TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Books Product Category

The Frog with the Big Mouth by ALBERT WHITMAN & COMPANY

In the rainforest, where Argentina meets Brazil, a frog with a very big mouth catches an enormous fly. Impressed with himself, he sets out along the path to find someone else to amaze. “I’ve eaten the biggest FLY in the whole world!” he brags. “Don’t you wish you were ME?” 1/12/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spring Things by ALBERT WHITMAN & COMPANY

Author Bob Raczka thinks it’s a neat coincidence that the word “spring,” like so many of its happy activities, ends in “ing.” Nature is busy budding and flowering; baby animals are being born; gardeners are planting; and everywhere children are running and playing. 1/12/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Night Symphony by Wocto Publishing

A child spends restless nights awakened by distracting sounds, turns them into a symphony, and is finally able to sleep undisturbed. This bedtime story introduces days of the week and elements of music. Enrichment activities that complement this book can be downloaded free from www.wocto.com (Binn, Lara. Illus by Valia Ovseyko, 16 pages ) "A delightful little bedtime story that is music to the ears." — Joan Kurland, Music Teacher; Artist 2008 CD: Looking Up: Songs of Hope 1/8/2009 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Jakry Kids: Curiosity Shop by Wocto Publishing

Curious things happen when a brother and sister befriend an eccentric centenarian and invite her home for tea. Online lesson plans to complement this pre-chapter picture book are available for free at www.wocto.com First in the Jakry Kids series. (Jakary, Lin. Illus by Ryan Olson, 28 pages) "As an educational therapist and reading specialist, I found The Jakry Kids: Curiosity Shop to be a jewel. This is a book that you don’t have to urge your kids to read. It’s a book that they’ll be begging you to read." —Christy Hendrickson, MD, CET
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite children's product.
— As of 7/21/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com. 1/8/2009 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

If You See the Moon by Wocto Publishing

This tale of adventure and friendship takes place in the enchanted land of New Mexico, and finds best friends Nimbu and Cirra in a predicament with the moon. As they are pulled into a sky full of possibilities, they wonder if their secret wish will come true. Enrichment activities that complement this book can be downloaded free from www.wocto.com (Wells, Zia. Illus by Rodrigo Gonzalez, 48 pages) "A gift of myth and wonder." — Richard Louv, Author of Last Child in the Woods; 2008 Audubon Medal Recipient 1/8/2009 (Price: $17.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I Lost My Sock by Wocto Publishing

A young boy attempts to solve the mystery of his missing sock, only to realize that his sock has run away, and is quite possibly leading an adventurous life of its own. Mystery. Humor. Enrichment activities that complement this book can be downloaded free from www.wocto.com (Jakary, Lin. Illus by Ryan Olson, 40 pages ) "Children can relate to the hero’s troubles and excitedly share their own past frustrations. This will be a well-worn favorite." — Linda Hartner Coffman, M.A., Elementary School Teacher
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite children's product.
— As of 7/21/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com. 1/8/2009 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Student Activity Fun Book by KIDSRULER

This student activity fun book includes a comprehensive teacher's guide and engaging workbook pages which provides incremental instruction in using the KidsRuler, from inches, to half-inches, to quarters. Additionally, it includes a fraction review, and covers feet and yards, and perimeter and diameter. It features reproducible pages and is also available on CD 1/8/2009 (Price: $16) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Gisela, Daughter of Charlemagne: Gisela's Story by MEDIEVAL MAIDENS LLC

Gisela wakes up for a very exciting day. Someone new is coming to the castle. And Gisela is going to become a member of Papa's Court. All in the same day! The little princess can hardly wait for the day to begin... 12/24/2008 (Price: $4.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by RANDOM HOUSE INC.

This classic from Dr. Seuss takes children on a rhyming adventure through riddles and puns. Hardcover, 63 pages. 12/23/2008 (Price: $8.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Oh, Yuck! The Encyclopedia of Everything Nasty by WORKMAN PUBLISHING

This paperback by Joy Massof and illustrated by Terry Sirrell lets kids indulge their nasty side while getting a bit of education. More than 50 topics are covered, including acne, maggots, halitosis and snot. Cartoons and experiments, such as making fake snot, add to the fun. Paperback, 224 pages. Launch date: January 2000. 12/23/2008 (Price: $14.95)

The Fruit Flies Picnic With Read-A-Long CD by SMARTPICKS INC.

