December 2012 Notable Toys — Books

The story of Cleopatra’s life has captured the imagination of countless writers and artists for centuries. As one of history’s most enduring figures, much lore has obscured the real woman behind the myth. Was she a beautiful and heartless schemer who stopped at nothing to get what she wanted? Or was Cleopatra a tragic victim of her own heart? This next volume in the acclaimed Notebook series offers a fascinating look into the world of one of Egypt’s most notorious leaders. Featuring a fictional journal that invites us into Cleopatra’s inner world, this is an exquisite guide bursting with gorgeous illustrations and packed with fun interactive extras such as flaps featuring historical facts and pop culture references.This is a riveting volume rife with battles, passion, and even murderous intrigue — an exclusive look into the legendary queen’s dramatic life. Launch date: October 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

The jungle is warm and steamy. What kind of animal might live there, a snow goose or a sloth? What about a still, cool pond -- could that be home for a howler monkey? Find out why meerkats like dry sunny grasslands (hint: they like to dig holes to hide in) or why clown fish feel right at home in a coral reef. Small flaps and a matching spread at the end make learning about habitats fun. Lift the flaps and learn about animal life with two new books in a fresh, fun-filled series for curious preschoolers. Launch date: November 2012.

Here’s a hungry chameleon with a long, long tongue. And here’s a big juicy caterpillar. Can you guess what happens next? What if a honeybee comes upon a beautiful patch of flowers, but the members of her hive don’t know how to find her? Or if two chimps want to munch on termites that are out of reach deep inside a mound? Peek under large flaps to find out - and refresh your memory at the end! Lift the flaps and learn about animal life with two new books in a fresh, fun-filled series for curious preschoolers. Launch date: November 2012.

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.

Kids have millions of questions. In these books real doctors, geologists, biologists, and other scientists provide answers. The series includes books on the human body, planet Earth, wildlife, and dinosaurs. 

An interactive light book based on the bestselling TWILIGHT TURTLE by Cloud B. Made in association with Cloud B, the baby sleep specialists. Follow a young child and his turtle as they do everything together. Includes a turtle-shaped night light visible on every page, just like the real thing.

Yuko-chan and the Daruma Doll, a gorgeous book by author/illustrator Sunny Seki, takes readers on a journey into ancient Japan and the story behind the famous Daruma Doll. Yuko-chan, an adventurous blind orphan, is able to do amazing things. She confronts a temple burglar in the dead of night, and crosses treacherous mountain passes to deliver food to hungry people. During her travels, Yuko-chan trips and tumbles down a snowy cliff. She discovers a strange thing as she waits for help: her tea gourd, regardless of how she drops it, always lands right-side-up. The tea has frozen in the bottom of the gourd. Inspired by this, she creates the famous Daruma doll toy, which rights itself when tipped—a true symbol of resilience. Thanks to Yuko-chan's invention, the villagers are able to earn a living and feed themselves by selling the dolls. Yuko-chan never gave up, no matter the obstacles she faced, and the Daruma doll is a charming reminder of the power of perseverance.

Everywhere in the world, there are poems and songs especially for children—rhymes that are sung from generation to generation and never forgotten. In Japan, nursery rhymes speak of nature, of everyday joys and of Japan's own special culture. In Japanese Nursery Rhymes fifteen well-loved verses are colorfully presented in a format that makes language learning easier. The included audio CD features kids singing in both Japanese and English.

Hershey is a real town dedicated to family fun… there's a Hershey Inn, rides, gardens, and much more, especially Hershey sampling. But when a mystery is also in town, the family goes into action to save the day - well, hopefully. Launch date: 2007.

Four funny friends travel to Disney World for the vacation of a lifetime. They have a lot of fun, until... A pirate kidnaps one. Ghosts grab the second. A mouse house swallows the third one. And the fourth is left to find them all. Solving this magical mystery will take a little good luck and loads of creativity. Launch date: 2003.
Awards: 2004 Learning Magazine Teachers' Choice Award for the Family

Hannah will introduce students to habitats including deserts and tundra, ocean and river habitats, colonies, nests and more. The book also includes fun activities and a thought-provoking science fair project. Hannah hunts for Habitats is a reproducible, colorful and fun book with hand-on experiments, a science fair project, metric conversions, the scientific method and a glossary. This book covers the exciting careers, many inventors, and actual tools and equipment with a touch of humor. Launch date: 2008.

A modern-day kid-friendly almanac that makes every ordinary day an Amazing Almanac Day. Parents and children will love learning about the educational facts with a traditional trusted companion feel. Launch date: December 2011.
Awards: 2012 Seal of Excellence from Creative Child Magazine

When Christina and her friends head to Savannah, GA for the National Camporee in celebration of the Girl Scouts' 100th Anniversary, Christina reassures them that on this trip, there will be no funny business and no mysteries. But as they begin exploring the historic city they stumble upon creepy clues that lead them around the city where they find themselves in the middle of a real mystery that is going to need all of the Scouting skills they have, as well as their friendship, to solve. Launch date: June 2012.

Christina, Grant, Mimi, and Papa go "All aboard!" Papa's borrowed train for a fast-track adventure across America. Just try to keep from being "derailed" by mysterious mishaps, spooky surprises, and - oh, it's so dark in there! - those treacherous tunnels! This mystery incorporates history, geography, culture and more. Launch date: January 2012.

The Big Cool USA Coloring Book is fun for all ages. Visuals provide a great backdrop to learn more about our country's history, landmarks, scenic places, symbols, prominent historic characters and more. Launch date: 2007.

Meet a beastly boy with a dastardly plan that could ruin Christmas! Bradley Bartleby is bad. Very bad. To avoid Bradley's wrath, his wealthy parents buy him whatever he wants. All the adults in Bradley's life are running scared—except for Santa Claus, who refuses to give him anything but socks. But Bradley vows to get what he deserves. If Santa won't give him the gifts he wants, Bradley will just have to steal them...Launch date: October 2012.
Awards: 2012 Publishers Weekly, starred review; 2012 Kirkus Reviews, starred review.

It's time to "Play bal!" when Christina, Grant, Mimi, and Papa take a tour of baseball's most famous places and slide head-first into a mystery. Launch date: January 2012.

What do a brother and sister do when their sort-of-mad scientist dad takes them along the San Andreas Fault, to new Madrid Missouri and other earthquake prone places? What child can resist learning about the power of mother-nature and the tools to stay safe as these interested kids confront nature head-on. Launch date: 2007.
Awards: 2007 iParenting Media Award

Mimi, Papa, and their grandchildren- Christina and Grant- fly to Paris aboard Papa's red and white airplane, The Mystery Girl. As soon as they land at Charles de Gaulle Airport and meet their pen pals, Jean-Luc and Marie, the mystery begins. A famous statue is missing from the world-famous Louvre Museum. A mysterious woman in black is following them. So is a pigeon, dropping clues and more along the way. Launch date: 2006.

Everything that a budding inventor needs to build 12 basic machines is provided, including 25 machine pieces, 10 plastic nuts and bolts, and a detachable peg board—all color-coded for easy identification. Using the simple and direct instructions, kids can build each machine in minutes. The projects include: incline planes, levers, wheels and axles, gears (spur, compound, rack and pinion, and planetary), cams, cranks, pulleys, ratchets, and springs. Includes timelines detailing the history of each machine.  Hands-on, interactive, and engaging, this kit will bring out the DIY and inventor spirit in every child. Launch date: October 2011.

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.

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.