July 2011 Notable Toys — All

The Playtivity Loopee is double the fun at 6” by 8”. There are two donut shaped loops that form the animal’s body making it perfect for grasping with little fingers. Its head rattles. The feet and tail crinkle. Inside the second loop is a rattle spinner. Like with all PlayTivity toys this too has lots of satin must-rub tags throughout. Comes in 4 different styles.

This pull toy is 13” long but pulls out to a full 16”. Pull the Pullee Zip and watch it wiggle and jiggle all the way up. At the top of the Pullee is a large ring that attaches easily to the stroller for fun while traveling. The Pullee is in the shape of its animal style and splashed with lots of color and patterns. The pull ring at the bottom of the animal is laced with satin tags for even more fun. Comes in 4 different styles.

This rattle is the perfect size to fit baby’s small hand. This donut shaped rattle is in animal form and helps to develop baby’s grip. The animal’s head rattles and there are satin must-rub tags throughout. Comes in 4 different styles.

This PlayTivity Cuddle Pal is 11” tall and has feet, arms and ears that crinkle. His left foot rattles while his right foot squeaks. Squeeze his belly and hear his animal sound. Soft satin must-rub tags can be found throughout.  Comes in 4 different styles.

These toddler t-shirts from Trend Lab are screen-printed with classic quotations and images from Dr. Seuss books. The t's are made of soft cotton jersey and are available in a variety of styles. Sizes 12, 18, and 24 months.

These screen-printed bodysuits are adorned with whimsical images and quotations from Dr. Seuss books. The bodysuits are made of soft cotton jersey, and feature a three snap closure. Available in sizes 0-3, 3-6, and 6-9 months.

Part of Candlewick's Toon Books imprint, this book helps get kids interested in reading by matching comic-book illustrations with text matched to a specific reading level. This particular book is a Level 2, intended for children in grades 1-2. Patrick is a teddy bear who loves jumping in puddles. These four stories from Geisel Award-winning author Geoffrey Hayes follow Patrick through his adventures. The book has a reading guide in back for parents.

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.