TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Books Product Category

Over in the Arctic Where the Cold Winds Blow by DAWN PUBLICATIONS

Written by Marianne Berkes and illustrated by Jill Dubin, "Over in the Arctic," chronicles life in a land where the snow goose "honks" and the wolf "howls." Children too will joyfully honk and howl while they count the baby animals and sing to the tune of "Over in the Meadow." And the illustrations— all done in cut paper — vividly convey the austere nature of the Arctic. The book measures 10" x 9" and features 32 fully illustrated pages. Launch date: 2008. Also available in hardback ($16.95). 11/10/2008 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Twilight by LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY

Written by Stephenie Meyer, this "New York Times" best selling fantasy novel captures the story of star-crossed teenaged lovers Bella and Edward. Bella learns that Edward, along with several other students at her new school, are rescued vampires. True to his vampiric nature, Edward knows he could kill Bella should his passion for her become too great, and therein lies the central tension of the story. Launch date: October 5, 2005. 11/7/2008 (Price: $19.99)

Robots & Donuts by DARK HORSE COMICS, INC.

In the years following World War II the major export from Japan wasn't electronic equipment, but toys, specifically tin toys. Crafted in the shapes of submarines, planes, trains, cars, and horses, one of the most popular motifs were toy robots. Constructed in virtually every shape imaginable from the 1940s throughout the 1960s, they ranged in appearance from horror to science fiction characters. Today, these toys are not only fondly remembered by collectors but are being re-created for a whole new generation. Capturing this period in history became a passion of painter Eric Joyner's and in Robots and Donuts he celebrates this forgotten era with images marrying the metal creations with images plucked from his imagination. And, almost always, with donuts. This book also features a look finto Joyner's painting style as well as a glimpse at some of his other non-robot themed artwork. 11/7/2008 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Art of Bone by DARK HORSE COMICS, INC.

Never before and rarely seen artwork, outlines, and entire stories from Jeff Smith's Bone are collected in this full-color hardcover volume. Bone is an international publishing sensation with hundreds of thousands of loyal readers and no end in sight to its growing popularity. Now, for the first time anywhere, see the homemade comics, sketches, and grand plans that set this masterpiece of literary fantasy in motion. From there, take a tour through piles of promotional art, holiday cards, and pivotal storytelling moments from the revolutionary self-publishing years, where Bone went from "the little comic that could" to an industry leader that changed the face of comics. Finally, revel in the wonder of Bone as a complete 1300-page graphic novel, a work for the ages, filled with comedy and tragedy and adventure for generations to come. 11/7/2008 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Volume 1—Shipyards of Doom by DARK HORSE COMICS, INC.

Based on the new motion picture and television series The Clone Wars comes this quarterly, graphic-novella series from Dark Horse. Dark Horse’s first offering, “Shipyards of Doom,” is a digest-sized graphic novella written by Henry Gilroy, the head writer for the TV show, and illustrated by the prolific Fillbach Brothers. 11/7/2008 (Price: $7.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite by DARK HORSE COMICS, INC.

In an inexplicable worldwide event, forty-seven extraordinary children were spontaneously born by women who’d previously shown no signs of pregnancy. Millionaire inventor Reginald Hargreeves adopted seven of the children; when asked why, his only explanation was, “To save the world.” These seven children form The Umbrella Academy, a dysfunctional family of superheroes with bizarre powers. Their first adventure at the age of ten pits them against an erratic and deadly Eiffel Tower, piloted by the fearsome zombie-robot Gustave Eiffel. Nearly a decade later, the team disbands, but when Hargreeves unexpectedly dies, these disgruntled siblings reunite just in time to save the world once again. 11/7/2008 (Price: $17.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Origami Master by ALBERT WHITMAN & COMPANY

Shima the Origami Master lives on a mountain in Japan. He isn’t lonely, for his beautiful origami animals keep him company. One morning Shima finds a marvelous new paper elephant on his desk. Where could it have come from? The next morning, a splendid dragon is in its place. It looks real enough to fly away. That night, Shima stays awake to find out who could make such wonderful creatures. But when he discovers who the mysterious artist is, he learns a surprising lesson about friendship. Included are instructions on how to make the origami flapping bird design. Aki Sogabe’s paper-cut art in the Japanese tradition richly complements Nathaniel Lachenmeyer’s lovely story. 10/31/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Snowy, Blowy Winter by ALBERT WHITMAN & COMPANY

How would you describe winter? Is it “freezy, stuffy, and sneezy?” Or do you think it’s “glowy, rosy, and cozy?” No matter how you feel about winter, you are sure to enjoy Bob Raczka’s tribute to the season’s activities, tastes, and sounds. The simple rhymes using “y” words will encourage children to come up with their own words to describe the season. Judy Stead’s exuberant art shows the fun of all things winter. Bob Raczka and Judy Stead previously teamed up to create Spring Things and Who Loves the Fall? With minimal text and cheerful art, these books work perfectly as an introduction to the seasons for the very young. 10/31/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