From basic apples and bananas to exotic kiwi and cherimoya, the cartoon-style illustrations and kid-friendly dialogue promise to make a fruit lover out of the pickiest eater. Kids can join five playful fruit flies for an action-packed picnic as they gather a feast of fruit in all shapes and sizes and learn about the importance of eating a variety of colors. 12/19/2008 (Price: $18.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

A Pirate's Quest by CARL R. SAMS II PHOTOGRAPHY INC. (STRANGER IN THE WOODS)

"A Pirate's Quest" is the story of a one-legged pirate who loses his family heirloom peg leg. The pirate's journey begins by a tiny lake where his peg leg had drifted away during the night. He vows to find his leg by following the moving water from the lakes to the rivers to the ocean. And he never gives up. The story is beautifully illustrated with paintings by award-winning wildlife artist and host of the PBS television show "Your Brush with Nature," Heiner Hertling. Launch date: September 2008. 12/19/2008 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SWING! A Scanimation Picture Book by WORKMAN PUBLISHING

In this book of Scanimation visual effects, readers see an ice skater doing a pirouette, a boy riding his bike, a girl kicking a soccer ball, and more. The multi-phase animation used in the book is an awe-inspiring technology patented by artist and inventor Rufus Butler Seder.
— In a December 2011 survey about books, Donna Frederick owner of The Play House Toy Store in Durham, N.C., told TDmonthly that Scanimation books were her best selling titles. "People like it because it's fun like a flip book. Even adults like them. We sell out of them all the time," she said.  12/15/2008 (Price: $12.95)

Amelia Earhart and the Haunted Winds of Kansas by AMERITALES ENTERTAINMENT LLC

AmeriTales uses fantasy-adventure stories to introduce children to American history. In this tale, the legendary story of young Amelia Earhart building her own roller coaster is depicted. The spunky Amelia battles prairie winds and outdated traditions for girls to make her roller coaster dream come true. This childhood misadventure shows kids how Amelia grew up to become a famous aviator. Launch date: July 2008. 12/12/2008 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I'm Turning Green by THE LITTLE ENVIRONMENTALISTS LLC

Step into an adventure of a little girl who turns green from her head to her toes and learns that doing her part for the environment really shows. "I'm Turning Green" teaches young readers tips for conservation of energy, water and natural resources. It is made from 100-percent recycled papers and offer a 100-percent eco-friendly product at a reasonable price. Launch date: November 24, 2008. 12/12/2008 (Price: $7.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Camp Rock Stationery Products by MONOGRAM INTERNATIONAL INC.

The following Camp Rock Stationery Products are available: Camp Rock PY Diary - Pink Mitchie & Shane, Camp Rock PY Diary - Grey Group Shot, Camp Rock PY Planner and Camp Rock Super Stickers - two sheets. MSRP ranges from $ 0.99 SRP (stickers) to $5.99. The "products feature the lead actor and favorite characters, Mitchie — Demi Lovato, and the Jonas Brothers," Trish Sarlan, assistant to the VP of sales and marketing for Monogram International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 4, 2009. 12/12/2008 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Lorax by RANDOM HOUSE INC.

A Dr. Seuss classic from 1971, “The Lorax” is a brightly illustrated book filled with lyric verse about a timely theme. The Lorax is a strange creature that watches over a forest filled with marvelous trees. As the forest is cut down to make things for the growing community, the trees and the habitats of the various creatures that live there disappear until there’s almost nothing left. Dr. Seuss’s simple, clever and powerful message about environmentalism will stick with young readers.
— “The Dr. Seuss always sells out,” said Elizabeth Ryan, owner of Tales & Toys in Venice, Calif.
— “Dr. Seuss is always popular,” agreed Pat Cooley, owner of Cooleykatz Toys in Livermore, Calif., in November 2008. 12/10/2008 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Brisingr by RANDOM HOUSE INC.

