August 2010 Notable Toys — Books

Nature’s building blocks have never been more sociable than in this newest offering from the creators of The Periodic Table and Physics. From cells to DNA, from viruses to mammals, from chlorophyll to flowers and fruit, and including the human body’s parts and systems, Biology is a single volume BIO101 course. Distinctive characters, a creative pallette, and straight- forward text make it all clear—and fun.

Imagine physics as a community full of wacky characters--the building blocks of the universe each with a unique personality. This book throws open the doors and welcomes you into their amazing world. From gravity to the theory of relativity, this unique book provides visual interpretations of complex concepts, designed to make learning physics easier and a whole lot more fun.

The Periodic Table introduces budding chemists to the world of the elements as it's never been seen before. Designed to resemble popular networking Web sites, the pages of this book feature "homepages" for each of the chemical elements – complete with witty and informative profiles written by the elements themselves, plus a personally chosen picture.

Same or Different offers funny, full-color illustrations, predictable formats, and easy-to-follow directions to ensure success. To compare and contrast the items in these exercises, your child must look for significant details, a critical reading readiness skill.

They had no pens. They had no paper. It didn't matter. They could neither read nor write, but slaves had plenty to say and share - their stories, their sufferings, their wisdom, their wit. Kids will learn that nothing is more powerful than oral history. Words spoken and tales told completely unfiltered by others can teach young people not only the facts, but the very soul of what happened in the past. Hear the people of the past in their own words through diaries, interviews, quotations, poetry, and songs.
— This product is a best seller at Neely's in South L.A.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was the most influential civil rights leader of his time. A minister and pacifist, Martin encouraged peaceful demonstrations to bring about change. These popular readers include easy-to-read information, fun facts and trivia, humor, activities and a whole lot more. They are great for ages 7-12 (grades 2-6), because although simple, these readers have substance and really engage kids with their stories. They are great for social studies, meeting state and national curriculum standards, individual and group reading programs, centers, library programs, and have many other terrific educational uses.
— This product is a best seller at Neely's in South L.A.

“Cosmo the Boat Cat” is created and illustrated by Key West artist Sherry Sweet Tewell and written by Marky Pierson. It follows her cat Cosmo as he goes on adventures in the Florida Keys.
— This book was listed as a top seller at Key West Toy Factory in Key West, Fla., in May 2010 by Katie Harris, manager. “It’s a story special to Key West, which is why people love it,” she told TDmonthly.

A classic heirloom project, the woven potholder, gets an overhaul in this informational, whimsical book from Klutz. The loom is provided, as well as a generous quantity of cotton-blend loops made specifically for the kit. Projects include potholders, a purse, a picture frame, a chicken and more. Detailed instructions and illustrations are provided.
― “I have a huge Klutz assortment. I really love it because the quality is so good,” said Amy Barrett, owner of Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont., in April 2010.
― “Klutz always sticks out for me, as far as activity kits go,” said Janet Gessner, owner of Deep River Toy Company in Deep River, Conn., of her top-selling activity kits in spring 2010.
― Four of 43 retailers told TDmonthly in April 2010 that Klutz is a top-selling activity line in their stores.

SteamPotVille, from first-time author and illustrator Steve Ouch, is a journey into an imaginative world where dreamy landscapes merge with whimsical animals. Kids are encouraged to search the book for hidden animals and objects.
— Even after reading “SteamPotVille,” the mommy reviewer at Beautiful Brown Babies was not quite sure what it was about. However, she described the book as “rip-rollicking fun,” a “glorious and glossy adventure.”
— Angela of Moms In a Blog called the book “magical, to say the least.” She raved about the illustrations and recommended the book for kids who love animals.

This NYC guidebook and activity book is filled with stickers, word searches and plenty of space to journal.
Awards: 2010 - The Toy Man Seal of Approval, The Toy Man Eco-Recognition Seal, The Toy Man E Choice Award.

This book was designed to open dialog between parents and children about money issues. Moo learns the importance of saving her money, want versus need, and the importance of being charitable. "Our humorous approach sets us apart; we try to add a lot of fun and self-motivational reasons to work — no matter how young or little you are," My Cow Moo Creator Kimberly Arezzi told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2009 The Toy Man Seal of Approval; 2009 The Toy Man Eco-Recognition Seal; 2009 The Toy Man E-Choice Award

Penguin is not the typical Antarctic bird. While his riends spend their days doing yoga and meditating, he's planning his great escape in search of adventure. Pirate, on the other hand, wants no part in his vocation’s raucous, adventurous ways, and longs for a simpler life. From the mind of veteran children’s illustrator Patricia Storms comes the tale of how two misfits found each other and, in the process, found the solution to all of their problems. The 32-page book measures 10.5" x 9". Launch date: September 2009.

"Panda-Cutie and YOU... in Los Angeles" for SMART KIDS ONLY! features Panda-Cutie who takes children ages 8 to 16 on a fascinating city tour of Los Angeles. This E-Book on CD-ROM comes in a sturdy cover and is ready for easy download to a PC or laptop. It serves as a unique travel guide for parents who like to make a trip to L.A. with their kids and want to have a preview of what to expect. The program also includes useful information about transportation, parking, admission fees, etc. Features 177 A-4 pages with more than 150 photos of Panda-Cutie strolling around; and even having his picture taken with celebrities such as Paula Abdul, Peter Fonda, Olivia Newton-John, Hector Elizondo, and others.

Author Jean Marzollo and illustrator Laura Regan put to page the real-life story of Pierre the Penguin, an African penguin at the California Academy of Sciences. After Pierre loses his feathers, he is too cold to swim — until aquatic biologist Pam Schaller decides to try a penguin-sized wetsuit. Children will love learning about Pierre the Penguin’s unique tale through the rhyming text and realistic illustrations.
— On The Garden Island, Terri Schlichenmeyer praised the book’s catchy rhymes, gentle teaching and penguin Q&A page. She explained, “Kids who have a problem with teasing will be able to identify with Pierre” and his struggle to fit in without feathers.
— The Lemonade Stand’s Jessica read the inspiring story with her kids several times as soon as they got the book. According to Jessica, Pierre’s story was such a big hit that “it will be in a favorite in our library for a long, long time!”

"Runaway Ralph" is the third installment of Beverly Cleary’s classic tales building on the adventure and excitement of "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" and "Ralph S. Mouse" (both available on DVD from Scholastic Storybook Treasures). Maryn Greenberg at New Video Group told TDmonthly, "Runaway Ralph is a stop-motion animation of a classic tale by beloved author Beverly Cleary." Launch date: April 20, 2010.

Grundel is a little boy who thinks his life is the pits, until he makes a memorable visit to his Nana Loop's farm. Follow him and his trusted Take-Along-Teddy as they both learn the secret to true happiness with this illustrated book and 14" Take Along Teddy. Storm Tussey, Retail Marketing Coordinator at Vermont Teddy Bear Company, told TDmonthly, "This Book and Bear combo is produced in Vermont with a Vermont author, illustrator and publisher." Launch date: July 2010.