October 2012 Notable Toys — All

Girls can rock the runway with their own amazing fashion show. Simply scratch off the black coating to create their own trendy sticker designs in glittering foil or swirly colors. Then apply the stickers to the paper doll models included. Show off the designs by positioning models in front of the backdrop. Launch date: December 2012.

Young artists can create cute pictures of puppies, kittens, bunnies, and more. White outlines on black scratch-off boards create an easy way for younger children (ages 5 and up) to trace the illustrations, revealing magnificent colors beneath. Illustrated instruction sheet includes fun text about furry friends. Launch date: February 2012.

Big fix-it fun for the smallest fixer uppers. Encourage imaginative play with chunky tools made from durable, soft plastic. Includes saw, hammer, screwdriver, wrench, drill (with sound) and tool box measuring 9"L x 5½"H x 3¾"W. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2012 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Gold Seal Award

Ready to giggle and groove...Celebrate with Julie K as she delivers with a musical medley of happy times for the family. Her retro vibe shines and gives kids plenty to smile about. Launch date: April 2012.
Awards: 2012 CD of the year award by Creative Child Magazine

Motorized animatronic kitty bank. Watch this super cute kitty, peek out, make a sweet meow sound, and then snatch coins and keep them safe. The box lid pops up and kitty paw snatches the coin. Battery operated. Uses 2AA batteries (not included). For ages 3 and up. Launch date: January 2011.

Our bracelets are colorful "collars" embroidered with the single word: "Adopt". Launch date: September 2012.

A new children's picture book, written by a former Dark Horse comics editor and illustrated by a Star Wars: The Clone Wars animator. From their treehouse headquarters, come five teen titans and their wise teacher. Now they must save the "Zez," a mystical beast, from an encroaching civilization, the menacing General Moon, and his soldiers. Using all their varied powers, can the Treehouse Heroes protect their new friend and restore the balance of nature? This fresh blend of adventure and lyrical art will excite young readers. Launch date: October 2012.

Singer-Songwriters Lydia Adams Davis and Kathy Byers have collaborated on this album of original songs about nature, recycling, animal habitats, global warming, conservation and environmental awareness. Highlights include the sprightly "Shy Raccoon," the appropriately tropical and lyrically transformative "Chameleon," and the easy picking tale of the great northern environment "In Alaska." Elsewhere, we are treated to tales of the decidedly un-limbed "I Am Snake," the busy "Be a Bumble Bee," and the complexity of ecosystems in "Think About the Ocean." Other favorites include "We Study Frogs" which will be a welcomed song for any science teacher to learn, and the pressing question of "Why Do Turtles Cross the Road," answered in the song of the same name. The album closes with the lovely and spirited "Song of Life" which should become the theme song for every nature center and school. The CD comes in mostly paper packaging, with nature-themed illustrations, a full booklet of lyrics and credits. Launch date: January 2012/
Awards: 2012 A Parents' Choice Award-Music Category

The Dream Cheeky iLaunch Thunder is a Missile Launcher made for iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad. Strike fear into the hearts of fellow cube-dwellers with the iLaunch Thunder. Wirelessly controlled by an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad, the iLaunch Thunder combines the best of Bluetooth technology and extreme innovation with a bit of insanity…With a 270 degree horizontal rotation, a vertical flexibility of more than 40 degrees and a shooting distance of around 25 feet, the iLaunch Thunder will cover more than 1,400 square feet of their workspace. That definitely gives users more than enough coverage to declare some serious office warfare. Launch date: December 2011.

Using Bluetooth®, this seven piece drum kit connects wirelessly to an iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. The free Dream Cheeky Sound System app lets users jam along with their favorite music, in one of many styles. Users can even record and play back their drum sessions, or learn how to drum along with pre-programmed songs. On top of all that, there are more free games in the Dream Cheeky Arcade. While the possibilities are infinite, the iDrum is compact enough to take it with them anywhere. But don’t be fooled by its size; it can withstand a right good smashing. Launch date: August 2012.

Using Bluetooth®, this 3-octave piano with full-sized keys connects wirelessly to an iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. The free Dream Cheeky Sound System app lets users play along with their favorite music and select one of many instruments to make the iPlay Piano sound just like they want. Users can even record and play back their tunes, or learn how to play along with pre-programmed songs. On top of all that, there are more free games in the Dream Cheeky Arcade. With the added benefits of helping users strengthen their fingers on its durable surface, and being extremely portable, the iPlay Piano ensures users will always have piano lessons at their fingertips. Launch date: August 2012.

The Cardinal Gates Wrought Iron Decor Gate (Model WI-30) is a beautiful new "twist" on our best-selling stairway safety gate. Available in bronze or black, this gate is both attractive and highly functional. With durable all-metal construction, the Wrought Iron Decor Gate is for indoor use only. Launch date: December 2012.

Big Owl Toy makes the perfect addition to your baby's toy collection. Measuring 16” tall and available in two colors, the cuddly owl will be cherished for years to come. Makes for a great pillow as well. Launch date: September 2012.

