November 2012 Notable Toys — Gifts

In this award-winning author-illustrator’s witty sequel to the traditional Goldilocks story, Little Bear is all grown up and Goldilocks is a distant memory. One day, Little Bear wanders out of the woods and finds himself lost in the Big City. Will he find the city too noisy? Too quiet? Or just right? And what are the chances of him bumping in to someone who remembers exactly how he likes his porridge? Launch date: August 2012. Launch date: September 2012.

Every child is asked what they would like to be when they grow up, but Lily decides to turn the tables by asking her grandma the same question. What answer will Grandma give? This enchanting book illustrates the touching bond between a grandparent and grandchild. Launch date: September 2012.

Join Nellie and Gus and their family - plus all manner of other families - for a day at the zoo, where they see animal families galore! To top off their day, Nellie and Gus invite friends and relatives for a fun dinner at home. Accessible, humorous, and full of charming illustrations depicting families of many configurations, this engaging story interweaves conversations between the siblings and a matter-of fact text, making it clear to every child that whoever makes up your family, it is perfectly normal - and totally wonderful. Trusted New York Times best-selling author Robie H. Harris continues her series for preschoolers with a look at the many kinds of families that make up our world. Launch date: September 2012.

Because Amelia smiles as she skips down the street, her neighbor Mrs. Higgins smiles too, and decides to send a care package of cookies to her grandson Lionel in Mexico. The cookies give Lionel an idea, and his idea inspires a student, who in turn inspires a ballet troupe in England! And so the good feelings that started with Amelia’s smile make their way around the world, from a goodwill recital in Israel, to an impromptu rumba concert in Paris, to a long-awaited marriage proposal in Italy, to a knitted scarf for a beloved niece back in New York. Putting a unique spin on "what goes around comes around," David Ezra Stein’s charmingly illustrated story reminds us that adding even a small dose of kindness into the world is sure to spur more and more kindness. Launch date: September 2012.

Tonight Maisy and her friends are playing in a band. Pull the tabs to see Maisy play drums (rat-a-tat-tat), Charlie play bass (tum-te-tum! tum-te-tum!), and Tallulah tickle the ivories (plinkety-plonk). Sound words fill this joyful, exuberant read-aloud, giving little listeners a taste of onomatopoeia as more friends rehearse their root-a-toots and tings. The excitement builds up to a final pop-up stage show starring Maisy and all of her pals. Maisy and her friends love music - and so do her fans. Interactive pull tabs and a 3D stage scene make this Maisy presentation boogie-woogie. Launch date: September 2012.

Budding geographers will love to immerse themselves in this fun, bright, fact-packed first atlas with lots of detailed illustrations. Each continent has its own spread, with pop-ups, flaps, booklets, and sturdy pull-tabs introducing the world’s countries, inhabitants, and famous landmarks. Launch date: September 2012.

Moshi love to dress up and love to be seen. At first glance, all Moshi look the same - but look again, and you’ll see they’re all different. In these activity books, help Strawberry Moshi and her friends do puzzles and activities like: search and find coloring, spot the difference, mazes, connect the dots, design your own Moshi, and a page of more than twenty stickers. Launch date: August 2012.

Moshi love to dress up and love to be seen. At first glance, all Moshi look the same - but look again, and you’ll see they’re all different. In these activity books, help Strawberry Moshi and her friends do puzzles and activities like: search and find coloring, spot the difference, mazes, connect the dots, design your own Moshi, and a page of more than twenty stickers. Launch date: September 2012.

First read this beautifully detailed pop-up book, then unfold it to transform it into a 3D farmyard landscape playmat, with stand-up cardboard animals and a tractor that kids can move all around the farm. A unique novelty book that folds away again in its own box. Launch date: September 2012.

Prepare to find: A striking new jacketed cover, an original poster on the underside of the jacket, a spot-the-difference game between the jacket and the self-cover designs, a gatefold with a new visual checklist on every spread, a never-before-seen section of artwork revealed on every spread, and new things to search for. Launch date: September 2012.

Jane Ray’s layered cut-paper artwork elegantly retells the time-honored tale of a scullery maid turned royalty. Six meticulously detailed tableaux include a shabby kitchen, a gorgeous nightscape in a magical garden, and a sparkling ballroom filled with nobles, as well as Cinderella’s iconic gilded pumpkin coach. Side panels unfold to reveal the story’s text and evoke an evening at the theater. Little girls who dream of fairy godmothers will adore this unique portrayal of the world’s most famous princess - no glass slippers required. Launch date: September 2012.