Third in the popular “Inheritance” series by Christopher Paolini, which begins with “Eragon,” “Brisingr” continues to chronicle the dragon rider Eragon’s journey and training as he undertakes a heroic quest to help rescue his cousin’s betrothed. Roran and Eragon undergo primarily separate journeys, having to face many tests and overcome great odds. The story is themed in the classic high-fantasy genre, filled with magic, dragons, elves, dwarves, and sword fighting, as well as the value of friendship, family and courage. Launch date: September 20, 2008.
— “The new Christopher Paolini book, “Brisingr.” [We sell] over 100 per month,” said Jessica Wood, buyer for Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, Vt.
— Two of 52 retailers named “Brisingr” as a best seller in November 2008. 12/10/2008 (Price: $27.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Going to School by USBORNE PUBLISHING

Part of Usborne’s series of books introducing young children to unfamiliar experiences, this short, 8” x 8” soft-cover book is an illustrated account of the first day of school. The friendly, colorful pictures are designed to be talked about so that little ones will have an easier time externalizing possible anxieties about a change in routine. The series covers many first experiences, from the introduction of a new baby sibling to a hospital visit or travel on an airplane.
— Eight percent of 52 retailers told TDmonthly in November 2008 that Usborne is their top-selling supplier of books. 12/10/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cookies: Bite Size Life Lessons by HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS

Jane Dyer’s rich illustrations and an allegory about making chocolate chip cookies present simple but solid anecdotes about some of life’s most important issues in Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s whimsical instruction manual for manners and morals. Accompanying each colorful picture, a single concept is defined by a related phrase that captures the essence of the abstract, such as kindness or respect. For example, Rosenthal defines cooperation: “How about you add the chips while I stir?” Launch date: May 2, 2006.
— “‘Cookies’ is very popular,” Erin Dedmon, owner of The Wee Loft in Dana Point, Calif., told TDmonthly in November 2008.
— “‘Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons.’ [It’s] for children and adults, about kindness, patience. Great book,” said Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper for Kids in Springfield, Va., who sells about 15 per month. 12/10/2008 (Price: $14.99)

Goodnight Moon by HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS

More than 60 years old, Margaret Wise Brown’s “Goodnight Moon” continues to lull children to sleep with its gently colored illustrations by Clement Hurd and simple, soothing message. The baby bunny in the story goes to bed, bidding goodnight to all of the things in the bedroom and the familiar view outside the window. 
— “My classics like ‘Goodnight Moon’” are top sellers in the book category, said Elizabeth Ryan, owner of Tales & Toys in Venice, Calif.
— Three of 52 retailers told TDmonthly in November 2008 that “Goodnight Moon” is a best-selling book for them.
— As of 8.12.10, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 65 reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 7 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Vivid illustrations, stimulates imagination, entertains while teaching values. 12/10/2008 (Price: $17.99)

Precious Pals Dancing Duck by PENGUIN GROUP USA

This board book, one of several in the Precious Pals series, is sturdy enough to handle the babies it draws in with its whimsical illustrations and touch-and-feel textures inside. Babies and young children will enjoy both the visual and tactile stimulation presented by the book, which is made infant-friendly by its padded cover, heavy-duty board pages and rounded corners. 
— “Our board books are popular,” said Rosie Morris, manager of Whiz Kids in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
— “The board books … have been really popular,” Genevieve Collogne, manager of Wooden Horse in Los Gatos, Calif., told TDmonthly.
— Eight percent of 52 retailers said in November 2008 that board books comprise their best-selling books. 12/10/2008 (Price: $8.99)

The Flash: Rebirth by DC COMICS

Written by Geoff Johns, this series will bring back the original Flash, Barry Allen, as well as other key characters. Launch date: 2009. 12/10/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Frankenstein Takes the Cake by HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT

After "Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich" (2006), he decides to get married and plan an elegant featuring his favorite monsters and best man Dracula. His bride, only recently dead and revived, must battle her parents' frustration with having to pay for her wedding just days after coughing up the cash for her funeral. In this lushly illustrated and imaginative picture book by Adam Rex, the monsters get to blog, rhyme, appear in classic cartoons, create mayhem and complain about the difficulties of life. And death. Launch date: 2008. 12/4/2008 (Price: $16.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wabi Sabi by LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY

Caldecott Medalist Ed Young has created another visual masterpiece with "Wabi Sabi," a new picture book by debut author Mark Reibstein. Wabi sabi, a traditional Japanese concept, refers to the beauty found in simple, everyday things. Young's collage illustrations of man-made and natural materials are a masterful blend of color, texture and form that pefectl complements the text. Wabi Sabi, a cat, tries to learn the meaning of her name. As her journey unfolds in a mix of prose and haiku, Wabi Sabi and the readers come closer to understanding the tru meaning of her name. "Wabi Sabi" is a vertical book, bound at the top like a calendar. Hardcover, 40 pages. Launch date: October 2008. 12/4/2008 (Price: $16.99)