March 2010 Notable Toys — Books

"Here Comes The Blobbies" introduces children to the fantastic world of the Blobbies and their first adventure, where a mystical gate has opened and the evil Hexacones are unleashed upon Blobbieworld. Blobbieworld is a land where these pleasant, shape-changing space creatures live and play. The seven youngest Blobbies, named for the colors of the rainbow, learn how to blobbiemorph into triangles, hexagons, cubes, pyramids, and other shapes while being forced to escape to a strange planet called Earth, where they must learn to use these shape-changing abilities to defeat the invaders and reclaim their world. The forty-page, full color hardcover with jacket includes a CD-ROM with games, songs, and educational content, as well as a Blobbie Color Personality Chart. Launch date: July 28, 2003.
Awards:
Winner of the "10 BEST TOYS FOR 2005 AWARD" by Dr. Toy.
Winner of the "100 BEST CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS FOR 2005 AWARD" by Dr. Toy.
Winner of the "TOY OF THE YEAR AWARD" (Storybook with Characters category) at the 2005 Top Creative Toy Awards.
Winner of the "ADDING WISDOM AWARD" at the 2005 Parent to Parent Awards.
Finalist Award for "CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD" at the 2004 Foreword Magazine Awards.
Finalist Award for "CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD" at the 2004 Writers Notes Book Awards.

"101 Things Everyone Should Know About Math!" uses an accessible question-and-answer approach to explore key concepts in math while making connections to everyday life: sports, hobbies, food, music, travel, etc. It is the second book in its series, following the NSTA recommended "101 Things Everyone Should Know About Science."  "'101 Things Everyone Should Know About Math' is a fun and entertaining way to link mathematics to everyday life. Kids learn that math really does help solve real-world problems," Dia Michels, Owner of Science, Naturally! told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2010.

"One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Math!" is authored by the same father-daughter team that introduced the award-winning, NSTA recommended, "One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Science!" Co-authored by a high-school girl, this title is a great way to encourage girls to excel in math. Readers will learn much and have fun as they use their logic and their mathematical know-how to solve the various "mysteries" presented in this book. "'One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Math!' skillfully meshes humor and excitement with challenging real world problems and allows young mathematicians to hone their sleuthing skills," Dia Michels, Owner of Science, Naturally! told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.

In Dinotrux, writer and illustrator Chris Gall tells the story of ancient times when ferocious half-dinosaur, half-truck creatures known as Dinotrux roamed the earth. Pushing and crushing, mixing and roaring, the Dinotrux are illustrated in monstrous detail through 32 pages.

— Travis Jonker of 100 Scope Notes found the book irresistible, explaining, “The premise that hybrid dinosaur/trucks used to rule the earth ignites curiosity, while the brief, expressive text all but demands repeat reading.”
— Elizabeth Bird from the School Library Journal absolutely loved the book. She found it to reflect a cheekiness and creativity that appeals to both kids and parents.
— Common Sense Media’s Patricia Tauzer said Dinotrux “will thrill any kid who loves trucks and dinosaurs.” She described the book as being “jam-packed with action” but cautioned that it is not educational; in fact, the Flintstones-style anachronisms may leave kids confused.

This book by cartoonist Dave Whamond tells about a boy who's bored, until an odd birthday gift brings out the wonders of the imagination. Will imagination save the day when sibling chaos breaks the Think-A-Ma-Jink?

A simultaneous catch of a bumblebug leads Chameleon friends Willy and Wally into a big fight over the meal. After putting the peace of the forest at risk, will they decide to share? "A Delicious Bug" is a 32-page hardcover. Launch date: 2009.

Complete with a field guide, this book features nine press-out dinosaurs and four pop-up play scenes for much more than a regular reading experience. The 42-page book shows off the T. Rex, Triceratops and other dinos. Launch date: October 2009.

Mom and Dakota love the mall. But when Dakota sees something neat, she goes off without telling anyone. Suddenly she’s all alone! What should she do? Tips and interactive play therapies at end of book.

Chloe and Marbles are best friends. But one day, Marbles gets sick, and no one can save him. Was it her fault? Will she ever feel better? Discover the circle of life with Chloe and Marbles. Tips and interactive play therapies at end of book.

