November 2010 Notable Toys — All

As it streaks across the Alaskan wilderness, the McKinley Explorer treats passengers to breathtaking views of the spectacular scenery and wildlife in special vista-dome cars. Bachmann’s version features models of the train's bi-level dome dining-lounge cars. This ready-to-run train set includes an EMD GP40 diesel locomotive with operating headlight, three full-dome passenger cars (the Knik, Kenai, and Kobuk), a 63" x 45" oval of snap-fit E-Z Track, a power pack/speed controller and an illustrated instruction manual. "Our set has the newest models of the passenger cars," Bachmann Trains Communications Manager Debra Schiff told TDmonthly.

The Troublesome Trucks are needed for a hauling job and Percy is there to see the work gets done without the trucks causing too much mischief. This large scale ready-to-run electric train set comes complete with Percy the Small Engine (with moving eyes), Troublesome Truck #1, Troublesome Truck #2, a 5'4" x 4'3" oval of track, a power pack/speed controller, an illustrated instruction manual and DVD-format video instructions.

Giselle's intricate details are designed to fascinate listeners during storytime. Pretty in pink, Giselle features multiple patterned fabrics and textures and will fit all hands.

The Tango Tiger Cuddlemat is a luxurious floor mat featuring the popular Tango Tiger plush fur and suede paw details. This patterned mat is super soft for little faces, tummies, hands and feet. It is designed to rest on carpet or hardwood floors, with a non-skid belly to secure it from moving.

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, a pioneer in the child-friendly hip-hop known as kid-hop, returns with old school funk on the 16-track Underground Playground. Agent 23 Skidoo honors hip-hop heritage, adds fresh beats and mixes in the magic of childhood.
—Myles McDonnell of You Know, For Kids praised Agent 23 Skidoo’s lyrics, which “convey positive messages on subjects like friendship (‘Secret Handshake’) and honesty (the Public Enemy–tinged ‘Speak the Truth’) without ever getting finger-waggy, or losing the loose sense of fun that’s the core of so much quality hip-hop.” The positive lyrics are paired with “top-notch, catchy and addictive” beats.
— Toni Morton of Toni’s Treehouse tells kid-hop doubters to “think again, because Skidoo can absolutely hold his own, even while throwing out verses designed for a younger audience.” Overall, “Skidoo is a strong rapper, his rhymes are solid, the music is catchy, the stories are great, he has a good sense of humor and we love to hear something other than rock or country for kids.”

Children can make mass accelerating launch balls and discover the science of elastic collisions with this kit. Users can even mix and mold a supercharged planet collision accelerator that fires a small "moon" into orbit. The kit includes four graduated-size molds and instructions and materials for over six activities.
— In August 2010, Jessica Wood, buyer for Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, Vt., told TDmonthly her store sells “Approximately six (Hyperlaunchers) per month. I just got them back in, but I sold out right away."

This kit lets children grow up to nine large crystals, including "golden citrine," "emerald green" and "aquamarine blue." It includes a bag of granite stones, LED display stands, goggles and detailed instructions.
— As of September 2010, this product had 3 out of 5 stars from 2 reviewers on Amazon.com. One reviewer described the kit as "amazing," but consumers complained the crystals took too long to grow.
— In summer 2010, four of 43 retailers told TDmonthly that rocks and crystals are best selling science and nature products.

This kit is designed to teach children scientific principles while recycling common trash to create toys. Projects include a hover device and a cyclone tube. Parts and instructions are included.
— In an August 2010 survey, 12 percent of 43 retailers named Toysmith science kits a top seller in the science and nature category.
— “The Eco Science Toys from Toysmith have done pretty well … the whole line.” Jeff Oslick of The Enchanted Toy Store in Fullerton, Calif., told TDmonthly in late summer 2010.

Snap Circuits allow children to create electronic projects including AM and FM radios, digital voice recorders, burglar alarms, doorbells and more. All pieces are mounted on plastic modules and snap together with ease. This Pro version contains over 75 parts and an illustrated manual for building over 500 experiments. The set uses four AA batteries.
— In late summer 2010, six of 43 retailers named Snap Circuits a science and nature best seller.
— In August 2010, Jim and Retha Davis, owners of Kid’s Center in Tucson, Ariz., told TDmonthly their store sells “about 100 (Snap Circuits) a month.”
— In a late Summer 2012 survey, four out of 12 retailers said that Elenco was one of their best selling Science & Nature toy brands.

Tanpopo #3 is the continuation of the saga of Tanpopo, the emotionless girl, and Kuro, a mysterious creature that guides her through the world and promises her she will feel emotion. “Devils and Foxes” and other tales from the collection “Strange Stories From a Chinese Studio” inspire Volume 3. Kuro’s efforts for Tanpopo to experience sadness intensify, and so too does his wickedness. An old woman, wary of the devil-boy, takes Tanpopo in, showing her kindness and affection. When the old woman dies by Tanpopo’s hand, Kuro’s plan will have come full circle, and Tanpopo, finally, weeps. Tanpopo must make a choice now - to continue her journey with Kuro or to plead for the old woman's life back. 6.5" x 9.75". 50 pages.

