TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Books Product Category

Book of Lists by ISCREAM

This 96-page activity book lets kids create lists that are all about them. "Not only are our activity books fun and hip, they are produced with the lenticular technology. Our covers flip from one colorful image to another," Leslie Montalbano, Iscream prepress manager, told TDmonthly. 7/16/2010 (Price: $7.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

As Nora Jo Fades Away: Confessions of a Caregiver by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

Life goes from Hollywood to Michigan to Mars when Lisa and her family take in her grandmother who has dementia. The Weavers quickly discover the “comicals” of Nora Jo bring a whole new realm of “crazy” to their copasetic abode. And the question becomes, how high a price can they pay for this traumatic change? "As Nora Jo Fades Away is a great read with an even grander cause: to create action and awareness," Lisa Goldman, Five Star Publications office coordinator, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Paris Book Festival Romance Award First Place 7/9/2010 (Price: $15.95)

Green Pieces: Green From the Pond Up by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

Life is never boring back at the pond once Iggy, Radic, Cabby and Roc get together. Readers can join them for a humorous yet serious look at nature. "'Green Pieces: Green From the Pond Up' is a delightful read for any age group. Grown-ups will be reminded of what they were told by their parents — to respect nature — and young readers will learn, through the eyes of the four main characters, why it’s important to respect nature," Lisa Goldman, Five Star Publications office coordinator, told TDmonthly. 

THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER PUBLISHED BY FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS as of 8/18/2010. 7/9/2010 (Price: $19.99)

Klutz Glossy Bands by KLUTZ

The Klutz Glossy Bands book kit lets kids make their very own durable rubbery jewelry. The kit includes four tubes of non-toxic, acrylic gel. Kids can follow the instructions to squeeze and swirl the gel into beautiful patterns that turn into one-of-a-kind bracelets.
— Deal Seeking Mom Tara Kuczykowski declared, “If your child is into the Silly Bandz craze, he or she is sure to love making Glossy Bands!”
— Jennifer of 5 Minutes for Mom reported that her 11-year-old daughter “loved this kit, and it’s something she could do on her own, without help or hovering from me.” Jennifer liked that the Klutz Glossy Bands book “provided enough instruction to get her started, and enough leeway for her creativity to grow and her to try new things on her own.”
— Jo-Lynne of Musings of a Housewife gave the book to her daughter, who spent several days making bracelets. Her daughter’s love for the kit led Jo-Lynne to call the Glossy Bands Book “the perfect birthday gift for your craft-obsessed little girl.” 7/7/2010 (Price: $19.95)

The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale by ABRAMS BOOKS

Straw, sticks and bricks are just the beginning in Steven Guarnaccia’s imaginative reinterpretation of the fairy tale classic. “The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale” transforms the pigs into representations of architects Phillip Johnson, Frank Gehry and Frank Lloyd Wright, complete with iconic houses that mirror those designed by the famous architects. The architecture may be different, but the wolf still huffs and puffs in this delightful adventure in modern design.
— The Kansas City Star’s Stacy Downs calls the tale “a squealing lesson in architecture.” The architectural twist made the book fascinating for Stacy, too, as she read it to her toddler sons.
— John Hill of A Weekly Dose of Architecture enjoyed the “landscape of modernism within the familiar story.” He also praised the learning potential of the story, explaining, “As the parent of a two-year-old girl I can see the myriad educational opportunities, from matching images to word association and even creating stories within the story.” 7/7/2010 (Price: $18.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LEGO Brickmaster: Atlantis by DK PUBLISHING INC.

Full-color photos combine with clearly labeled instructions, trivia and a compelling story to make this 48-page Brickmaster kit ideal for LEGO fans. Young builders can build fantastic models of undersea craft from LEGO's Atlantis line or come up with distinctive Atlantis creations of their own. LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick configuration and the Minifigure are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ( Watch Video) 7/7/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Story of Christmas by CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE

Based on the Gospel of Luke, this story brings the dramatic events of Jesus's birth to life. "With beautiful illustrations, this timeless story is told in a way that will easily introduce children to God's grace for a fallen world," Rosemary Parkinson, Corporate Communications, Concordia Publishing House, told TDmonthly. 6/28/2010 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Hear Me Read Bible by CONCORDIA PUBLISHING HOUSE

The Hear Me Read Bible is designed to help children learn to read and learn about Jesus. This level one series is comprised of 18 complete stories that contain 25 words or less. "Each story uses colorful illustrations, limited words and repetition to help children develop reading vocabulary and skills," Rosemary Parkinson of Concordia Publishing House Corporate Communications told TDmonthly. 6/28/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Beeman by BAREFOOT BOOKS

