August 2011 New Specialty Toys — Books

Renowned Cthulhu Mythos aficionado Kenneth Hite retells H P Lovecraft's classic "The Dunwich Horror" in this story of childhood terror, with adorable* illustrations by Andy Hopp. Cliffourd the Big Red God features 32 pages of full-color illustration, and is sure to be a hit with the newest generation of Lovecraft fans and their parents. The third in the Mini Mythos series (after Where the Deep Ones Are and The Antarctic Express). * May not be adorable to all earthly species. Launch date: July 2011.

This whimsically illustrated version of "A Child’s Garden of Verses" by Robert Louis Stevenson is illustrated by Fern Bisel Peat. The collection first appeared in 1885 and has proven popular with children and their parents over the past 100 + years. We were drawn to reprint this version especially, for the appeal and high quality of the illustrations and how well they fit with the poems chosen. The charming art is from the 1930’s. This version is designed specifically with the very young reader in mind, hence the bold and colorful artwork and selective offering of poems. It includes: The Lamplighter, The Land of Counterpane, Bed in Summer, My Shadow, The Swing and more. 16 pages.

The French excel in the arts of daily living. There the coffee cups balance perfectly in one's hand, the loaves of bread jut fetchingly out of stylish grocery bags, and even the trashcans have a certain je ne sais quoi. In Paris one can find an infinitude of delightful stationery products. These are our version of French cahiers. Each notebook's cover is graced with full color vintage art with a French connection. 20 Blank Pages.

Combining a vintage aesthetic with modern party needs, parents can throw a fun, different children's party with the help of this title. The occasions included are New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and, of course, Birthdays. The book features ideas for invitations, decorations for both the rooms and tables, menus and games to play. And though the material that inspired and illustrates Children's Party Book is from the past, the ideas are fresh and stylish and sure to appeal to today's party givers. 32 pages.

Our most popular author, Welleran Poltarnees, is the father of 7 children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren and considers himself an expert on the subject of babies. Hooray for Babies consists of many small sections, each dedicated to one of the many admirable infant qualities, including smiles, playfulness, curiosity, love of simple things and more. Poltarnees, our master of finding the right image for every thought, has reached in many directions for the illustrations, including children’s books, classic painting, and vintage calendars and advertisements. The result is adorable, but not cloying, and would make an ideal shower or new baby gift. 68 pages.

As we approach the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, the amazing story of Philippe Petit’s daring feat walking a tightrope between the world’s tallest buildings is the title tale on a new Scholastic Storybook Treasures release: The Man Who Walked Between the Towers... and More Inspiring Tales . Narrated by Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal, this is an animated adaptation of the lyrical Caldecott Award-winning book by Mordecai Gerstein. Directed and animated by Michael Sporn, with music by Michael Bacon (of the Bacon Brothers). Other stories on this DVD include Miss Rumphius (narrated by Claire Danes); Crow Boy, a small boy who is different from the others and who gains acceptance when he imitates the voices of crows in the school talent show; and The Dinosaurs of Warehouse Hawkins, written by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Brian Selznick and narrated by Jonathan Pryce, the tale of how Warehouse Hawkins built the first life-sized dinosaur model that stunned the world. Launch date: August 30, 2011.

Misty and Stormy are together again along with the book that introduced them to the world. Since the publication of Misty of Chincoteague in 1947, Misty has become one of the most beloved equines in children’s literature. Marguerite Henry’s novel weaves a true story with warmth and imagination. The result is an exciting tale about children’s love for horses and the real wild ponies that still roam Chincoteague Island off the Virginia coast. Includes two model horses. Launch date: July 9, 2009.
— As of 08/22/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews on Amazon.com.
— Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks Toys and Children's Books in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that this item was a best-selling collectible.

Explore the beautiful, historic landmarks, fascinating cultures and musical traditions of Europe with this unique collection of reusable stickers, a fold-out landscape, full-color map and glossary. Launch date: July 2011.

Curious kids will have hours of fun with this captivating sticker collection which features a fold-out African landscape, African animal and instrument glossary and colorful, informative map. Launch date: October 2010.
Awards: 2011 Parents’ Choice Award

Children are invited to explore and color the pastoral countryside, famous landmarks, musical instruments, animals and people of Europe. The coloring book features a monument and musical instrument glossary and a page of European flags to encourage children to learn as they play. Launch date: July 2011.

Children will have fun illustrating the fascinating people, animals and musical instruments of Africa with this oversized, high-quality coloring book. It includes a map of Africa and full-color glossary to help children learn as they color. Launch date: October 2010.

These Puppets have corresponding books, and come in  a unique carrying box. Launch date: 2007.

