TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Books Product Category

Peas and Love for Daughters by MARY MEYER CORP.

Gently Spoken, publisher of the successful “Eat Your Peas” gift books, has teamed with the Mary Meyer Corporation, an award-winning manufacturer of quality stuffed toys, to create Peas and Love for Daughters, a gift package that combines a Food for Thought Mary Meyer plush pea and the “Eat Your Peas” gift book, Eat Your Peas for Daughters.  The gift package features an “Eat Your Peas” gift book and 10" x 4" x 3" Food for Thought plush pea pod that zips open to find three 2" diameter funny-faced plush peas. The new Peas and Love gift packages also include: Peas and Love for New Moms, Peas and Love for Grandkids and Peas and Love for the Holidays. 7/8/2008 (Price: $30.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hallowmere- Maiden of the Wolf by MIRRORSTONE

After Corinne and all of hter friends are thrown into separate fairy worlds, Ilona finds hwerself ina world controlled by an evil countess so obsessed by youth that she sacrifices young girls to draw their life force into her own. Forced to join the countess's troop of werewolves, Ilona must help kidnap mortal girls. As she puzzles over how to save the girls instead, without endangering herself, she begins to fall for one of the werewolf lieutenants. It may be the loved she's always dreamed of, but what will be the cost? Tiffany Trent and Angelika Ranger cowrote this fourth book in the Hallowmere series. Launch date: May 13, 2008. 7/1/2008 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sucks to Be Me: The All-True Confessions of Mina Hamilton, Teen Vampire by MIRRORSTONE

Being a teenager is a challenge, but in Kimberly Pauley's "Sucks to Be Me," life gets really complicated when Mina has to decide whether or not to become a vampire like her parents. Toss in a couple of cute boys and it's enough to drive a girl crazy .... or at least make her want to drink some blood. Written by first-timer Kimberly Pauley. Hardcover, 304 pages. Launch date: September 2008. 7/1/2008 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Time Spies - Message in the Mountain by MIRRORSTONE

The Chapman kids travel back to 1934 where they meet Gutzon Borglum, sculptor of America's greatest engineering and artistic marvel, Mount Rushmore. When the Time Spies arrive, Borglum's in trouble. His massive sculpture of Jefferson has cracked and a mystery is afoot that threatens to scuttle the entire project. Can the Time Spies find a way to save this American masterpiece? Launch date: May 2008. 7/1/2008 (Price: $4.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Supernatural Rubber Chicken by MIRRORSTONE

In this super-silly new series from acclaimed author and humorist D.L. Garfinkle, the trouble begins when Nate accidentally breaks his friend Jason's glasses and asks the rubber chicken to grant Jason super vision. But when Ms. Crabpit intercepts the chicken, super vision transforms her from tyrant teacher into super teacher. Can Nate undo the mess before Ms. Crabpit actually teaches them something? Illustrated by Ethan Long. Launch date: 6/10/2008. 7/1/2008 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Something for School by KANE/MILLER BOOK PUBLISHERS

In this 40-page hardcover story by Hyun Young Lee, Yoon has a bad first day of kindergarten and has to find something that will make it better. Does she make friends in the end? Launch date: September 1, 2008. 7/1/2008 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Snake and Lizard by KANE/MILLER BOOK PUBLISHERS

This 104-page hardcover, written by Joy Cowley and illustrated by Gavin Bishop, explores, in a warm and humorous light, the friendship between two different creatures with different personalities. Launch date: September 1, 2008. 7/1/2008 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

There's No Such Thing as Ghosts! by KANE/MILLER BOOK PUBLISHERS

This 32-page hardcover by Emmanuelle Eeckhout chronicles a little boy's search for ghosts in an old house in his new neighborhood. Launch date: September 1, 2008. 7/1/2008 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Misadventures of a Roving Cartoonist: The Lone Ranger's Secret Sidekick by FIVE STAR PUBLICATIONS INC.