Told from the viewpoint of a young boy whose grandpa keeps bees, The Beeman explains how bees live and how they make honey. The book includes notes on bees and a recipe for muffins. "The informative facts and delicious recipe that comes after the Beeman's story really highlights the narration and encourages kids to get involved and try new things," Leah Lesser, Group Communications Director, Barefoot Books, told TDmonthly. 6/25/2010 (Price: $16.99)

Creepy Crawly Calypso by BAREFOOT BOOKS

This jolly band of bugs jumps and jives to a creepy crawly calypso beat. From spiders to fireflies, butterflies to centipedes, Debbie Harter’s humorous illustrations match the Caribbean spirit of this jaunty rhyming text that introduces children to cardinal and ordinal numbers, and takes them straight into the marvelous world of bugs. "The bright and quirky illustrations, coupled with the sing-along CD, are sure to help youngsters get over their fear of creepy crawlies," Barefoot Books Group Communications Director Leah Lesser told TDmonthly. 6/25/2010 (Price: $9.99)

I Took the Moon for a Walk by BAREFOOT BOOKS

When the day has ended and everyone else has fallen asleep, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure with his friend the Moon. Their unusual journey is described in lyrical verse, creating a enchanting story that celebrates the serene beauty of the world at night. "The lyrical text and poetic voice adds a soothing factor to this imaginative tale," Barefoot Books Group Communications Director Leah Lesser told TDmonthly.
— The Reading Tub praised the book for its “nice combination of reality reading (seeing one's glow in the water) and fantasy (the boy and moon sharing a night-time flight) that will appeal to all readers.” The reviewer added that “the notes at the back will be wonderful for expanding the book beyond the poetry when our toddler gets a little bit older.”
— Sheela from The Joy of My Life noted that the “delightful and dreamy” illustration “evokes a magical night world in this book, and, accompanied by rhythmic verse has become a bedtime must-read over the last few weeks in our house.” Sheela liked that the book contains factual scientific information while “still preserving the imaginative and magical world personifying the moon through the motley illustrations that project the ethereal story.” 6/25/2010 (Price: $16.99)

Who's in the Garden? by BAREFOOT BOOKS

In this novelty peek-a-boo book, children are invited to look through the holes on every other page to answer the repeating refrain, "Who’s coming to see how my garden grows?" The energetic, rhyming text introduces all sorts of creatures that are busy foraging and frolicking in the garden. 6/25/2010 (Price: $14.99)

Chicken, Pig, Cow by ANNICK PRESS

Even though it doesn’t have a door, Chicken, Pig and Cow love everything about the home that Girl made for them out of Popsicle sticks. Everything but Dog, who lives outside, but whose drooling makes it feel as if it’s raining inside. When Cow is left alone one day, she ends up making friends with Dog. Best of all, Dog knocks down two Popsicle sticks creating a door, so that now their home is truly perfect.
Awards: 2010 Great Books for 2010, Canadian Toy Testing Council; 2009 Toronto Public Library First and Best List; 2009 Pennsylvania Center for the Book Best Books for Family Literacy; 2009 Ontario Library Association Best Bets List; 2009 Cdn Children’s Book Centre Best Books for Kids and Teens; 2009 Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards finalist 6/25/2010 (Price: $6.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I is for Inuksuk: An Arctic Celebration by OWLKIDS

As the official symbol for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the image of the Inuksuk was everywhere. This book teaches children all about life in the Arctic and these amazing stone statues. The acrostic poem, complemented by paintings, celebrates the Arctic landscape, culture and traditions. "Words are written in both English and Inuktitut, with an Inuktitut pronunciation guide included at the back of the book, so children can sound out the words in both languages," Kendal Gerard, Marketing Associate, Owlkids, told TDmonthly.

TDmonthly Review:

Please click here to read TDmonthly´s Toy Expert review of this product. 6/25/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

ARTastic!: 200+ Art Smart Activities by OWLKIDS

With more than 200 drawing and coloring activities, ARTastic! is designed to fuel kids' creativity, teach them drawing basics, and inspire their minds. Kids will complete pictures by adding their own creations, learn to draw simple images themselves, explore different colors and more. "High production values mean kids can use whichever scribbling or coloring medium they choose," Kendal Gerard, Marketing Associate, Owlkids, told TDmonthly. 6/25/2010 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wiggle Giggle Tickle Train by ANNICK PRESS

A pony in a field moves a child to play giddy-up on her father’s shoulders; a plane high above invites kids to pretend they are birds soaring in the sky. Everyday things, seen here in striking photos, are the catalyst for imaginative play, which is captured in lively illustrations. Short bursts of energetic, rhythmic poetry are designed to inspire preschoolers to create their own fun from what they see around them.
Awards: 2009 First & Best List, Toronto Public Library; 2010 Next Generation Indie Book Award 6/25/2010 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Smart-opedia Junior: The Amazing Book about Everything by OWLKIDS

