TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Books Product Category

Bizzy Bear: Off We Go! by CANDLEWICK PRESS

Bizzy Bear's going on vacation, but he has to take a taxi, then a train, then a plane before he arrives at the beach and can set sail on his boat. With chunky sliders to push and pull, this robust little board book is perfect for active toddlers. Illustrated by Benji Davies. 5/11/2012 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Summertime Rainbow - A Bilingual Book of Colors by Belle Yang by CANDLEWICK PRESS

It's summer, and the meadow is in full bloom. As some bunnies hop along, they see blue sky, white clouds, and yummy green grass. How many more colors can be found? Look for an explanation of tonal marks at the end of the story, along with pinyin translation of the Chinese characters. Launch date: April 2012. 5/11/2012 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Just Ducks by Nicola Davies by CANDLEWICK PRESS

The young girl in this story may live in the city, but outside her window there's a river full of mallard ducks! She hears them as soon as she wakes up, and on the way to school she sees them upside down bobbing for food. Interspersed with fun facts, her enthusiastic commentary about her feathered neighbors - what they look like, how they behave, where they nest, where they sleep - pairs swimmingly with cheerful watercolor illustrations. Illustrated by Salvatore Rubbino. Launch date: March 3, 2012. 5/11/2012 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Faster! Faster! by Leslie Patricelli by CANDLEWICK PRESS

A day at the park. A ride on Daddy's back. Run, Daddy! Faster! Faster! How fast can Daddy go? Faster than a dog? A horse? How about a cheetah? Must his feet even touch the ground? Leslie Patricelli reprises the duo from Higher! Higher! in another humorous riff on a favorite pastime - a laugh-out-loud-funny tale of few words about doting dads and high-energy kids whose imaginations know no bounds. 5/11/2012 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Noodle Loves to Eat by CANDLEWICK PRESS

With touch and feels for little paws. Noodle loves to eat all sorts of things. With bumpy peas and shiny cheese, this is sure to encourage even the fussiest of eaters. 10 pages. Illustated by Marion Billet. 5/11/2012 (Price: $8.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

What Will I Be? by Nicola Davies by CANDLEWICK PRESS

A small papery bundle hangs under a leaf by a silken thread. Can you guess what it will be one day? Butterflies, polar bears, turtles, frogs, birds - they all have a fascinating life journey to follow. Peek under each large flap and look at colorful spreads to find out how each animal develops. A final spread invites readers to match each full grown creature with its beginning stage. Illustrated by Marc Boutavant. 24 pages. 5/11/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Who's Like Me? by Nicola Davies by CANDLEWICK PRESS

A bunny is furry and breathes air. Who else is like that - a pigeon, a fish, a chameleon, or a fox? Some animals have fins to swim with, some have feathers and a beak, some have skin that is scaly, or smooth and wet. But whatever features a creature has, someone else has them, too. Can you guess who? Big flaps and a matching spread at the end make animal classification fun. Illustrated by Marc Boutavant. 24 pages. 5/11/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

How Do You Feel? by Anthony Browne by CANDLEWICK PRESS

How do you feel? Sometimes you feel happy, sometimes sad. At times you feel curious, but that may be followed by feeling...surprised. And of course you feel bored or lonely once in a while as well. With spare words and simple, graphic illustrations, quintessential chimp renderer Anthony Browne draws on insight and humor to reassure children with an exploration of the varied emotions they experience. What better feeling than opening a new book from Anthony Browne? A simple look at familiar emotions for the very young. 32 pages. 5/11/2012 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Maisy Goes on a Sleepover by Lucy Cousins by CANDLEWICK PRESS

Tallulah is having a sleepover, and Maisy is invited. So is Tallulah's new friend, Ella. Every moment is packed with fun as the friends talk, dance, giggle, and play together. After a tasty supper and lots of games, all three get ready for bed, and Maisy reads a story. Is everyone finally tired? With this anything-but-sleepy storybook, children new to sleepovers and seasoned pros alike can enjoy an overnight visit with Maisy and her pals. Good night, Maisy. Good night, everyone. Join Maisy on her very first sleepover. Friends and games, yummy food and funny dancing - it's hard to feel anything but wide awake. 5/11/2012 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Planets 3D Adventure Kit by POPAR TOYS

This adventure kit comes included with all the necessary tools to explore the amazing world of Planets 3D. The kit contains a 3D book, 3D cards, magic costume card, software and Popar Reader. Kids will have an unforgettable experience as they magically turn into an astronaut and watch rockets, space probes, rovers, and the international space station leap from the pages or cards. Launch date: 2011.
Awards: 2012 Best of the Toy Fair - The View; 2012 National Parenting Centers Seal of Approval.
— Fred Rosenberg, owner of Toy on the Park in Kindwood, Texas, told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that augmented reality books by Popar Toys are their bestsellers in the category. 4/27/2012 (Price: $40.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Construction Machines 3D Adventure Kit by POPAR TOYS