Self-taught cartoonist Tom Gill, known for his "Lone Ranger" cartoon series, relates his life and world travels with several colleagues as they visited and brought smiles to soldiers stationed overseas. The book also includes comments from the author's close friend Tim Lasuita  Launch date: May 2008. 7/1/2008 (Price: $29.95)

Wombat & Fox: Tales of the City by KANE/MILLER BOOK PUBLISHERS

This 130-page hardcover by Terry Denton tells the story of Wombat, Fox, Croc, the Hippo Sisters and others as they experience surprising adventures in the big city. Launch date: September 1, 2008. 7/1/2008 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Wickit Chronicles Book 1: Ely Plot by KANE/MILLER BOOK PUBLISHERS

This 160-page paperback by Joan Lennon follows the story of Pip, the teenage King of England, and a gargoyle named Perfect as they try to escape death threats in the middle of the Fenland and make it back to Wickit Abbey. A second book, "Fen Gold," is also available. Launch date: September 1, 2008. 7/1/2008 (Price: $5.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bye Bye Monster Gift Set by YOUR THYME INC.

This gift set includes a 4-oz. plastic bottle of all-natural monster spray made with organic essential oils that help induce sleep; “Bye Bye Monster, Joey’s Adventure on Monster Street” storybook, which takes a little boy on a nighttime adventure with his new monster friend; and a 16” under-stuffed monster named Barley. All three products come in a colorful box. Kelly Lucente, co-creator of the "Bye Bye Monster" line, told TDmonthly that "73 percent of children age 4-12 experience nighttime fear. ... Test-marketed with the help of child psychologists, teachers, parents and Montessori children, there is nothing on the market today doing what this product has been designed to do … assist children with nighttime fear." This product won a 2008 Best Picks award from Dr. Toy as well as a 2008 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: August 15, 2008. 7/1/2008 (Price: $49.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rosie and Buttercup by KIDS CAN PRESS

This hardcover book tells the story of Rosie, who, resenting the excitement a new baby sister has taken away from her life, decides to give little Buttercup away. In the process of doing so, she learns a valuable lesson. Launch date: 2008. 6/30/2008 (Price: $17.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Meet the Kids of Paddywhack Lane by PADDYWHACK LANE LLC

Using simple text and fresh, colorful artwork, the Paddywhack Lane series helps introduce concepts of friendship and sharing to children ages 3-6. In "Meet the Kids of Paddywhack Lane," the Parker kids just moved to Paddywhack Lane, and they are having trouble making new friends. But when the kids come up with an idea to dress up in costumes, things begin to change. The Paddywhack series also includes dolls, costumes and CDs. 6/25/2008 (Price: $3.99)

Tea for Two by PADDYWHACK LANE LLC

Using simple text and fresh, colorful artwork, the Paddywhack Lane series helps introduce concepts of friendship and sharing to children ages 3-6. In "Tea for Two," Lauren and Courtneyy are two sisters who don't want to share anything, especially their room! Can they figure out a way to share, get along and still live together? The Paddywhack series also includes dolls, costumes and CDs. 6/25/2008 (Price: $3.99)

The Boxcar Children, 60th Anniversary Edition by ALBERT WHITMAN & COMPANY

Orphaned and alone but determined to stay together, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny Alden set off on their own and turned an abandoned boxcar into their home. The Boxcar Children, published sixty years ago in 1942, has captured the imaginations of generations of readers. 6/25/2008 (Price: $18.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Penny and the Punctuation Bee by ALBERT WHITMAN & COMPANY

Elsie, an exclamation point, announces loudly that she’s sure she’ll win the school Punctuation Bee. After all, an exclamation point has won the last three years. But Penny, a period, and her friend, Quentin, a question mark, decide to practice and practice. More than anything, Penny wants to beat Elsie, who brags way too much! The bee begins and one by one, the punctuation marks drop out. Finally, as the loudspeaker announces the end of the school day, only Quentin, Penny, and Elsie remain. It looks like a three-way tie. Then Quentin asks an important question that saves the day—for Penny! 6/25/2008 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Peaceful Piggy Yoga by ALBERT WHITMAN & COMPANY

Who loves yoga? Everyone from ballerinas to football players to moms and dads. Babies do yoga positions without even knowing it! From the author and illustrator of Peaceful Piggy Meditation, this fun and informative picture book guide shows kids—and piggies!—in classic yoga poses, complete with instructions. Kerry Lee MacLean brings her experience as a yoga instructor and children’s meditation therapist to this unique guide, along with the bright, amusing piggy paintings that have become her trademark. 6/25/2008 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bat's Big Game by ALBERT WHITMAN & COMPANY

