June 2011 Notable Toys — All

One day, on the way to the park, a little girl climbs the gate of an old yellow house. Although no one has lived there for a very long time, a little boy suddenly appears before her. "Come and play with me," he beckons. He leads her through an enchanted garden, showing her all its marvelous inhabitants: a tiger playing with its cubs in the long grass, a dolphin leaping in the goldfish pond, a pelican roosting high in the apple tree. Then the mysterious boy is gone, the girl’s mother is calling, and all is as it was before. Written by Blake Morrison and illustrated by Helen Craig (illustrator of the Angelina Ballerina stories), this hard-cover book features soft and simple pictures that compliment the imaginative but matter-of-fact way the author tells of the adventure in the yellow house.

This hardcover picture book by Hallie Durand tells the story of Mitchell, who hates going to bed. Or at least, he does until he gets a license to drive there. Mitchell's car turns, honks, and can go really fast, but it's a little different than other cars- it's his Dad. This adorable story is illustrated by Tony Fucile, an animator who has worked on such films as The Lion King and The Incredibles. Mitchell learns how to drive his "car" and things go smoothly- until car and driver disagree on what sort of fuel they need.

Daisy Dawson is a normal girl, except for one thing- she can talk to animals. In this, the fourth book from Steve Voake about Daisy, she spends the summer at the beach.  Daisy makes friends with two rabbits and a crab, but when they band together to save a dolphin, it's Daisy and the rabbits who end up needing rescue. The 88-page chapter book will keep elementary grade readers interested with black and white illustrations by Jessica Meserve on every page.

This hardcover picture book by B.G. Hennessy is illustrated with detailed watercolor and ink pictures by Hiroe Nakata. It is a story that shows children that the small, kind actions of one person can affect the world. Touting advice such as "Because of you, there is one more person who will grow and learn...and one more person who can teach others," the book's penultimate message is that "Even something as big and important as peace" can be achieved "Because of you."

This Italian-designed motorcycle is made of bamboo, with just a bit of rubber and metal for the wheels. The body is lightweight and durable, making the E-Moto easy and safe for young children to maneuver. These toys are made primarily of bamboo, an eco-friendly source material that is quick-growing, natural, and renewable.

These holiday hats come in festive colors with a white faux-fur trim. Press the trim and the hat dances about while playing the classic tune "Jingle Bells." Requires 3AA batteries.

This sock monkey is fashioned in the classic style. Dark woolen body is offset by the white of the sock ankles (arms) and the red of the heel (mouth). The monkey wears a matching hat festooned with a bright red pom.

12" Elephant and mouse duet. They sing verses together and separately. Mouths move while singing the Irving Gordon song made famous by Nat King Cole, "Unforgettable." The elephant's baritone is offset by the mouse's sweet soprano.

This plush 11" stork flies on his blue plane with precious cargo. A jaunty blue cap and gingham bow in pale blue continue the baby boy nursery theme. Propeller spins and displays the light up message "Special Delivery!" while the Stork sings, “Hush Little Baby."

Safety Pin Bracelets helps anyone craft an entire collection of sparkling beaded jewelry out of garden-variety safety pins. The book includes 12 dazzling bracelet designs. Whichever design kids choose, they pick the colors and patterns so each bracelet is unique. The book comes with everything that is needed: 175 safety pins in three different sizes, over 1,000 beads in vibrant colors, and silvery elastic cord. Finally, the open-and-shut packaging keeps all the craft supplies organized and neat.

With The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy, kids can explore the universe without leaving the comfort of their backyard. This galactic tool kit has everything kids need: a build-it-yourself telescope, a night-sight flashlight, star and moon maps, a no-batteries-required sundial, a mariner’s quadrant to steer by the stars, tons of intergalactic activities, and more.
Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy Award, June 2011
— Why it won: Who knew you could build a telescope with a book? Everything needed to create a spyglass for space is contained within the Guide to the Galaxy's pages. There are lots of facts about the universe, plus other projects that kids can build to help navigate this world and others. It's a great gift that will appeal to both boys and girls.

This pull-along wooden crocodile flaps his mouth as he rolls along. The wheels are coated in rubber to help eliminate the sound of the toy being rolled around the house. Made with water-based paint and wood from sustainable forests.

The Mashoonga! Cadet is a foam saber for young children. It is made of premium materials that will provide months of fun and vigorous play.  It is constructed to be safe and has a play pattern that promotes eye hand coordination, strategic skills and builds stamina.  It teaches children good sportsmanship by following rules of play and how to safely play a contact sport. It is an all season toy that can also be used in and around water play. "The Mashoonga! Cadet is a premium product made to last.  We replace it if it brakes under normal use," Jim Bogner, president of Revel King, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2010.

A new fashion accessory, these mom-invented loop charms can be looped around bracelets, zipper pulls, shoelaces, headphones, pencils and more. Kids can use them as toothbrush identifiers, and adults can use them as wineglass charms. Each pack includes 8 LoopEmz, with one extra large LoopEm per set. Themes include Nature, Ocean, Silly Faces and Texting Fun. Made of rubber.

Each of these colored bracelets are adjustable, so one size fits all. Each dozen comes assorted in bright, different colored bracelets.

This butterfly necklace is part of another new jewelry line by Cool Jewels®. Each butterfly pendant hangs on an adjustable silver ball chain. Line includes other styles, such as horses, penguins, turtles, hearts, peace signs, and many more.

This Mood Prism Star Necklace is part of a new mood jewelry line by Cool Jewels ®. Each star pendant hangs on an adjustable cord necklace. Other styles included in this brand new line include dolphins, hearts, turtles, frogs and more.

Parent Dolls are Mom and Dad's real life face and voice- parents upload their photo and snap the image onto the head of the doll. Then, parents can record their voices and when the child presses the doll, the parent's voice comes out. Includes four re-recordable mailboxes with almost 8 minutes of total recording time, so parents can leave different messages in order to connect with their child, even when they are apart.

These stilts are decorated on the end with big, hairy Bigfoot feet. Set includes 1 pair of Stomp Walkers. Supports up to 100 pounds. Balance is easy with ultra-wide foot stands. Flexible & durable soft foam base is ideal for indoor/outdoor play.

This wooden trike is sturdy and durable. It can hitch up to a little wooden trailer so toddlers can pull their treasures along with them. It measures 14" x 33" x 14".

This soft foam boomerang toy can be thrown indoors or out.
—Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., sells about a dozen a month.

The JM Maverick Pogo Stick is designed to provide fun exercise for boys and girls from 5 to 9 years old. The precision, foam-covered metal construction includes replaceable, non-slip foot pads, handlegrips, and a rubber tip. The pogo stick supports users between 40 and 80-lb. It measures 38 x 9.5 x 2.5 in.
—Two reviewers on Amazon.com gave this product five out of five stars for high quality and durability.

500D Show Flight Bi-planes. This airplane is 5.25" long with a 6.25" wingspan die-cast metal pullback action classic bi planes. Front propeller spins as it travels forward. 12 pcs per display box in assorted colors. 72 pcs per inner box.
— In an August 2013 survey Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly that planes are their best-selling die-cast toy.
— In a August 2014 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that die-cast planes were one of their best-selling die-cast toys.

5109D Kinsmart - Turbo Scooter. This Turbo Scooter is a 4.75"L x 2.75"W x 3"H die-cast metal with plastic parts and pullback motor action. This Turbo Scooter is manufactured by Kinsfun/ Kinsmart. 12 pcs per display box in assorted colors.