This adventure kit comes included with all the necessary tools to explore the amazing building world of Construction Machines 3D. The kit contains a 3D book, 3D cards, magic costume card, software and Popar Reader. Kids will have an unforgettable experience as they magically turn into a construction worker and watch bulldozers push trees off the page, cranes lift huge pipes, and excavators dig foundations. "Popar® Toys use Augmented Reality (AR) technology to create an immersive reading experience that will allow the user to see incredible virtually “real” 3D objects and animations that will pop off the book or card," Scott Jochim, President of Popar Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2011.
Awards: 2012 Best of the Toy Fair - The View; 2012 National Parenting Centers Seal of Approval. 4/27/2012 (Price: $40.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The LEGO Ideas Book by Daniel Lipkowitz by DK PUBLISHING INC.

The book is divided into six themed chapters—transportation, buildings, space, kingdoms, adventure, and useful makes—each with basic templates of key models and spreads to inspire kids to create their own. Hints and tips from Master Builders can help kids turn their classic car into a race car or add a bridge to their castle. Featuring all-new LEGO® building projects, tips to supplement and enhance LEGO creations, inspirational builds, and expert advice from LEGO Master Builders, The LEGO Ideas Book will keep kids of all ages creating for hours. Launch date: September 19, 2012. 4/11/2012 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

At the Farm by HAPE

Sturdy wooden pages and simple pictures encourage babies to read along with you. (8 pages). Made of Wood, Water based paint, String. 10 mos and up. ( Watch Video) 3/26/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Poke-a-Dot Who's in the Ocean? by INNOVATIVEKIDS

This board book helps kids learn how to count. Raised buttons pop in on every page so kids can press them as they count, so they don't lose track. ( Watch Video) 3/26/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Happy Easter! by Liesbet Slegers by CLAVIS PUBLISHING

Taking children on a fun-filled jaunt through springtime, this book highlights the Easter holiday’s traditions along with the beauty of the season. The new leaves on the trees and blooming flowers are illustrated in vivid colors, and the various sounds of the baby animals born during this joyous time are captured in detail. The Easter Bunny’s job is described as he gathers and decorates eggs, hops to children’s houses with his brimming basket, and hides them for the hunt. Launch date: April 1, 2012. 3/20/2012 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Snowman Stan by CLAVIS PUBLISHING

Stan the little snowman wants desperately to move—he longs to leave his dull surroundings and explore the world. He has been standing in the same place and position since the beginning of winter, surrounded by other frozen snowmen. When a little bird lands on his carrot nose, Stan asks it what it feels like to move freely, but Mr. Hat the snowman shouts at Stan to be still. ?If you move, you'll melt!” shouts the rigid snow soldier with the silly bucket hat. Too late, because Stan hops on his bicycle, rides over snowy hill and valley, and never looks back. He discovers Freezeland, where it is so cold, the sun can never melt the snow people, and they are free to dance about in every direction. Through lovely illustrations, this engaging winter story opens a world of possibilities to children, encouraging them to reach beyond their boundaries, follow their instincts, and always be true to themselves. Launch date: Spring 2012. 3/15/2012 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I Have Two Homes by Marian De Smet by CLAVIS PUBLISHING

A young girl named Nina recounts her feelings about her parents' divorce and describes what it is like to live in two households in this touching picture book. Everything is different from the way it was, and sometimes the behavior of the adults around her is upsetting to Nina. When she is with her mom, she wants to be with her dad. She misses her hamster, her cat, her playmate, and her favorite climbing tree when she is away from them. Many things about her new life upset her, but there are happy moments, too—she celebrates her birthday twice, and both her parents are there when she jumps into the deep pool for the first time. Her parents don't like each other any more, but they both love her and they make sure she knows it. This honest, uncomplicated account of divorce from a child's point of view will reassure and comfort young readers who are experiencing the changes that divorce brings to a family. Launch date: Spring 2012. 3/15/2012 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Little Troublemaker by CLAVIS PUBLISHING

A little fairy is a model student at fairy school—until her classmate Sabrina starts to annoy her by bragging that her dress is so much more beautiful than any others. Another tiny fairy suddenly appears by her side, takes her arm, and pours soup down Sabrina's fancy dress. Things spin out of control, and soon the fairy must whisk the mischievous little creature to her room to control the situation. This lighthearted fantasy about perfect little fairies who sometimes give in to wicked impulses provides a gentle reminder that everyone has a temper—and perhaps a little devil inside them that longs to transform someone into a frog or a bat—but a smart fairy must learn to control her antics. Launch date: Spring 2012. 3/15/2012 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Animal Masquerade by KIDS CAN PRESS