Developed under the guidance of a wide range of doctors, teachers and child development specialists, and approved by babies and parents of all ages, Baby Blanket Music takes songs from parents' favorite artists and arranges them just right so that now they can be babies' favorites too.  Albums feature songs made famous by The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Michael Jackson, John Mayer, Garth Brooks, Simon & Garfunkel and more. Launch date: April 2012.

This year, The Claus Couture Collection features a collectible 2012 scout elf skirt. The 2012 style is a white pleated skirt complete with festive red polka dots – perfect for making the ultimate fashion statement this holiday season. For those fashion forward girl elves, this perfectly polka dotted skirt is a brand new must-have. One size fits all.

This classic gumball machine bank includes over 50 "Dubble Bubble" gumballs. It measures 8-1/2" tall. It has a red base. Put a coin in, turn the handle, and out pops a gumball. Made of sturdy plastic. For ages 3 and up.
— Greg Larson, owner of Larson's Toys and Games in Columbus, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Bubble Gum machines are one of their best selling candy/food items.

Zotz is a candy with a fizzy, sour center. It looks and tastes like a regular hard candy, but when the center is bitten into there is a sour fizzing taste because of the powder reacting with saliva.
— Priscilla Moore, owner of Mr. Fub’s Party/Toys and More in Yellow Springs, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Zotz was one of their top-2 bestselling items.

These fun and tasty kits include a 9 inch long kaleidoscope in a primary color. The refillable image chamber on the end can be filled with the included variety of candy pieces to create custom kaleidoscope images. Assortment includes a combination of candy-stripe and solid color tubes. Made in the USA, handcrafted by Gemini Kaleidoscopes.
— Greg Larson, owner of Larson's Toys and Games in Columbus, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Candy Kaleidoscopes are one of their best selling candy/food items.

— Priscilla Moore, owner of Mr. Fub’s Party/Toys and More in Yellow Springs, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Whistle Candy was one of their top-2 bestselling candy items.

The 16-ounce Moo Mixer Supreme features an easy to use trigger button, fun to hold handle and large detachable clear tumbler. Battery operated (two AA batteries, not included), dishwasher safe clear tumbler and the totally cool mixing action that makes a whirling vortex of power to thoroughly dissolve chocolate powder mixes or syrups.
— As of 9/19/2012 this product had 3.5 out of 5 stars from 42 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Easy for kids to use; easy to clean; mixer "blade" is rounded and not sharp, so it's safe for kids. Cons: Some users reported leaking; some users reported that the motor was weak and broke after a couple of uses.
— Greg Larson, owner of Larson's Toys and Games in Columbus, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that this is one of their best selling candy/food items.

The Butterfly Garden wall art kit makes a beautiful design of precious pink flowers and butterflies. This darling look will grow with children for an enduringly sweet decor focal point. This wall decal kit also includes three 3-D butterflies for an added dimension of fashion. The kit comes with 3 sheets of stickers to bring the 47"h x 56"w Butterfly Garden to life. Launch date: October 2011.

Happy monkeys, swinging from the trees with bananas adds some jungle fun to a child's room. These wall art decals bring imagination and happiness to the walls. This kit comes with 2 sheets of fun-loving monkeys and vines to create a splendid scene, measuring 45.5"h x 44"w. Launch date: October 2011.

This shimmery mirror wall art kit adds just the right touch of razzle dazzle to a kid's room. These 3-D flower mirrors set the ambiance for fabulous. This twinkly kit includes five 5" x 5" 3-D mirrors. Launch date: October 2011.

The Monkeying Around chandelier is friendly and  fun in a child's room or a nursery. Tiers of playful monkeys hanging from trees is an adorable addition to the décor, bringing a smile to your space. The chandelier comes with one 10.25" x 14" piece and does not include a lightbulb or cord set. Launch date: October 2011.

This pink and white chandelier with butterflies and flowers adds an adorable accessory to a little girls room. Shimmering tiers of pink reflect the light of the room and bring a dollop of delightful style. The chandelier comes with one 8" x 12" piece and does not include the lightbulb or cord set. Launch date: October 2011.

This 1000 piece puzzle features a vintage illustration of San Francisco from a travel poster commissioned by TWA Airlines in the 1950s. Illustrated by David Klein, these posters have become an iconic part of our nation's air travel history and are now available in puzzle form for those who wish to piece together for themselves how advertising was done in mid-century America. This puzzle makes a great gift for puzzle lovers and history buffs alike. Made in the USA. Launch date: March 2012.