November 2012 New Specialty Toys — All

Have you heard about the elephant and the dog who became not just unlikely companions, but the best of friends? Or the traveler whose greed for gold lures him straight into the scrawny tiger’s trap? How about the talkative tortoise who can’t keep his mouth closed to save his life? Drawing from three books of best-loved Indian folktales - Hitopadesha Tales, Jataka Tales, and Panchantra Tales - this graphic storybook collection, alive with kid-friendly illustrations, is infused with humor and warmth. Launch date: August 2012.

Bear does not like birthdays. He doesn’t like parties or balloons, cards or candles. In fact, Bear does not like anything to do with birthdays at all. He would much rather spend his birthday alone cleaning his house, but Mouse, small and gray and bright-eyed, has other ideas. With a perfectly paced story by Bonny Becker paired with Kady MacDonald Denton’s slapstick visual comedy, A BIRTHDAY FOR BEAR - previously published as a first reader - welcomes young listeners to the party in a new picture-book format, with all new artwork, ideal for sharing. Launch date: September 2012.

Barack Obama is the first United States President to be born in Hawai‘i, the Aloha State. A President from Hawai‘i - originally distributed exclusively in that state - explores the unique history and cultural traditions of President Obama’s birthplace. In addition to the well-known concept of aloha, it introduces such Hawaiian concepts as kokua (to help), lokahi (unity), and ohana (family), among others, and includes quotes from Barack Obama’s speeches, books, and interviews that reflect and embrace these themes. Launch date: September 2012.

In this award-winning author-illustrator’s witty sequel to the traditional Goldilocks story, Little Bear is all grown up and Goldilocks is a distant memory. One day, Little Bear wanders out of the woods and finds himself lost in the Big City. Will he find the city too noisy? Too quiet? Or just right? And what are the chances of him bumping in to someone who remembers exactly how he likes his porridge? Launch date: August 2012. Launch date: September 2012.

Every child is asked what they would like to be when they grow up, but Lily decides to turn the tables by asking her grandma the same question. What answer will Grandma give? This enchanting book illustrates the touching bond between a grandparent and grandchild. Launch date: September 2012.

Cuddle up for a little comfort and joy featuring everybody’s favorite mouse. As Maisy gets ready for Christmas, little ones can lift flaps and pull tabs to watch her bake and decorate, read her cards, peek at her gifts, and open the door on Christmas morning for a merry surprise. Trimmed in foil and twinkling from beginning to end, Merry Christmas, Maisy captures the joys and simple pleasures of the season. Launch date: September 2012.

Join Nellie and Gus and their family - plus all manner of other families - for a day at the zoo, where they see animal families galore! To top off their day, Nellie and Gus invite friends and relatives for a fun dinner at home. Accessible, humorous, and full of charming illustrations depicting families of many configurations, this engaging story interweaves conversations between the siblings and a matter-of fact text, making it clear to every child that whoever makes up your family, it is perfectly normal - and totally wonderful. Trusted New York Times best-selling author Robie H. Harris continues her series for preschoolers with a look at the many kinds of families that make up our world. Launch date: September 2012.

Why does Maisy keep a Big Box of Everything, filled with glitter, sequins, foil, stickers, paint, brushes, paper, and tons more stuff? Because she loves to make things. Children as young as two will be thrilled to follow her lead, thanks to a brand-new Maisy format featuring both familiar illustrations and photographs by Lucy Cousins. Here are crystal-clear steps for creating seventeen simple crafts, highlighted by photos of the end result. Enjoy making things from painted pebbles to paper lanterns, food collages to feathered masks, and wax-relief paintings to wonderful vegetable animals. As spectacular looking as it is hands-on, here is an activity book sure to please parents as much as it does Maisy’s little fans. Launch date: September 2012.

Because Amelia smiles as she skips down the street, her neighbor Mrs. Higgins smiles too, and decides to send a care package of cookies to her grandson Lionel in Mexico. The cookies give Lionel an idea, and his idea inspires a student, who in turn inspires a ballet troupe in England! And so the good feelings that started with Amelia’s smile make their way around the world, from a goodwill recital in Israel, to an impromptu rumba concert in Paris, to a long-awaited marriage proposal in Italy, to a knitted scarf for a beloved niece back in New York. Putting a unique spin on "what goes around comes around," David Ezra Stein’s charmingly illustrated story reminds us that adding even a small dose of kindness into the world is sure to spur more and more kindness. Launch date: September 2012.