Old MacDonald had a … pond? Come along with Jo MacDonald and learn about the wild creatures at the farm pond, including fish, frogs and ducks – and a few surprises. This riff on “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” introduces youngsters to the concept of ecosystems. Author Mary Quattlebaum engages little ones with rhythm, repetition, wordplay, and onomatopoeia, while illustrator Laura Bryant charms them with lively watercolors of a pond community. A resource section in the back features both outdoor and indoor activities and games sure to encourage young naturalists at home and school. Jo MacDonald’s pond discoveries closely resemble those that Mary discovered, too, when she grew up in the country with fields, gardens and ponds.

Arrow-shaped footprints lead a young backyard naturalist to a flock of funny-looking birds with big strong feet: Wild Turkeys. Once nearly extinct, these comical critters now gobble their way across North America. Follow Jenny through a year of enchantment as she shares her discovery of these wonderful birds. Gobble, gobble! Jenny wrote a journal, too, with lots of fascinating stuff about a distinctly American bird. Although it once numbered in the millions, wild turkeys nearly disappeared with over-hunting and habitat destruction, but are now making a comeback. The unique illustrations are block prints over collages. The collages are made from cut and torn paper plus all sorts of things from nature – bark, leaves, feathers, even wasp nests. Author Cathryn Falwell also offers tips for children to make their own cut-paper pictures and how to keep a nature journal. Also available in Hard Cover.

Cheery is a frog. He’s a Chiricahua Leopard Frog, to be more precise. Okay, he’s not a frog yet. At the beginning of the story, he’s still a tadpole. Young readers will learn how a tadpole turns into a frog and why some frogs—like Cheery—are dramatically declining in numbers around the world. Author Dr. Elizabeth W. Davidson is a research scientist at Arizona State University where she is working to save these amazing amphibians. Cheery: The true adventures of a Chiricahua Leopard Frog puts the problem in terms that young readers can grasp. The book contains valuable lesson guides for parents and teachers.

This innovative spin on the classic story of "Jack and the Beanstalk" helps build reading confidence and fluency. With Jack, Jack's mother, the giant and the giant's wife, kids can experience the excitement of reading and acting at the same time. The kit includes four masks so kids can put on a real performance.
Awards: Father's Day 2011 Mr. Dad and Great Dad Seals of Approval.

Join Juno and her friends as they take a lyrical journey through the alphabet, learning the letters one by one. Featuring rhymes, colorful images of the Juno characters and an introduction to various musical fundamentals. For every Juno product purchased, the Juno Company donates a music education DVD to a child in need.

Go the F**k to Sleep is a bedtime book for parents who live in the real world, where a few snoozing kitties and cutesy rhymes don't always send a toddler sailing off to dreamland. Profane, affectionate and refreshingly honest, it captures the familiar and unspoken tribulations of putting your child to bed for the night. Colorfully illustrated and hilariously funny, this is a breath of fresh air for parents new, old and expectant*. (*You should probably not read this to your children.)
— As of 06/14/2011 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Humorous; Relatable for parents.  Cons: Some scorned the "juvenile humor;" one review said its concept was "shameful"/"horrifying;" some did not realize it was a parody.

20 large-format bilingual coloring and activity pages printed on heavy art paper and a colorful kid-friendly glossary invite children to discover their artistic talents and explore the diverse cultures, landscapes, animals and musical instruments of Latin America. "The Latin America Coloring Book is bilingual English and Spanish. This aspect along with its beautiful aesthetic sets it apart from other coloring books on the market," Ava Mostefaoui, co-manager of Putamayo Kids, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2011.

It is too hot to sleep indoors, and Ricky wants to sleep outside, in a tent. His parents ask if he is brave enough, and Ricky says "I'm not afraid at all!" But is he really brave enough? This hardcover book follows Ricky on his adventure sleeping outside for the first time. He busies himself with fun activities, but when his flashlight batteries die, he begins to second guess himself. This reassuring story has a silly ending that emphasizes the bond between parent and child, and encourages children to face their fears.

Nina has bad manners. She is rude and talks back to her mother. But one day when she is outside, she discovers the Thankyouplease circus inside a knot on a tree trunk, and everything changes. Using this whimsical story, the author clearly emphasizes the importance of good manners. This hardcover book features detailed, painted illustrations that bring to life the contrast between Nina's humble forest home and the fantastic circus she attends.

Lily and Milo, a bunny and mouse, get ready to go to the beach in this hardcover book, which features thick, toddler-safe pages. Kids follow the pair as they choose what to bring- from bathing suits to food, sun lotion to juice. But by the time they collect everything, will they still want to go to the beach? This book is for children 24 mos. and up, with a focus on the child's world.

This hardcover book with toddler-friendly, thick pages, follows Lily and Milo on their day at the zoo. With a rhyming refrain and detailed, colorful illustrations, there is plenty to keep a toddler's interest while they learn about all the different animals at the zoo.

This board book, ideal for children 24 mos. and up who have a new sibling on the way, focuses on babies across the animal world. From naked baby rodents in a warm nest, to a lamb born with all of its curly hair, the charming paintings illustrate the story John's mom tells him about babies in nature. Eventually, John ends up with a new baby to lean about- his little brother.