When Posey Peeked at Christmas by ALBERT WHITMAN & COMPANY

Posey loves Christmas, especially the presents! She shakes and squeezes each gift—what’s inside? And one afternoon, when she’s alone, Posey picks up a present and lifts the wrapping just a little… Any child who finds it hard to wait for Christmas will understand and love Posey, who never forgets the day she peeked. Anne Kennedy’s delightful paintings of the Mouse family capture the charm and warmth of Ann Dixon’s happy holiday story. 10/31/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Johnny Appleseed: The Legend and the Truth by HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS

Author Jane Yolen uses lyrical prose to not only reprise a well-known legend but also to tell the true story of apple tree-planting Johnny Appleseed, rather known as John Chapman, in this book illustrated by award-winning artist Jim Burke. Launch date: August 26, 2008. 10/29/2008 (Price: $16.99)

Angels from the Attic - Activity Book by BIG CITY PUBLISHING LLC

This 32-page activity book is based on the Angels from the Attic toy line and is gentle and appealing with easy-to-color pages. It shows the six characters and their special characteristics. Each Angel has its own specialty, such as exercise, reading or eating well. The magical attic they live in is introduced and encourages children to create their own special worlds. "This activity/coloring book is not mass-produced. It welcomes children to send in their own works of art and encourages friendship. Placed next to the Angels from the Attic plush animals, it expands the concept of visiting the Attic for fun and freedom," Mark Marderosian, creative director at Big City Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 30, 2008. 10/27/2008 (Price: $4.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

TALES FROM THE CRYPT Graphic Novel Volume 4 - "Jumping the Shark" by PAPERCUTZ

In this volume of Tales from the Crypt-Keeper, with his fellow Ghoulunatics, the Crypt-Keeper introduces tales of terror such as "Ignoble Rot!", a tale of a cursed ladies man forced to remain alive while his appearance transforms into a zombie and  "Jumping the Shark!", a tale of Reality TV series producer pitching shows from beyond the grave.  All of this is tied in with pun-filled introductions by he Old Witch, the Vault-Keeper, and the Crypt-Keeper. 10/10/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

THE HARDY BOYS Graphic Novel Volume 14 – "Haley Danelle's Top Eight!" by PAPERCUTZ

By Scott Lobdell & Paulo Henrique, this is one of the rare cases that aren’t assigned by A.T.A.C (American Teens Against Crime).... when Joe and Frank’s friend, Haley Danelle learns the friends on her MyFacePlace page’s Top Eight are disappearing one at a time, she turns to the Hardy Boys for help in finding them!  Also included, a sneak-peak at the Hardy Boys Graphic Novel #15: “Live Free, Die Hardy!” 10/10/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Max's Ice Age Adventure - Science Adventures with Max the Dog by BIG KID SCIENCE

Inspired by the unique combination of literacy and science in Jeffrey Bennett's series of Science Adventures with Max the Dog, the Summit School District (Colorado) created a district-wide "Make Your Own Max Science Adventure" contest for their first annual "Summit Writes Celebration." More than 100 third and fourth graders submitted entries. Series creator Jeffrey Bennett was so impressed with Logan Weinman's winning entry that he decided to help Logan publish it as Max's Ice Age Adventure. Logan both wrote and illustrated Max's Ice Age Adventure, a story in which Max and Tori travel back in time to the last ice age, where they encounter a saber-tooth tiger and other adventures. Jeffrey Bennett then added science Q&A boxes to address common questions that children might ask as they read the story. 10/8/2008 (Price: $12.00)

Max Goes to the Moon - Science Adventures with Max the Dog by BIG KID SCIENCE

Max Goes to The Moon tells the story of how Max the dog and a young girl named Tori undertake a quest to make the first trip to the Moon since the Apollo era. Their trip proves so inspiring to people back on Earth that the nations of the world join together to build a great Moon colony, complete with a university and an astronomical observatory. The colony, with its beautiful views of Earth hanging in the lunar sky, helps inspire everyone with a message of unlimited human potential and the importance of respecting our home planet. 10/8/2008 (Price: $16.95)

Max Goes to Mars - Science Adventures with Max the Dog by BIG KID SCIENCE

Max Goes to Mars begins where Max Goes to the Moon left off, with Max getting ready to go on the first human mission to Mars. This time, the trip is too long for his human friend Tori to go along, but she helps him prepare. On Mars, Max makes one of the most important discoveries of all time. After returning home, Max and Tori reflect on the beauty and fragility of our own planet Earth. 10/8/2008 (Price: $16.95)

Bitty Fish - "Let's Read Together" Series by KANE PRESS INC.

