October 2009 New Specialty Toys — Play Sets

Bright green, friendly-faced, flocked frogs make up the Bullrush Frog siblings who live in International Playthings’ fanciful world called Cloverleaf Corners. Brother Algernon and sister Lily live in the swamp and have many friends in Cloverleaf Corners. The Bullrush Frogs integrate with an extensive line of houses, accessories and other character figures.
— Out of 49 retailers interviewed in July 2009, two told TDmonthly Calico Critters are a favorite collectible in their stores.

Kids can play the real heroes while coordinating a rescue effort with this playset from Playmobil. The detailed face of the burning building has a balcony on it for one of the included firemen to climb his tall ladder to while another hooks up the hose to the fire hydrant. Four figures are included with lots of pieces to inspire the imagination.
― “As far as toy figures go, our Playmobil products sell well,” Kim Emigh, VP of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly in July 2009.
― “It all sells so well,” remarked Sarah Green, manager of Kids at Heart in Portland, Ore., of Playmobil during a summer 2009 survey of best-selling action figures.

Kids simply remove the top and unzip this storage bin to reveal a mat designed for play and themed for LEGO City sets. Launch date: Fall 2009.

Fairies and elves can take a ride in this delicate-looking petal boat edged with floral decoration and a robust sail. Launch date: September 2009.

The Parking Garage has three floors of parking space, a working elevator tower, attendant's booth and helipad. The set also includes a figure, car, gas station and car wash. It measures 19.3" x 13.8" x 13".

This 6" plush castle with a front door that opens from the top includes prince and princess finger puppets as well as a dragon and a white unicorn with sound effects.