Winner of Dr. Toys 100 Best Childrens Products of 2012 and 10 Best High-Tech Products of 2012, as well as a Preferred Choice Award by Creative Child Magazine, this new children's book is built around The Global Game Changers, a fictional team of superheroes whose leader, Global Girl, and her sidekick, Little Big-Heart, and their trust dog Pixel, recruit real-life kids to help change the world for the better by doing good things for others without expecting anything in return. At the end of The Global Game Changers book there is a call to action for the reader to be inspired to join the Alliance by visiting The Global Game Changers interactive web community where they can share their Ignite Good! stories, learn how to utilize their talents to affect things they are passionate about, have fun, and be empowered to help make a difference in the world. Launch date: July 15, 2012.

Beary Happi comes to life as the next-generation teddy bear. He combines a classic plush toy, a free app, and the latest multimedia technology from iPhones or iPod touches to create a truly interactive and lovable companion. A mix of snuggly plush teddy bear and interactive fun, HappiTaps is changing the way little ones play. Start by purchasing the HappiTaps cover, then download the HappiTaps app from the App store. Put the cover on a iPhone or iPod touch and watch your a new pal come to life with interaction, games, and activities. Launch date: November 2011.
— As of 10/5/2012 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Keeps electronics safe; App is entertaining and free. Cons: There is no plastic to protect the actual screen.

The Infantino Pop and Play Swap Gym is like no other with customized features that let parents create lots of ways for baby to play. The 3 activity pods on the main activity center of the gym can be interchanged with other Pop & Play™ Pods. The pods are also great stand alone toys so they can be used solo or on the go-go. Just use the VELCRO® brand closure strap to attach it to a car seat, stroller or gym. 4 Great Ways to Play: Newborn Overhead Discovery, Tummy Time, Sit & Play, Crib Activity Center. Launch date: August 2012.
Awards: 2012 Parents Magazine Toy of the Year

On Charley’s first night, Henry carries his new puppy in his old baby blanket all the way to his house. He shows Charley every room, saying, "This is home, Charley." He says that a lot so that Charley will know that he is home. Henry’s parents are very clear about who will be walking and feeding Charley (Henry will, and he can’t wait). They are also very clear about where Charley will be sleeping: Charley will be sleeping in the kitchen. But when the crying starts in the middle of the night, Henry knows right away that it’s Charley! And it looks like his parents’ idea about where Charley is going to sleep may have to change. With warmth, humor, and endearing simplicity, Amy Hest tells a tale familiar to everyone who has loved a puppy, while Helen Oxenbury renders each tender gesture and charming detail in a beauty of a book that children will be eager to take home. Launch date: October 2012.

There is not a whisper when Louis de Rougemont steps onto the stage to recount his astonishing experiences on the sea and in lands far away. It is a breathtaking tale of catastrophe and miraculous events. A monster with enormous tentacles! A sea turtle big enough to ride! Fish raining from the sky! Cannibals! But critics say he is an imposter with a gift for spinning yarns. Are Louis’s tales true? Or is he the greatest liar on Earth? Bold, whimsical artwork brings to life the tale of an early-twentieth-century man who held audiences rapt while his critics dubbed him a hoaxer of the highest degree. A fun slice of history sure to inspire a lively discussion of truth, fabrication, and the gray areas in-between. Launch date: October 2012.

Zephyr is a girl who loves airplanes. She draws pictures of them, makes them out of paper, builds them out of junk, and hopes one day to fly one of her own. But when Gramma, Daddy, and Mom are too busy to play airplane with her, Zephyr’s excess enthusiasm gets her sent to her room -- where she discovers a secret door that leads to the most wondrous place she’s ever seen! Lovers of flying machines and gadgets, along with adventurers of all kinds, will be buoyed by this lighthearted tale of a little girl who finds her wings. Launch date: October 2012.

Oliver is different. He enjoys his solitude. He likes playing with his friends, who are puppets, stuffed animals, and other toys. With his rich imagination, Oliver’s day is never dull. There are bridges to cross, sharks to fight, and treasures to find! But maybe toys don’t always give a boy everything he needs. Maybe he needs another kind of companion. Will Oliver discover a way to be, well, different? When his tennis ball rolls across the lawn into the yard of the girl next door, he just might be surprised. Launch date: October 2012.

This long floppy eared bunny is colorful and cuddly. Knotted eyes & nose add classic touches. 13" tall. Launch date: June 2006.
— As of 10/5/2012 this product had 4.1 out of 5 stars from 21 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Colorful; cute Cons: Several reviews said the toy was not as durable as they had hoped.

A classic starter set for the 2 year + child with all wooden details. Take the classic inspired engine out on an adventure along the tracks. Stop by at the all wooden station and continue along the tracks passing by trees and a crossing bridge. Lots of fun for the youngest drivers. Launch date: August 2012.

Take office warfare into the sky with the Dream Cheeky iStrike Shuttle. This 3-channel Helicopter is wirelessly controlled by the iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad through Bluetooth®. With the free and fully equipped iStrike Controller app users can make the iStrike Shuttle go where no Dream Cheeky gadget has gone before. Make it hover above the unsuspecting heads of targets and drop an iStrike Bomb at the exact right moment. Its unique design and flying pattern give the iStrike Shuttle an almost human character. Yet it’s surprisingly easy to control. It even comes with an attachable bright orange training wheel that makes landing easier. Launch date: November 2012.

In celebration of our tenth anniversary, Moonjar has created a brand new Moneybox with a global twist. Each metallic section is wrapped in the words, "Save, Spend and Share" in languages from around the world. The boxes are gold, silver and copper colors to appeal to the tween set as well as their parents.