TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Books Product Category

Sixty-Minute Shakespeare: Macbeth by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series is an alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so that students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. "Reading-or performing Shakespeare doesn't need to take 'forever and a day.' Not if you raise the curtain on The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare ... Cass Foster has done a superb job of cutting the text while retaining the sense of the story and the poetic rhythm of the words," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2003. 4/28/2009 (Price: $8.99)

Children's Picture Atlas Kid Kit by EDC

Kids may use this product to discover the continents, countries and captials of the world utilizing dry erase cards. Each card comes with an answer overlay for easy reference. The United States and its state captials are included. "It is a fun kid kit with an educational bonus. Great for students who are trying to memorize states and capitals," Carolyn Pickup, marketing assistant at EDC Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009.
— EDC Books were on the top-10 best-seller list at the Toy Shop of Concord in Concord, Mass., according to Owner David Hesel in late 2009. 4/28/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sixty-Minute Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series is an ideal alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. "Reading-or performing Shakespeare doesn't need to take 'forever and a day.' ... Cass Foster has done a superb job of cutting the text while retaining the sense of the story and the poetic rhythm of the words," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2003. 4/27/2009 (Price: $8.99)

Bowzers and Meowzers Children's Book and Puppets by FAUX PAW PRODUCTIONS INC.

This series includes six individual preschool books with lessons written in rhyme. It features distinctive new cat and dog characters presented in a hand-carry book box with a plush hand puppet, plus an audio reward activated sound chip allowing the puppet to bark or meow. The packaging has a "capture system that enables the hand puppet or finger puppets and book to stay together in [the] attractive book carry box," Debby Carman, president of Faux Paw Productions, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008. 4/27/2009 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sixty-Minute Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

The "Sixty-Minute Shakespeare" series is created as an ideal alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so that students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. It "allows teachers to introduce the language more easily to wary students, while each play retains its integrity and beauty," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 1990. 4/27/2009 (Price: $8.99)

Don't Throw Away Your Stick Till You Cross the River by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

Miss Rosa, as Vincent Beach called his mother, was known for her sayings, including the title of his heartwarming autobiography. Vincent left his native Jamaica in 1944 with little more than his parents’ wisdom, and this book tells the story of his life’s journey as a military bandsman, educator and family man. It received the 2008 Carter G. Woodson Award (secondary level) for “the most distinguished social science book appropriate for young readers that increases understanding of ethnicity in the United States." "An ordinary man by his own description, Vincent says he wrote [the book] because he believes life stories provide an opportunity to better understand the complexities of human beings and the realities of every day living," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007. 4/27/2009 (Price: $14.99)

Healing Stones & Gardens by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

The DVD's images of peaceful, flowering gardens and multidimensional stones transitioning in an artistic display of creation, accompanied by tranquil nature sounds, are designed to shift the mind to right-brain thinking and free viewers from anxiety and stress. It comes with colorful 5” x 7” postcards to mail or frame. "'Healing Stones and Gardens' suspends time for an extraordinary moment and facilitates a journey to a sacred place where we can reconnect with inner divinity," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $24.95)

Granted!: A Teacher's Guide to Writing & Winning Classroom Grants by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

"Granted!" is written to simplify the application process for novice grant seekers and to reveal strategic advice to veteran grant writers. Educators are expertly guided through proven methods for writing and winning grants. Worksheets organize and record research, actions and data, saving time and giving grant seekers’ their best shot at securing grant money. "Invaluable worksheets organize and record grant seekers’ thoughts, research, actions and data to give them the best possible chances of securing grants for school projects, supplies and anything else a grant might help fund," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 15, 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $24.95)

Potluck Survival Guide: Care & Feeding of the Athletic Supporter by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

The book is an anthology of recipes that have been extensively field-tested at school, church and sporting potlucks. In addition to recipes, the book has a wealth of information about planning group events, decorating inexpensively for large gatherings, and specific information for feeding young athletes along with menu suggestions for games and practices. "It should appeal to anyone who has to feed kids, or crowds, or crowds of kids at church, school, athletic, scouting, tailgating or other social events. Perfect for novice cooks, but interesting enough for experienced cooks, 'Potluck Survival Guide' is a user-friendly cookbook that takes the fear out of taking a dish to your next potluck," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008. 4/27/2009 (Price: $24.95)

Campingly Yours by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

A tribute to family, friendship and forty-five years at summer camp, "Campingly Yours" paints a poignant picture of character, charisma and courage, lovingly nestled in America’s heartland. Punctuated with vivid imagery and laugh-out-loud humor, Thomas C. Adler’s memoir is "a heartwarming journey of a lifetime at summer camp," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 15, 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $15.95)

Jack & Walter: The Films of Lemmon & Matthau by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

"Jack & Walter" traces the legendary careers of Lemmon and Matthau. From their first screen-pairing in 1966, The Fortune Cookie, to their last comical romp, 1998’s The Odd Couple II, they put the “fun” in dysfunctional, cementing their positions in Hollywood history as the 20th Century’s last great comedy team. "With complete biographies of both Lemmon and Matthau, full credits and storylines for all 11 films, more than 100 publicity and behind-the-scenes photographs, and memories from co-workers and co-stars including some of Hollywood's biggest stars, Jack & Walter is the ultimate recognition of the pair's remarkable cinematic achievements," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 15, 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $45.00)