With huggable soft plush bodies, luggable detachable straps, lovable personalities and stuffable zip open mouths, these multi-play toys are designed to be an adventure buddy, soft toy or pajama keeper. Marvin Mudcrab is a barber who loves tofu burgers and pedicures, and hates sad endings and skinny jeans.

DINGaRINGs' natural wooden teething ring, luxuriously soft body and gentle rattle are designed to make them ideal gifts for newborns and teething babies. Lulu Ladybug is a magician's assistant who loves lip gloss and line dancing, and hates thunder. This product is "the ultimate non-plastic baby toy," Kate Nicolson, director of O.B. Designs, told TDmonthly.

These cookie cutters are designed for kids and feature Halloween-themed shapes including a cat, leaf, pumpkin and ghost. They offer a soft grip and are oversized for easy use. Curious Chef cookie cutters are made from BPA-free food safe plastic and are dishwasher safe.

Eli is proud to be the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. Eli is little Eleri Eagle's senior and they love spending time together. This "beautiful eagle plush (features) super soft fur and a realistic look," Manhattan Toy Marketing and Sales Manager Julie Flann told TDmonthly.

Red has an exuberant and athletic nature. She also tends to be highly cynical and sometimes teases her friends. Like Gobo, Red likes to take the lead and they sometimes butt heads. This life-size Red plush has a yellowish orange complexion, orange hair, and wears a red sweater.

Doozers live within Fraggle Rock and stand only 6" tall. The Doozers are small humanoid pudgy green creatures. They spend most of their time busily constructing small buildings out of a candy-like substance (that the Fraggles love to eat, which ensures a steady and constant work flow for the Doozers) made out of radishes and chanting marching songs. They use miniature construction equipment and wear hard-hats and work boots. No one but the Doozers themselves seems to understand the actual purpose of their intricate and beautiful constructions. "Doozers look just like the Fraggle Rock characters and comes in a puppet or plush," Julie Flann, marketing and sales manager of Manhattan Toy, told TDmonthly.

Traveling Matt is a brave and famous Fraggle explorer. He is also Gobo's uncle. Matt spends most of the Fraggle Rock series in "Outer Space" (his perspective of the human world) and sends postcards back to his nephew describing his adventures there. Matt prides himself on his bravery and resourcefulness, but also tends towards clumsiness, frequently falling backwards or tripping during his travels. This Matt toy looks just like the Fraggle Rock character, and comes in plush and puppet versions.

Sprocket is an intelligent sheepdog owned by Doc, the inventor of Fraggle Rock, and he proves the motto that dog is truly man's best friend. He spends much of his time in Doc's Workshop, where his bed and food dish are, observing Doc at work. Sprocket is very communicative and frequently talks to Doc by barking, making faces, or pointing to objects in a form of charades. Doc often relies on Sprocket to help with household chores, including repairs on the water pipes. This soft plush toy has furry gray hair, just like the real Fraggle Sprocket.

Kids can take a drive on the wild side with this full-size Blue T900 Truck. This big blue truck features a universal connector system, enabling the rapid interchange of parts so that drivers can expand their creative play to take on new adventures.

This Automoblox pack is designed to make playtime fun and creative. The Automoblox hot rod minis feature a universal connector system that enables the rapid interchange of parts, and are conveniently sized for on-the-go car design. The set includes a red/black HR1, a black/gray HRw and a red/chrome HR3.
— Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean’s Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., sells approximately 4 to 10 per month.

This 100-percent organic cotton boys' shirt is made in the USA and printed with water-based dye. It is available in sizes 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 2T and 3T.

Featuring character favorites Max and Ruby, the beloved Rosemary Wells classics come to life in this two-disc collection. Kids can collect the entire library of Scholastic Storybook Treasures and read along on screen with their favorite classic children's stories through this DVD.

This natural, biodegradable dish liquid is designed to easily remove the residue and odor left behind by breast milk, formula and baby food. The low-suds formula rinses cleanly. A plane-ready travel size is also available. "All of Dapple’s products are specially formulated to be both baby safe and baby specific, to safely yet effectively tackle the unique cleaning challenges that parents face," Jesson Burnam, PR Representative for Dapple Baby, told TDmonthly.
Awards: iParenting Media Award 2008

This pre-packaged kit of Dapple essentials includes Toy & Surface Cleaner Spray, Toy & Surface Cleaner Wipes in full and travel sizes, and Dapple Baby Bottle & Dish Liquid, along with a free Dapple cleaning cloth. "All of Dapple’s products are specially formulated to be both baby-safe and baby-specific. The Dapple products use ingredients found in nature to zero in on the toughest 'baby dirt,'” Dapple Baby PR Representative Jesson Burnam told TDmonthly.