March 2010 New Specialty Toys — Books

Developed by Del Visionaries, the Little Green Money Machine is a gateway learning system designed to teach children lifelong skills, in addition to building confidence and self esteem. The book and storefront stand can be used at home, in the classroom, and with youth groups and fundraising projects. This system teaches children about money management and business, and lays the foundation to learn about entrepreneurship. The interactive book, "The Little Green Money Machine: Kids in Business Around the World," offers content, ideas and exercises to give children ages 7 to 14 the tools and know-how to run a business, set goals, and pursue their dreams. The storefront is an all-purpose business stand where children can set up actual business ventures and fundraisers and apply what they have learned in the book. It includes adjustable-height upright posts, five magnetic and dry erase banner areas for marketing and increased visibility, built-in cupholders, a built-in money tray with lock and key, a solar-powered calculator, and a storage area for marketing materials, such as brochures, fliers and business cards.

The award-winning Joe Rock and Friends interactive stories are now available on iPhone and iPod Touch. Featuring two languages (English and Spanish), original fun songs, 3D graphics, instant switching between languages, optional narration, and word tracking, these stories can provide a great reading experience for emerging readers (ages 3-8) and a great tool for language learners. "The multi-language features ... allow instant switching of any page between the two languages," Allan Crossley, CEO, BoggleNoggin Media Inc., told TDmonthly. Awards: 2008 Outstanding Product - iParenting Media Awards, Preferred Choice Award - Creative Child Magazine, June 2008, Editor's Choice Award - Children's Technology Review, June 2008 & Dec 2006, Recommended - Parent's Choice FOundation, March 2008. Launch date: September 2009.

Baltazar has always enjoyed hearing pirate stories from his grandpa. But did the boy know he was related to the legendary scaliwag Greybeard? The Captain of the infamous Corsairs does, so Redlocks travels to recruit young Baltazar and to locate long lost treasure. But now the amusement park "Treasure Island" sits atop their buried booty! Can a young adventurer successfully lead a motley crew that includes Long John Silver, Hook, and Black Bart through this fantasy land? Take a wild ride with pirates galore to discover where X marks the spot! "This storybook combines the timeless appeal of pirates and amusement parks, which make it ideal for kids who like Pirates of the Caribbean, Pirate Legos and the Cartoon Network TV series Chowder," Amy Ma of Immedium told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

Caillou’s parents go out, and Lisa comes to babysit. Caillou feels abandoned, but Lisa helps him overcome his distress. Ideal for little hands, this book has a padded cover and plasticized pages. Also in the series are "Potty Time" (best seller) and "Caillou Says No!" "Written with input from child psychologists, the Hand in Hand book series help children understand the new situations and feelings they are experiencing. By encouraging youngsters to identify with Caillou and using this series as a catalyst for communication, parents can defuse situations that might otherwise cause conflict in family life," Anne Paradis of Chouette Publishing told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009.

This album unveils tender moments from Caillou’s first year. But once parents insert their own children’s photos behind the flaps, it becomes a lift-the-flap album where children discover their own story. Launch date: September 15, 2009.

The children of the forest live deep in the roots of an old pine tree. They collect wild mushrooms and blueberries and shelter under toadstools when it rains. They play with the squirrels and frogs, and when autumn comes, they collect and prepare food to see them through the long winter, until the warm spring breeze starts to blow.. Written and illustrated by Elsa Beskow, whose  picture books for children have been known and loved for over a century.

In this 32-page hardcover, Fancy Nancy and her Explorers' Club, which includes friend Bree, take a rather fancy look at the outdoors. They explore butterflies, flowers, trees, birds and more. The book is written by Jane O'Conner and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Launch date: March 31, 2009.
— Five of 44 specialty retailers referenced the "Fancy Nancy" series when discussing best-selling books in late 2009.
— In a December 2011 survey about books, 3 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Fancy Nancy books were their best sellers. Maryalice Miner, co-owner of Miner's Doll & Toy Store in Ocean Springs, Miss., told TDmonthly that, "The Fancy Nancy books have been really big." They sell a half dozen copies or more each month.

This 48-page paperback written by H.A. Rey tells how little Curious George aids a boy with his paper delivery route and causes quite a bit of trouble. Launch date: August 31, 1973.
— Two of 44 specialty retailers name "Curious George" when asked about best-selling books in late 2009, referencing a trend toward classic titles.

This book of goofy ideas and pranks includes a discussion of wedgies as well as instructions on sliding down a banister and how to send someone a toiletgram. It received a National Parenting Publications Honors Award.
— Two of 44 retailers mentioned this title when asked about best-selling books in late 2009. Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., told TDmonthly her store sells about four per week of both Volumes 1 and 2.
— "We sell Klutz all day long," said Erika Evers of Dancing Bear Toys in Hendersonville, N.C., citing sales of eight Klutz books per day. "We tend to order different ones every time."

This book full of all things pink focuses on a girl who turn pink herself after eating too many cupcakes! It also teaches that it's best just to be yourself. Launch date: May 23, 2006.
— Two of 44 specialty retailers referenced the Pinkalicious series when discussing best-selling books in late 2009. "Those are good ones," Kristen Pollard of Mud Puddle Toys in Marblehead, Mass., told TDmonthly.
— In a December 2011 survey about books, three out of 12 retailers said Pinkalicious was one of their best selling titles.

This 32-page hardcover tells the classic story of the caterpillar who eats, eats and eats, and then transforms into a lovely butterfly. Launch date: October 15, 1981.
— Two of 44 specialty retailers named this as one of their best-selling books in late 2009.
— As of 8.12.10, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 17 reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 21 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Engaging, interactive and easy for children to understand.

This 40-page hardcover tells the story of how Llama is frightened going to his first day of preschool, and wonders if Mama Llama will come back. The other kids, though, show Llama that school can be fun. Launch date: March 19, 2009.
— "What is doing well is the 'Llama Llama' books by Anna Dewdney," Rebecca Goblish, co-owner of Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Ga., told TDmonthly when discussing best-selling titles in late 2009. She added that her store sells about a dozen "Llama Llama" books per month, with a plush llama
— Two of 44 specialty retailers commented on the popularity of this book series in fall 2009.

Part of the "Good Night Our World" series for babies and young children, this 6" x 6" board book explores the sights of Atlanta, Ga., including the zoo, Georgia peaches, Piedmont Park, the Atlanta History Center and much more. The 32-page book has rounded corners. It is written by Adam Gamble and illustrated by Joe Veno.
— Two of 44 specialty retailers mentioned titles from this series when discussing with TDmonthly best-selling books in late 2009.

This hardcover classic written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak follows the imaginative journey of a little boy named Max who is sent to bed without his dinner.
— Two of 44 specialty retailers named "Where the Wild Things Are" when asked about best-selling books in late 2009. Bill Sartain, co-owner of Tutoring Toy in Salt Lake City, cited sales of about 24 per month.
— Maryalice Miner, co-owner of Miner's Doll & Toy Store in Ocean Springs, Miss., told TDmonthly in a December 2011 survey that this book, along with other evergreen titles, sell well year round.

Written by James Mayhew and illustrated by Jackie Morris, this hardcover book takes readers on a rhyming dreamland adventure complete with flying dragons, whales and singing mermaids.