The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing: How to Produce and Market Your Book on a Budget by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

In this second edition of "The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing," Linda Radke of Five Star Publications shares what writers need to know to self-publish successfully without breaking the bank. It's based upon the premise that by self-publishing, an author will get his work to readers faster, maintain control, and make more money. "While 'The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing' gives writers the nuts and bolts of publishing, such as copywriting, acquiring an ISBN, editing, typesetting, printing and distributing, etc., in an easy-to-digest manner, it doesn’t end there. Readers also receive an invaluable arsenal of conventional — and sometimes unconventional — methods for marketing, promoting and obtaining free publicity," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 15, 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $19.95)

The Magical Adventures of Clara the Cleaning Lady: Clara Meets Mr. Twiddles by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

Mr. Twiddles the cranky cat is unexpectedly visited by a noisy stranger, Clara the housekeeper. But, there’s something amazing about Clara: her Very Special Powers (VSP) let her talk and listen to Mr. Twiddles. Should Mr. Twiddles try to be her friend, or get her out of his cozy, quiet home for good? "[Author] Murray-Gibson was born in Monrovia, Liberia, [and] has actively supported the cause of literacy and education for the people of her homeland. She also volunteers for a number of charities in and around her current hometown in Minnesota. Her book is also dedicated to the children of Liberia, and Murray-Gibson has planned to donate the proceeds from Clara and Mr. Twiddles to build schools and clinics around the rural areas of Liberia — an area that has been extremely impoverished by an 18-year war. With her support, children will be able to attend school free of charge," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 15, 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $15.95)

The Year of the Tiger: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac by IMMEDIUM

Despite his parent’s warnings, a princely cub befriends a human, the girl Su. But can Teddy prove the jungle is big enough for both man and beast? The fifth book in the "Tales of the Chinese Zodiac" series features all 12 animals of the new year. It's "the only English children's book series on each of the animals of the lunar new year," Amy Ma of Immedium told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010. 4/27/2009 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The White House Christmas Mystery by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

Award-winning children's author Carole Marsh incorporates history, geography, culture and more in this White House Christmas Mystery. Each book includes SAT words, an Accelerated Reader quiz, the Lexile measure and the Fountas and Pinnell guided level. Launch date: June 2006. 4/27/2009 (Price: $2.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Holiday Readers Set of 6 by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

These holiday readers can be used a gift for early readers, as they educate children about the story of Santa Claus, hanging stockings and cooking special meals with the family, plus other holiday traditions around the world. 4/27/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jonas Brothers PY Planner by MONOGRAM INTERNATIONAL INC.

This spiral-bound planner and organizer includes Jonas Brothers logos and pictures on the front and/or back cover, plus inside pages with shadow effects of the photos and logos for the following: "belongs to," class schedule, and 52 weekly, two-page schedule pages. Launch date: June 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jonas Brothers PY Diary - Black and Red by MONOGRAM INTERNATIONAL INC.

This diary has Jonas Brothers logos and pictures on the front and/or back cover, plus lined pages that feature shadow effects of Jonas Brothers logos and pictures. Launch date: June 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $2.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jonas Brothers PY Diary - Black and White by MONOGRAM INTERNATIONAL INC.

The PY Diaries feature the Jonas Brothers logos and pictures on the front and/or back covers. The inside, lined pages feature shadow-effect graphics of logos and pictures. The diaries are "highly detailed, [with] great colors and price points," Trish Sarlan, assistant to the vice president of sales and marketing for Monogram International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Animal Homes/Things That Go by KID O PRODUCTS

Four double sided pages with 8 silk screened illustrations, our wooden books give children a chance to either learn about their familiar animal friends homes or identify their favorite modes of transportation. 4/27/2009 (Price: $13.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

green start™: one tree by INNOVATIVEKIDS

Though one tree in a meadow seems all alone, this story shows how that tree is important in the lives of so many other living things. The 20-page hardcover book itself is made from 98-percent recycled materials. Launch date: April 2009. ( Watch Video) 4/17/2009 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Toon Books - Benny and Penny in The Big No-No! by RAW JUNIOR LLC

In comic-book format, this hardback book has 32 pages that chronicle the adventures of brother and sister Benny and Penny as they go snooping in someone's backyard and end up with a new friend.  It is written and illustrated by Geoffrey Hayes. Launch date: May 5, 2009. 4/17/2009 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mama's Kiss by CHRONICLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

This 32-page, full-color, hardcover chronicles the adventures of a kiss that goes astray and ends up landing right back where it was supposed to go in the first place — from a mother to her daughter.  It is written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Dan Baxter. Launch date: October 2008. 4/17/2009 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Painting the Town by CRYSTAL PRODUCTIONS

Written and illustrated by Denise Minnerly, "Painting the Town" tells the story of two kids who grab onto balloons and float through New York City, seeing how the primary colors of the blue, yellow and red apples they tossed mix to color the city in secondary shades. 4/17/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Imaginary Garden by KIDS CAN PRESS

This 32-page hardcover tells the story of a little girl and her grandfather as they paint a garden together. It is written by Andrew Larsen and illustrated by Irene Luxbacher. Launch date: 2009. 4/17/2009 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]