This lively "un"cyclopedia gives young readers an eye-opening broad basis of general knowledge. From a tour of the human skeleton and the five senses to modern technology and inventions, from life in a desert to a day at the fire station, children will be delighted and fascinated at every turn of the page. "Special features throughout make information fun and accessible: Kids' Questions sidebars, What About You? bubbles, Figure It Out! activities, Did You Know? sidebars, Number Time bubbles, Day-in-the-Life pages, and more," Kendal Gerard, Marketing Associate, Owlkids, told TDmonthly. 6/25/2010 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I Can Make That!: Fantastic Crafts for Kids by OWLKIDS

This collection for kids who are just developing craft skills shows readers how to transform common household materials into costumes, puppets, toys, games and more. The book contains simple step-by-step instructions and photographs. "I Can Make That! consolidates the 5 books in the original I Can Make... series so this is the ultimate treasure trove of art ideas for crafty kids," Owlkids Marketing Associate Kendal Gerard told TDmonthly. 6/25/2010 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

It's All Fun and Games: 230 Activities for the Whole Family! by OWLKIDS

It's All Fun and Games contains more than 230 activities from crafts to magic tricks to outdoor activities. The activities are color coded by type, so kids can easily find exactly what they are looking for. Each activity lists the materials needed, the object of the game and the number of players required, along with easy-to-understand instructions and fun visuals. 6/25/2010 (Price: $26.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Beastly Book of Monsters: 150 Ways to Doodle, Scribble, Color and Draw by OWLKIDS

My Beastly Book of Monsters offers kids the opportunity to scribble, doodle and reconfigure over 150 monstrous creatures. Tie a monster's shoes together, draw a creature that's part monster and part pickle, or scare a monster with a mouse. Each amusing scenario encourages kids to use their imaginations and their budding artistic skills. 6/25/2010 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Beastly Book of Silly Things: 150 Ways to Doodle, Scribble, Color and Draw by OWLKIDS

My Beastly Book of Silly Things offers young children the opportunity to scribble, doodle, and explore over 150 silly scenarios. Armed with only a pack of crayons or markers, children interpret visual cues and solve funny mix-ups in their own distinctive way. What objects will they throw into the garbage? What's about to be hit by the little man's club? And just what are the silliest things they can think of? The ridiculous possibilities are endless. 6/25/2010 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Why?: The Best Ever Question and Answer Book about Nature, Science and the World around You by OWLKIDS

Everyday childhood activities, such as an excursion to the park, splashing in the bathtub or fixing a snack in the kitchen, can prompt many questions from young children. This special edition of Why? celebrates the book's 10th anniversary and provides kid-friendly explanations for nearly 100 of the most common questions kids ask. "Each of the questions included in this book was carefully selected from a pool of thousands of questions submitted by real children," Owlkids Marketing Associate Kendal Gerard told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2002 American Association for the Advancement of Science Best Books for Children; 2002 Canadian Toy Testing Council 25 Great Books for Children 6/25/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Animal Babies: Lift the Flap and Learn by OWLKIDS

Designed to be both entertaining and educational, Animal Babies is an interactive book about the birth and growth of animals. It is full of tabs, flaps and touch-and-feel elements, and includes a 4'6" x 3' pullout poster with life-size images of baby African animals. 6/25/2010 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Beasties: How to Make 22 Mischievous Monsters That Go Bump in the Night by PENGUIN GROUP USA

Welcome to the wondrous world of Diana Schoenbrun's "Beasties," where mythic and imaginary creatures come alive from simple materials, such as scrap fabric and thread. From werewolves to zombies to yetis to unidentifiable yet adorable beasts, these projects allow crafters to push the limits of their imaginations to sew a menagerie of whimsical beings.
— “Author Diana Schoenbrun does a fantastic job of presenting an array of wonderful creatures to create,” proclaimed BookLegion. According to the reviewers, the monsters created based on the book “make great personalized gifts for others.”
— Jocelynn Brown of the Detroit News Handmade Crafts Blog loved that the book encouraged the resourceful use of fabric scraps, since the “more woven and textured scraps of fabric, the more interesting your creatures will look.” Her colleague Erik Henrickson loved the irreverent designs of the monsters, from the “soft and fluffy” Tomte to a “patriotic Werewolf” complete with “red, white and blue fur.” 6/23/2010 (Price: $17.95)

Queetles Read Along Storybook by QUEETLES, INC.

This Read Along Storybook, the first in a series of five, is a companion piece to Queetles plush toys. 6/22/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]