"Bitty Fish" is an easy-to-read book that combines phonics and rhyme in a lively, entertaining story for young readers. It is one of 15 books in the "Let's Read Together" series. Each book includes an artful blend of familiar vocabulary and easy-to-sound-out words, along with amusing characters. The storylines stress positive character traits such as sharing, friendship and responsibility. An audio component — CD or audiocassette — is available for each book in the series. "Bitty Fish offers a complete story with endearing characters and a humorous plot line," Margo Gunsser, marketing director for Kane Press, told TDmonthly. "Many books written for this age group offer rhyming words in unrealistic, uninteresting context. Bitty and her friends in the 'Let's Read Together' series offer stories that kids can 'sink their teeth into.'" Launch date: September 29, 2008. 10/2/2008 (Price: $5.95)

Night Before Christmas Book Series by PC Treasures, Inc.

With this collection of children’s CDs and read-along stories, kids can join the Little Mermaid, the Three Pigs, the Gingerbread Man and the Three Bears as they ring in the season. Each charming Christmas adventure is told in delightful original verse, telling tales with holiday humor and celebrating the joys of family. Included with every book is a CD with a captivating read-along narration by the legendary Nigel Lambert that is jam-packed with exciting bonus features, including all-new Christmas songs, a bouncy music video and a fully animated mini-movie with highlighted words that let kids follow along and learn to read as the story comes to life before their eyes. The Night Before Christmas series will create merry Christmas memories for years to come. "The included 'Stories Come Alive' CD is full of enormous value that is unrivaled in the children's book marketplace," Brian Austin, president of PC Treasures, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 8, 2008. 10/2/2008 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Indie Girl by ORANGE AVENUE PUBLISHING AND ZEST BOOKS

This 136-page paperback written by filmmakers Arne Johnson and Karen Macklin guides readers from concept to reality with professional advice on nine exciting projects, including filming a TV show, starting a fashion company, and putting on a play. Featured sections include Tricks of the Trade, Insider Tips, Who's on Board? and more. Launch date: April 2008. 9/30/2008 (Price: $16.95)

97 Things to Do Before You Finish High School by ORANGE AVENUE PUBLISHING AND ZEST BOOKS

Based on the premise that "being in high school is about a lot more than going to school," this book educates teenagers on things they won't learn in school, such as creating a podcast, writing a manifesto, and putting on a film festival. It is written by Steven Jenkins and Erika Stalder. 9/30/2008 (Price: $14.95)

Sticker Books by MULBERRY STUDIOS

Each 4.25" x 3.5" pad includes 108 stickers with a child's name. More than 100 names are available, and the company offers blue pads for boys and pink for girls.
— "Mulberry Studios has really neat stickers that have children's names on [them]," said Katherine King, manager of Giggles Toys & More in Bozeman, Mont., noting that her store sells 30 to 40 units per month.
— King and one other retailer, out of 51 surveyed, told TDmonthly in September 2008 that the stickers are a best-selling personalized product in their stores. 9/30/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Nature Discovery: In My Backyard by THE LITTLE ENVIRONMENTALISTS LLC

The Little Environmentalists proudly print their books using 100% post-consumer waste, chlorine free and non-toxic toner. This picture book follows a little girl discovering what everyone sees when they stop to look and smell the roses. a falling leaf, fluttering butterfly or crunchy grass beneath bare feet become an instant nature lesson. “Children will smell, hear, feel and see their way through their own backyard nature discovery,” explains Rebecca Mattano, creator of The Little Environmentalists. “Each page offers a new and unique look into nature with colorful pictures that not only teach but challenge children to find all that nature has to offer.” 9/29/2008 (Price: $6.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Little Bag™: It's Easter! by INNOVATIVEKIDS

This book and bag combination with sparkly, pop-out Easter eggs features whimsical text that introduces a new pop-out on each page. Kids can collect the eggs and fill their bag as they read, and then follow directions to create their own Easter egg hunt. Launch date: February 2009. 9/29/2008 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

iBaby™: I Love You, Little One: A Story Photo Book by INNOVATIVEKIDS

Tender rhyme and beautiful illustrations offer the opportunity for parent-child bonding and provide the perfect backdrop for a family's most precious photos. Simply slide a photo into place on each page to personalize the treasured keepsake. Launch date: February 2009. 9/29/2008 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Groovy Tube Book™: Knights and Castles by INNOVATIVEKIDS

Was King Arthur real? What were the coolest weapons that knights carried? How were castles built? And what was the best way to capture one? Kids will learn the answers to these questions along with countless other facts in this fascinating introduction to the world of medieval knights and castles. It includes 16 custom chess pieces, a 24-page fact-book and two games: Chess and Capture the Castle. Launch date: September 2008. 9/29/2008 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]