape: the giraffe puzzle is tall; the alligator is long.

Part puzzle, part stacker. These rainbow curves create a colorful fan of feathers when sorted from smallest to largest.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

What could be better than a stack of pancakes for breakfast? Sliced strawberries and maple syrup add the finishing touches. "Combination of felt and wood with silk screen printed details on the strawberries. Nutrition facts on the back of the pancake box suggest playing with this Hape toy boosts the imagination," Robin Lehnert, Marketing Manager for Hape North America, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2012 Finalist for ASTRA Best Toys for Kids

Little builders with big ideas can work right at this professional-looking station. Shelves and storage keep all the tools and supplies in the 38 piece set within easy reach. Includes an "adjustable height counter that grows with a child," Robin Lehnert, Marketing Manager for Hape North America, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Watch how quickly this bamboo forest grows. Kids take turns planting it by putting the colored bamboo rings on the shoots to connect four rings of the same color. They want to connect their rings, but they need to block their opponent at the same time. Quattro is a strategy game.

Our super friendly moose has shed his antlers. Players help him regrow new ones by adding one branch at a time. Be careful! If he tips over, they'll have to begin again. Super Moose is a building and balancing game that requires a steady hand. It can be played solo, by a group, or one-on-one.

Create a transportation-themed mosaic using magnetic geometric shapes. Arrange-and re-arrange-these vibrantly colored wooden pieces on the lap-sized magnetic board. A carrying handle specially sized for small hands makes it easy for kids to take this toy wherever they go.

Children can create animal themed mosaics using magnetic geometric shapes. Arrange-and re-arrange-these vibrantly colored wooden pieces on the lap-sized magnetic board. A carrying handle specially sized for small hands makes it easy for kids to take this toy wherever they go.

Maxville- A new wooden activity cube with a turning base. Every side has a fun activity. Try gears, move mounted cars on a track, play with a mirror, push beads along a maze and much more. Bright colors whimsical graphics. Easily spins on its turntable. Part of the mix 'n max line of baby toys.

Can kids fit all the numbers back in? First, spill the ten digits (0-9) from the box and give them a scramble. Then, place the pieces back in the box so that the lid closes flat. There are over 4000 possible solutions.
Awards: 2011 Parents’ Choice Awards - Recommended

New fun and colorful GEOMAG set lets kids build and put into motion. Build a spinning top, and put it into motion. Set makes two spinning tops. All components are manufactured to stringent European and American safety standards. GEOMAG E-Motion Power Spin 24 pc Includes: 8 magnetic rods; 8 Non-magnetic steel spheres; 2 performance tips; 1 triangle panel; 1 pentagon panel; 2 graphic discs; 1 triangle pro panel; 1 pentagon pro panel.

Les Jolis pas Beaux' (literally translated as 'The Pretty Uglies'!) are a range of quirky soft toys made from an eclectic mix of French fabrics by Moulin Roty. The cuddly little duck measures about 8in tall.

Julius dog comforter from the Grande Famille range of soft toys by Moulin Roty. A perfect, snuggly first toy which comes in a lovely gift box. Measures 13 in, machine washable and suitable from birth.