November 2012 Notable Toys — All

Marie's Words is a work of 550 original, full-color, hand-drawn vocabulary flash cards. It allows kids to learn word definitions in a visual and meaningful way. The illustrations are unique, and many use historical, geographical, scientific, cultural and generational references as a mnemonic tool for easy learning. Marie's Words harnesses the "Power of Pictures."

Freddy Flungpu originally comes from the dense jungles of India. When he was a little monkey, he used to always carry a banana around and suck on it like a bottle. His friends thought it was a little weird but then again, Freddy has always been weird. When a traveling circus came through town, he thought it would be fun to hitch a ride with them. Eventually, Freddy just became too crazy to handle anymore, and his owner sent him to the Insanimals farm.

It's summer vacation, the weather's great, and all the kids are having fun outside. So where's Greg Heffley? Inside his house, playing video games with the shades drawn. Greg, a self-confessed "indoor person," is living out his ultimate summer fantasy: no responsibilities and no rules. But Greg's mom has a different vision for an ideal summer..one packed with outdoor activities and "family togetherness." Whose vision will win out? Or will a new addition to the Heffley family change everything? Launch date: October 12, 2009.

Let's face it: Greg Heffley will never change his wimpy ways. Somebody just needs to explain that to Greg's father. You see, Frank Heffley actually thinks he can get his son to toughen up, and he enlists Greg in organized sports and other "manly"� endeavors. Of course, Greg is able to easily sidestep his father's efforts to change him. But when Greg's dad threatens to send him to military academy, Greg realizes he has to shape up...or get shipped out. Launch date: January 2009.

Love is in the air—but what does that mean for Greg Heffley? A Valentine's Day dance at Greg's middle school has turned his world upside down. As Greg scrambles to find a date, he's worried he'll be left out in the cold on the big night. His best friend, Rowley, doesn't have any prospects either, but that's a small consolation. An unexpected twist gives Greg a partner for the dance and leaves Rowley the odd man out. But a lot can happen in one night, and in the end, you never know who's going to be lucky in love. Launch date: November 13, 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— As of 11/19/2012 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 241 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In a Winter 2012 survey, half of retailers surveyed by TDmonthly said that the Diary of a Wimpy Kids series were their bestselling books.

A plush exclusive from Cartoon Network's hit wacky cartoon television show Adventure Time with Finn and Jake. This Adventure Time Zombie Jake the Dog Plush features one of the main heroes of the show after he's been turned into a brain-eating zombie. Jake, the morphing dog from the post-apocalyptic Land of OOO, looks absolutely amazing as a zombie plush - don't miss out.

Each BrickWarriors Warrior Pack includes between 7 and 9 premium minifigure accessories, ranging from swords and medieval armor all the way to sci-fi guns and space armor. The accessories all fit perfectly onto LEGO® and other building-toy minifigures. The packs are sold in cases of 20 and the cases double as a retail POP display. Launch date: October 2012.

The NEW midnight-black, winged Areion from Safari Ltd® has one of the fiercest spirits of all. Stare into its untamable brown eyes and let it show you the way to the mythical world. This hand painted replica measures 5.5” L x 4.25” W x 5.25” H (13.75 x 10.75 x 13.25 cm) and is suitable for ages 3 and up. All Safari Ltd® products are 100% guaranteed and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Visit www.safariltd.com to explore educational information in five languages and to view and purchase Safari Ltd® 2013 introductions and all other products. Launch date: January 2013.

Light Up dice work great with dice games like Monopoly, Yahtzee, Backgammon, and Dungeons and Dragons. These 30mm Light Up dice are transparent red plastic which glows brilliantly when rolled. The bright red LED lights dance in a rolling pattern when it is activated and remains lit for 60 seconds before going to sleep.  The display also flashes ten times giving a countdown warning to the players. This gives games an extra kick of speed and excitement. What's the secret? The secret is one of the worlds’ smallest and most inexpensive computer chips. Barely the size of the head of a pin, the computer has incredibly low power draw when the dice are asleep. Light Up Dice have an estimated shelf life of 4+ years. The sensor activated LED display is mounted to a patented double pivot, or “gimbal”, which always faces upwards due to the weight of the long lasting battery. Key chain Light up dice are also available - nothing says "hot rod" like dice hanging in your car, and ladies - never lose your keys in your purse again, just shake your purse and the dice will light up. Launch date: February 2013.

Designed for both the classroom and the playroom, this magnetic wooden block set includes 106 blocks in 8 shapes: 12 cubes, 8 large columns, 16 mega planks, 26 long planks, 8 medium columns, 8 small trapezoids, 8 large trapezoids, and 20 short planks. During Tegu’s design process, we observe students in their natural environments and create educational tools that encourage active, inquisitive, and resourceful minds at all grade levels. Powered by magnets, Tegu Blocks offer puzzle-like constructive possibilities that challenge students to develop and problem solve their way to gravity-defying breakthroughs—improving hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills in the process. Launch date: February 2013.