Come one, come all to the animal masquerade! The lion is going as an elephant, the elephant as a parrot, and the parrot as a turtle! Each costume gives way to another, yielding new surprises on every page, and revealing a menagerie of familiar and unusual animals. Young children will delight in the absurd and amusing images (who wouldn't love a ladybug dressed as a hippopotamus?) and will also appreciate the gags (a fish costumed as a cat is dubbed a "catfish") and other bits of silly sweetness. Recapping this reading adventure: a detailed panorama at book's end, showing all the party guests in their fanciful finery. Launch date: Spring 2012. 3/15/2012 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Daisy's Perfect Word by KIDS CAN PRESS

Curly-haired Daisy likes picking lemons on sunny days, playing kickball and making long dandelion chains. But more than any of these things, she loves words and even compiles lists of her favorites in a bright green notebook covered with purple polka dots. When Daisy's beloved teacher, Miss Goldner, becomes engaged and must move to another town, Daisy decides to give her the ultimate gift: the perfect word. But with so many good words to choose from, finding just the right one isn't easy. Launch date: Spring 2012.  3/15/2012 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Margaret and the Moth Tree by KIDS CAN PRESS

Lemony Snicket meets Charlotte's Web in this spellbinding story about a quiet, brown-haired orphan named Margaret trapped in a dreadful orphanage run by the sinister, beautiful Miss Switch. After an unsuccessful attempt to alert authorities to Miss Switch's tyranny, Margaret is forced to endure a life of complete silence. But the new state of affairs proves to be more blessing than curse. You see, Margaret can hear things other people cannot. And on one incredible day, Margaret hears tiny voices coming from a strange, thorny tree and discovers a community of playful moths. Together Margaret and the moths prepare a plan to end Miss Switch's reign of terror and provide a better life for everyone. Launch date: Spring 2012.  3/15/2012 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Earth-Friendly Buildings, Bridges and More by KIDS CAN PRESS

Introducing Corry Lapont: 12-year-old and aspiring "green" engineer. This dynamic title takes the form of Corry's scrapbook. It's a dazzling collection of postcards, brochures and other memorabilia documenting Corry's research into green design. Kid-friendly language explains the engineering behind some of the planet's most cutting edge towers, bridges, tunnels, domes, dams, dikes, locks and levees. These structures include the Vizcaya Bridge in Spain, where gondolas transport cars over the Nervion River, and the Channel tunnel, where trains speed between England and France in just 35 minutes. Readers will explore the environmental impact of structures, such as the pros and cons of dam construction and how rainwater can be used to cool buildings. Complex concepts are clarified with simple activities, as well as colorful drawings, fun facts and the occasional wisecrack from Corry's kid brother, Riley. Launch date: Spring 2012. 3/15/2012 (Price: $18.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Big Green Book of the Big Blue Sea by KIDS CAN PRESS

Based on the idea that knowledge is power, The Big Green Book of the Big Blue Sea shows how the ocean works and why this immense ecosystem needs our protection. Experiments using everyday materials help explain scientific concepts, such as why the ocean is salty, how temperature affects water density and why fish don't get waterlogged. A focus on pollution and other ecological hazards raises awareness. Young scientists will gain a hands-on understanding of how "booms" clean oil spills and how a garbage patch roughly twice the size of Texas came to exist in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Newsy sidebars bring readers up to date on efforts to combat environmental hazards — such as the use of oysters to help squelch pollution in urban waterways. An ideal tool for classroom use or the perfect way to spend a rainy day, The Big Green Book of the Big Blue Sea is an essential part of any science library. Launch date: Spring 2012. 3/15/2012 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Vote for Me! by KIDS CAN PRESS

Hey, you! Yes, you with the dazzling smile! The donkey wants your vote. So does the elephant. And each will do just about anything to win your support. Brag? Sure! Flatter? Absolutely! Exaggerate, name-call, make silly promises and generally act childish? Yes, yes, yes and yes. Soon, the tension mounts, and these two quarrelsome candidates resort to slinging mud (literally) and flinging insults. And what happens when the election results are in? Well, let's just say the donkey and the elephant are in for a little surprise — and a certain bewhiskered, third-party candidate is in for a first term. Vote for Me! is a timely satire of American politics, but it's a story readers of all nationalities and ages will recognize. Comical, retro illustrations (in shades of blue and red, of course) are completely winning, and the dueling duo's insult-laden exchanges promise to have readers laughing out loud. Launch date: Spring 2012. 3/15/2012 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Pirate Girl's Treasure - An Origami Adventure by KIDS CAN PRESS

In this spectacularly original picture book, the story mirrors an origami activity: As a pig-tailed pirate girl travels through mountains, valleys, a cave and finally by sea to reach the treasure her grandfather has hidden for her, imaginative illustrations show different incarnations of a single folded sheet of paper within the scenes. Best of all, clear instructions at the end will let readers recreate the story with just a few folds and tears, transforming a piece of notebook paper into a mountain, hat, cave, boat and really cool pirate shirt. Launch date: Spring 2012.  3/15/2012 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]