The Animals and Birds are getting ready for the big game. Bat wants to WIN WIN WIN— which team will he play on? The Animals look strong and fast, so Bat picks that side. A bat has fur and teeth, after all. But when the Animals fall behind, Bat switches to the Bird team—doesn’t a bat have wings? Maybe the Birds will win! Silly Bat learns a lesson about team spirit in this lively tale retold by renowned storyteller Margaret Read MacDonald. Artist Eugenia Nobati’s animals add plenty of style and fun. 6/25/2008 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The ABC's of Fruits and Vegetables and Beyond: Delicious Alphabet Poems, Plus Food, Facts, and Fun for Everyone by Ceres Press

Best-selling food writer David Goldbeck’s new and highly praised book, “The ABC’s of Fruits and Vegetables and Beyond,” is actually two books in one for “kids to grow with.” Children first learn their alphabet through clever “produce poems,” then go on to hundreds of related activities. In a second printing after only a few months, it has been purchased by several school districts, where it is an important resource in improving children’s relationship with these important foods. Co-authored with Jim Henson writer, Steve Charney. Nutritionist approved. Featured in the New York Times and dozens of other library, parent and popular publications. 112 pages/ Paper/ Full color throughout/ Illustrated by Maria Burgaletta Larson. 6/24/2008 (Price: $16.95)

American Wholefoods Cuisine: Over 1300 Meatless Wholesome Recipes from Short Order to Gourmet by Ceres Press

Considered the “vegetarian Joy of Cooking” by both health and gourmet writers, this now classic cookbook features a wide-ranging selection of recipes, including 125 “short order” choices, family dinners and recipes for entertaining. Plus, 100 pages of information on food production and preservation, menu planning, equipment and techniques, stocking the pantry, kitchen math, and more. More than 250,000 copies have been sold. 562 pages / Paper / Illustrated / Index 6/24/2008 (Price: $23.95)

Earthly Bodies & Heavenly Hair: Natural and Healthy Personal Care for Every Body by Ceres Press

This how-to from master herbalist Dina Falconi is a “cookbook” of natural bodycare. It is distinctive by pertaining to all members of the family, with recipes for women, men, teens, babies, and elders. 450 innovative formulas for bodycare essentials for face, skin, hair, hands, feet, mouth, and teeth - more than a hundred of which can be made from basic household staples (marked with a "Basic Bee.") Natural first aid, too. Many formulas use healing herbs. Over 150 original botanical and instructive illustrations by Alan McKnight and photographs by David Goldbeck. 6/24/2008 (Price: $17.95)

The Good Breakfast Book: 485 Healthy Ways to Start the Day by Ceres Press

This cookbook by Nikki and David Goldbeck is chock full of recipes for every meal of the day. In addition to brunch and breakfast sections, there are chapters on juicing, lunchbox favorites, baked goods, and wheat, dairy and egg-free recipes and just plain fun food. There are plenty of vegan recipes, too. One addition that new vegetarian parents will find helpful is the Table of Milk Values comparing everything from almond and soy to cow's and goat's milk. 224 pages/ Paper/ Index/illustrated. 6/24/2008 (Price: $9.95)

My Brother the Dog by TANGLEWOOD PRESS

Mattie has a couple of dilemmas. FIRST (sigh), her parents are making her babysit her humiliating younger brother nearly nonstop. What could BE more awful than the constant company of a 4-year-old brother who acts like a dog? THEN, her best friend's brother begins to show serious interest in her. 6/23/2008 (Price: $6.95)

Blackbeard and the Gift of Silence by TANGLEWOOD PRESS

"There are some secrets so dangerous that they can't be told, even after death," Blackbeard worries. Daniel, Billy, Stefanie, and Mark have found the ancient pirate loot and are delivering it to its rightful owners in London. But the teens have only begun to scratch the surface of the deeper mysteries they have unwittingly uncovered. 6/23/2008 (Price: $15.95)