Featuring a compact size and fanciful designs, Bachmann’s new Large Scale Li’l Big Haulers® are the perfect introduction to model railroading. Choose from three different ready-to-run sets - Fast Freight,  Short Line Special, and North Pole Express - that include a steam locomotive with operating headlight, brightly colored freight or passenger cars, hook-and-loop couplers, 4'3" of steel alloy track (12 pieces), and power pack/speed controller. There’s also a full selection of colorful separate-sale Li’l Big Haulers locomotives with tenders, tank engines, hoppers, tankers, coaches, baggage cars, and cabooses. Launch date: November 2012.

Little rock stars will take center stage playing Schoenhut's “next generation” guitar. Schoenhut's innovative design incorporating a molded composite body with dual curves greatly enhances sound and durability. The birch soundboard which offers excellent tone and resonance, hardwood neck (for rigidity), and molded composite fretboard ensure proper height and spacing of the frets. Six steel strings permit a wide range of rich sounds. Available in several vibrant designs. Includes: Pick and Extra String. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Draw N Store Wood Easel provides 4-in-1 features: Magnetic/Dry-Erase & Chalkboard and paper dispenser for painting. Spacious 2-levels fabric storage underneath for art accessories. Easy foldway design for compact storage. Includes: 1 Eraser, 77 Magnetic Letters & Numbers, 12 pcs Crayola Color Chalk, 10 x Paper Stencil, 1 x 30ft Paper Roll Starter. Launch date: September 2012.

Unique design and lots of action. Qwikflip(R) design allows the 32" slide to easily convert to a rocker. Sure-grip handle, extra wide base and texture steps to ensure stability. Launch date: December 2012.

This all-in-one creativity table with large work surface, plenty of shelves and storage pockets. 2-sided Table Top converts Chalkboard to Dry-Erase surface. Includes: 2 Stools, 3 Paint Cups, 3 Brushes, Fabric Pockets, 1 Eraser, paper roll dispenser fits 12"w paper roll, paper towel holder provides easy clean-up (paper roll and paper towels not included). "Offers 360 degrees of creative workspace," Bonnie Chan, marketing manager for Grow'n Up Limited told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2011.

ABUNDANT HARVEST for Teens & Adults (US Patent 7,073,792) is appropriate for ages 12 through adult. The situations presented in this version of the game are directed towards teenager and adult groups. Many of the situations deal with the difficult issues of drugs, family conflicts, peer pressure and the complex and unpredictable nature of being an adolescent and/or adult in today's world.

ABUNDANT HARVEST for Kids (US Patent 7,073,792) is appropriate for ages 5 through adult. The situations presented in this version of the game are directed towards children who are learning the importance of making decisions that are based on principle. The scenarios provide parents, caregivers and educators the opportunity to teach children, and allow children to begin to develop and apply principle-based reasoning skills as they work their way through situations common in today's world.
Awards: 2012 Creative Child Magazine Game of the Year Award; Dr. Toy’s® 2012 Best Vacation Toy; Parent Tested Parent Approved Award Winner.

Douglas fashion is at its best with this bright, almost iridescent, sak that sports lovely ruffles and an applied daisy on a yellow pindot bib. Coordinating patterns and fabrics add to the allure. Girls will love this zippy bag...8 inches wide.

This 9 inch beauty is complete with spots and irresistible face. She is endearing, no pun intended. The lush and beautiful materials and expert workmanship are evident in this lovely wild baby fawn.

This wolf is a perfect example of the Douglas touch when it comes to beautiful and realistic wildlife. He sits proudly at 10 inches and is a carefully chosen combination of features to do justice to the breed.

This sak is the perfect toy and accessory, complete with truly "sweet" fabrics in pastels and an adorable (removable) Kitten. 7" wide.

Our popular Pauline Pig now comes in two sizes! This pig has personality plus with a gray spotted body and pink ears, hooves, curly tail, and snout! ...very soft and cuddly.  SRP's are $15 and $25

This turtle shaped purse is bright and distinctive with turquoise ruffles and trim around a hot pink large dotted fabric. The legs are tiny pink and white dots with turquoise cording. It is a fashion statement and a working purse with sturdy shoulder strap and plastic zipper. 12 in long.

Make-A-Ball is a program that allows kids to design any sports ball and make it their own. Kids can choose from baseball, softball, football, soccer, volleyball, basketball or hockey. Kids can design their own background, choose from our libraries of backgrounds and clip art, and add their own text and photos. Each ball is what we call “full coverage” meaning that it can be printed edge-to-edge and the artwork covers the entire panel. Kids can use unlimited photos, colors and artwork. The balls are regulation size and come inflated and ready to display. Make-A-Balls are great for gifts, fundraisers, awards, trophies and keepsakes. They are great for senior nights, booster clubs, coaches’ gifts or championship games. The possibilities are endless. Once designed, your ball will arrive in 4-5 weeks. Launch date: December 2008.