February 2013 Notable Toys — Infant & Toddler

Stephanie Graegin, the artist behind eeBoo's popular "Animal Village" graphics, has lent her talents to eeBoo's new Animal Tot Tower. Each side of the light, stackable blocks features a different illustration: the face of an animal, a rhyme, and the number that corresponds to the block's place in the stacking sequence. For instance, the largest block features the number 10, an elephant decked out in a spiffy orange hat and pink dress, and the following rhyme: "The elephant is loyal, wise / And also packed with power. / And when she wants to take a bath, / Her trunk works like a shower."
Awards: Openheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award Gold Seal

Progressive puzzles grow with kids. As preschoolers master the 3-piece puzzle, they then progress to the 4-piece, 5-piece, and 6-piece puzzles. Four puzzles included in each set. Easy slide box allows for quick clean-up. Large chunky puzzle pieces measure about 2x3" each. Made with 80% recycled content and printed with vegetable based inks. Conforms with CPSIA and ASTM standards.

A great introduction to modern art. Ten durable nesting and stacking blocks combine bright graphics with a classic developmental toy. Learn your ABCs and numbers. Each nesting block contains 10 cubes printed on 5 sides with vegetable based inks and measures close to 3 feet tall when fully assembled. Made with 80% recycled content. Conforms to CPSIA and ASTM standards.

With their amusing movements and realistic sounds, the lively animals in this series will easily keep kids engaged. Books also include riddles to solve and fun information about adorable animals that live on the farm, in the forest, in the pond, and at the zoo.

This series helps children learn to think logically, count, and distinguish among different shapes, colors, fruits, and vegetables by flipping through the cards and matching pairs. Kids will be easily entertained playing this colorful matching game.

The jungle is warm and steamy. What kind of animal might live there, a snow goose or a sloth? What about a still, cool pond -- could that be home for a howler monkey? Find out why meerkats like dry sunny grasslands (hint: they like to dig holes to hide in) or why clown fish feel right at home in a coral reef. Small flaps and a matching spread at the end make learning about habitats fun. Lift the flaps and learn about animal life with two new books in a fresh, fun-filled series for curious preschoolers. Launch date: November 2012.

Here’s a hungry chameleon with a long, long tongue. And here’s a big juicy caterpillar. Can you guess what happens next? What if a honeybee comes upon a beautiful patch of flowers, but the members of her hive don’t know how to find her? Or if two chimps want to munch on termites that are out of reach deep inside a mound? Peek under large flaps to find out - and refresh your memory at the end! Lift the flaps and learn about animal life with two new books in a fresh, fun-filled series for curious preschoolers. Launch date: November 2012.

Large, bright, and colorful jungle, safari and zoo animals wall murals are made in USA by a proprietary process that provides thickness and creates a three-dimensional silhouette image that pops off the wall and creates a 3D effect. Each large animal character measures approximately 2 feet wide, 3 feet tall and nearly 1/4 inch thick, but is still very lightweight and can be installed even by a child. Unique 100% removable adhesive strips make the murals very easy to install and remove without any tools or causing any damage to the walls. Launch date: August 2012.

Elmo loves a sidesplitting, rolling-on-the-floor gigglefest. And preschoolers will too with LOL Elmo. He laughs up a storm, tells jokes, and comes with a Dorothy fishbowl squeaker toy for even more silly fun. The more Elmo laughs, the more he rolls and shakes. To see Elmo giggle, press either of his feet or tickle his tummy. To hear Elmo tell a silly joke, just press and hold either foot for 3 seconds. Each time his foot is pressed, he'll tell another joke. To activate Elmo using Dorothy's fishbowl squeaker, hold it approximately 6 inches from his tummy, then give it a squeeze.