Danny is the best at keeping secrets. But when his friend, Rick, tells him a scary secret, Danny feels uneasy about keeping quiet. Is it ever okay to break a promise to a friend? Tips and interactive play therapies at end of book.

It was hard enough for Cosmos when his parents divorced, but now Dad is remarrying! Discover with Cosmos that change can be rewarding. Tips and interactive play therapies at end of book.

When Dakota's mom goes to the hospital, the whole world seems to change. Why did Mom have to get sick? And when will she come home? Tips and interactive play therapies at end of book.

Part zoo adventure, part songbook and part early confidence builder, through this musical journey, children can appreciate their individuality and have loads of fun along the way. Dance routine, CD and sheet music included.

Musically motivate toddlers to get out of their diapers and onto the toilet seat with a bouncing island beat that will have children motivated to transition from diapers to the toilet. A full musical CD and sheet music are included.

Written by a pediatrician, the Dr. Hippo book series teaches kids about common childhood illnesses like ear infections, colds and sore throats. Each story features a friendly animal family that is affected by one of the illnesses and goes to the reassuring Dr. Hippo for help. The stories are written so that kids learn how they can keep themselves from getting sick and that doctors are friendly people who just want to help them get better. The Dr. Hippo books also include a Parent’s Guide with common questions about the illness featured in the story.
— Guessing All the Way’s Laurie reports that the books were popular with her kids, even inspiring her nephew to share what he had learned with his friends. Laurie cites the laminated Parent Guide as the book’s best feature.
—    Alexandra from Design Baby praised the books as “a wonderful way for kids to absorb knowledge about common illnesses.” Her kids were captivated by the books, especially “The Moose with Loose Poops.” She concluded by vowing that “the next time one of my kids do face one of these five illnesses, I'll be pulling out the appropriate book to soothe their fears, and remind them what is happening, and that this too will pass.”

Cosmos' parents are getting a divorce. Cosmos has a lot of questions! Is it his fault? Where will he live? What will happen? Tips & interactive play therapies at end of book.

Chloe's new baby brother is coming home from the hospital! Chloe doesn't know what to expect, but she’ll be a big sister, and that is a very important job! Tips & interactive play therapies at end of book.

Will Danny like his new house, his new school and his new friends? Discover with Danny that although moving can be scary it can also be fun and exciting. Tips and interactive play therapies at end of book.

Cartoon DVD vignettes on behavioral issues along with a coloring and puzzle book. This set mainly focuses in on valuable lessons for young children such as lending a helping hand, the importance of paying attention, sharing with friends, and being polite.

This book features beautiful wildlife photography by award-winning photographers Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick and charming prose by first-time author and mother of four, Bridget McGovern Llewellyn. It's designed to stir appreciation and care for Mother Earth. Launch date: September 2009.

See how much you know with hundreds of interesting questions on dozens of different topics. Have fun competing with the invisible opponent as you play games by yourself. Each book includes 48 pages of fun and a special pen.

Revisit the story of how Tiana and Neveen meet. Magic Pen® Painting is a fun and easy way to paint - but with no mess! Use the Special Pen to paint each picture and watch the colors instantly appear. Each book includes 24 pages of fun and a special pen.

Buzz Lightyear and Woody are two great friends on one big adventure. The activities include Magic Pen® Painting, and Invisible Ink with Stickers. The Special Pen also produces a rainbow of colors instantly. The Special Pen reveals the invisibly printed pictures. Then match your stickers to the appropriate spot.
Book 1: Each book includes 24 pages of fun and a special pen.
Book 2: Each book includes 24 pages of fun, a special pen and stickers.

Inspired by his children’s LEGO collection and his own love for New York City, author and illustrator Christoph Niemann created several minimalist LEGO representations of daily New York life. His photos and handwritten captions caused an instant sensation when they appeared in the New York Times online. Niemann has since expanded his work into a 32-page board book that is simultaneously sly, cynical, childlike and celebratory. Launch date: March 1, 2010.
— Geeksugar loved the book, calling it funny and a great gift. Although kids may not understand some of the wry New Yorker humor of the book, they are sure to find it charming and inspiring, said Vincent Daly of CuteMonster.