It’s chaos! It’s pandemonium! And it’s definitely not as easy as A-B-C! Filled with visually humorous details, Bob Kolar’s colorful illustrations are the perfect foil for Alethea Kontis’s snappy story about the comic confusion that comes when the letters of the alphabet, like a class of unruly children, step out of order and show that each one has a mind of its own. Launch date: September 2012.

Tonight Maisy and her friends are playing in a band. Pull the tabs to see Maisy play drums (rat-a-tat-tat), Charlie play bass (tum-te-tum! tum-te-tum!), and Tallulah tickle the ivories (plinkety-plonk). Sound words fill this joyful, exuberant read-aloud, giving little listeners a taste of onomatopoeia as more friends rehearse their root-a-toots and tings. The excitement builds up to a final pop-up stage show starring Maisy and all of her pals. Maisy and her friends love music - and so do her fans. Interactive pull tabs and a 3D stage scene make this Maisy presentation boogie-woogie. Launch date: September 2012.

Budding geographers will love to immerse themselves in this fun, bright, fact-packed first atlas with lots of detailed illustrations. Each continent has its own spread, with pop-ups, flaps, booklets, and sturdy pull-tabs introducing the world’s countries, inhabitants, and famous landmarks. Launch date: September 2012.

Moshi love to dress up and love to be seen. At first glance, all Moshi look the same - but look again, and you’ll see they’re all different. In these activity books, help Strawberry Moshi and her friends do puzzles and activities like: search and find coloring, spot the difference, mazes, connect the dots, design your own Moshi, and a page of more than twenty stickers. Launch date: August 2012.

Moshi love to dress up and love to be seen. At first glance, all Moshi look the same - but look again, and you’ll see they’re all different. In these activity books, help Strawberry Moshi and her friends do puzzles and activities like: search and find coloring, spot the difference, mazes, connect the dots, design your own Moshi, and a page of more than twenty stickers. Launch date: September 2012.

First read this beautifully detailed pop-up book, then unfold it to transform it into a 3D farmyard landscape playmat, with stand-up cardboard animals and a tractor that kids can move all around the farm. A unique novelty book that folds away again in its own box. Launch date: September 2012.

Prepare to find: A striking new jacketed cover, an original poster on the underside of the jacket, a spot-the-difference game between the jacket and the self-cover designs, a gatefold with a new visual checklist on every spread, a never-before-seen section of artwork revealed on every spread, and new things to search for. Launch date: September 2012.

Jane Ray’s layered cut-paper artwork elegantly retells the time-honored tale of a scullery maid turned royalty. Six meticulously detailed tableaux include a shabby kitchen, a gorgeous nightscape in a magical garden, and a sparkling ballroom filled with nobles, as well as Cinderella’s iconic gilded pumpkin coach. Side panels unfold to reveal the story’s text and evoke an evening at the theater. Little girls who dream of fairy godmothers will adore this unique portrayal of the world’s most famous princess - no glass slippers required. Launch date: September 2012.

48 sturdy game pieces depict Noah and a boatload of colorful animals waiting for kids to match them with their mate. Our keepsake reusable container is TWO toys in one - doubling as a kaleidoscope when empty. Pieces 2 1/4" round. Recommended Ages 3+. Launch date: September 2012.

Noah and his bubbly aquatic friends (16 pieces) will transform your tub into an enchanting water wonderland - and once your child's adventure has come to a happy end, drying and storage is a breeze with the included suction cup mesh bag. Pieces 3" to 6". Recommended Ages 3+. Launch date: September 2012.

Place the cubes on the boards to create 3-D snakes that will keep you rattling for hours. Follow the clues on the challenge boards, and place the cubes accordingly Develops 3-D logical and spatial vision. Launch date: May 2012.

The moment a card is drawn,quickly imitate the card hands pattern. The last one is the loser. Be aware of any illogical hand combinations. Can be played by up to 8 players...or even more. Launch date: February 2012.

Developed under the guidance of a wide range of doctors, teachers and child development specialists, and approved by babies and parents of all ages, Baby Blanket Music takes songs from parents' favorite artists and arranges them just right so that now they can be babies' favorites too.  Albums feature songs made famous by The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Michael Jackson, John Mayer, Garth Brooks, Simon & Garfunkel and more. Launch date: April 2012.

The other car re-engineered by Carroll Shelby, powered by a Ford V-8 with a stellar racing record. Fans of the TV spy-comedy series "Get Smart" will fondly recognize Maxwell Smart's ride of choice. Launch date: October 2012.

In 1966, legendary racer John Fitch had lofty goals for his Fitch Sprint, a European-influenced GT car based on Chevrolet's Corvair. Hand-signed by legendary racer, constructor and safety advocate John Fitch. Launch date: July 2012.