TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Books Product Category

Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael Kaplan by PENGUIN GROUP USA

When Betty Bunny eats chocolate cake for the first time, she declares, "I am going to marry chocolate cake." She loves it so much that she takes a piece to school with her in her pocket and refuses to eat anything else. Mommy tells Betty that she has to eat healthy food first, and have patience because cake is for dessert, not pockets. But Betty doesn't want to have patience; she wants to have chocolate cake. In this hilarious and spot-on tribute to the chocolate lover (and picky eater) in all of us, a new kindred spirit to Olivia, Eloise, and Ladybug Girl makes her stand.
— As of 12/4/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 20 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In a Winter 2012 survey, Pat Siegfried, co-owner of Black Forest Books & Toys in Charlotte, N.C., told TDmonthly that they sell 25-30 copies of this book each month. 12/4/2012 (Price: $16.99)

Usborne Wipe Clean Activity Books by USBORNE PUBLISHING

These reusable books introduce the alphabet, letters and first writing skills.   Wipe-clean pages and pen offer lots of opportunities for practice.
— In a Winter 2012 survey, Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly that they sell 20 of this item each month.
— Mike Snyder, owner and manager of Cville's Hobbies, Games and Toys in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly in a December 2013 survey that this is one of their best-selling books.
— Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Usborne books are a year-round best-seller in the educational category. 12/4/2012 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Merry Orchestra by AZ BOOKS LLC

Kids will meet friendly animals in their home environments: farm, pond, forest and yard. Each book introduces readers to other animals that the main character meets along the way. The pages are filled with sounds, lively text and beautiful illustrations. 11/29/2012 (Price: $10.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Pets by AZ BOOKS LLC

With their amusing movements and realistic sounds, the lively animals in this series will easily keep kids engaged. Books also include riddles to solve and fun information about adorable animals that live on the farm, in the forest, in the pond, and at the zoo. 11/29/2012 (Price: $5.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sam the Builder by AZ BOOKS LLC

This series is great for little readers who love to build and repair things. Sam is not only a skillful builder, but also a good teacher. In these books he shows kids how to repair a car or build something special. Each book include the sounds of tools, amusing melodies, and colorful pictures. 11/29/2012 (Price: $10.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Living Book of Dinosaurs by AZ BOOKS LLC

This exciting series introduces kids to the wonders and dangers of many worlds: underwater, forest, jungle, savanna, and the land of dinosaurs. 3D pictures and realistic sounds bring to life the atmosphere of nature in all its wildness. Detailed pull-out cards provide lots of information about each creature. 11/29/2012 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Amazing Space by AZ BOOKS LLC

These encyclopedias are designed to stir kids' imaginations and drive their desire to explore new things. Each book presents fascinating facts, bright, colorful pictures, and a special feature: pages contain well-hidden flaps that contain even more information underneath them. Look closely to find them. Eye-catching illustrations broaden horizons. Action-oriented hidden flaps encourage kids to learn more. 11/21/2012 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Colors & Shapes by AZ BOOKS LLC

This series helps children learn to think logically, count, and distinguish among different shapes, colors, fruits, and vegetables by flipping through the cards and matching pairs. Kids will be easily entertained playing this colorful matching game. 11/21/2012 (Price: $4.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cinderella by AZ BOOKS LLC

Classic fairy tales given a modern twist with pop-up pictures and magical sounds! These books unlock the enchantment of the past and keep children eager for the next turn of events as they read one page after another. They'll want to read these classic stories over and over again. 11/21/2012 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Gotcha Gadgets by KLUTZ

This set of customizable gizmos includes a book of games, pranks, and jokes that make the most of them. The 16 different sound-and-gizmo combinations offer limitless opportunities for immature humor. Follow simple instructions to wire a door alarm, motion sensor, light sensor, or push-button device; then program it with one of four funny sounds. Comes With: circuit board, speaker, LED, battery clip, photoresistor, switches, project wires, alligator clip, gadget dock, gadget case, 4 gadget covers, 2 doorbell hangers and 2 door alarm hangers. Launch date: September 1, 2012. 11/20/2012 (Price: $24.99)

Cleopatra Queen of Egypt by CANDLEWICK PRESS

The story of Cleopatra’s life has captured the imagination of countless writers and artists for centuries. As one of history’s most enduring figures, much lore has obscured the real woman behind the myth. Was she a beautiful and heartless schemer who stopped at nothing to get what she wanted? Or was Cleopatra a tragic victim of her own heart? This next volume in the acclaimed Notebook series offers a fascinating look into the world of one of Egypt’s most notorious leaders. Featuring a fictional journal that invites us into Cleopatra’s inner world, this is an exquisite guide bursting with gorgeous illustrations and packed with fun interactive extras such as flaps featuring historical facts and pop culture references.This is a riveting volume rife with battles, passion, and even murderous intrigue — an exclusive look into the legendary queen’s dramatic life. Launch date: October 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 11/20/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Who Lives Here? by CANDLEWICK PRESS

The jungle is warm and steamy. What kind of animal might live there, a snow goose or a sloth? What about a still, cool pond -- could that be home for a howler monkey? Find out why meerkats like dry sunny grasslands (hint: they like to dig holes to hide in) or why clown fish feel right at home in a coral reef. Small flaps and a matching spread at the end make learning about habitats fun. Lift the flaps and learn about animal life with two new books in a fresh, fun-filled series for curious preschoolers. Launch date: November 2012. 11/20/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

What Happens Next? by CANDLEWICK PRESS

Here’s a hungry chameleon with a long, long tongue. And here’s a big juicy caterpillar. Can you guess what happens next? What if a honeybee comes upon a beautiful patch of flowers, but the members of her hive don’t know how to find her? Or if two chimps want to munch on termites that are out of reach deep inside a mound? Peek under large flaps to find out - and refresh your memory at the end! Lift the flaps and learn about animal life with two new books in a fresh, fun-filled series for curious preschoolers. Launch date: November 2012. 11/20/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Dog Days by ABRAMS BOOKS

It's summer vacation, the weather's great, and all the kids are having fun outside. So where's Greg Heffley? Inside his house, playing video games with the shades drawn. Greg, a self-confessed "indoor person," is living out his ultimate summer fantasy: no responsibilities and no rules. But Greg's mom has a different vision for an ideal summer..one packed with outdoor activities and "family togetherness." Whose vision will win out? Or will a new addition to the Heffley family change everything? Launch date: October 12, 2009. 11/19/2012 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Last Straw by ABRAMS BOOKS

Let's face it: Greg Heffley will never change his wimpy ways. Somebody just needs to explain that to Greg's father. You see, Frank Heffley actually thinks he can get his son to toughen up, and he enlists Greg in organized sports and other "manly"� endeavors. Of course, Greg is able to easily sidestep his father's efforts to change him. But when Greg's dad threatens to send him to military academy, Greg realizes he has to shape up...or get shipped out. Launch date: January 2009. 11/19/2012 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Third Wheel by ABRAMS BOOKS

Love is in the air—but what does that mean for Greg Heffley? A Valentine's Day dance at Greg's middle school has turned his world upside down. As Greg scrambles to find a date, he's worried he'll be left out in the cold on the big night. His best friend, Rowley, doesn't have any prospects either, but that's a small consolation. An unexpected twist gives Greg a partner for the dance and leaves Rowley the odd man out. But a lot can happen in one night, and in the end, you never know who's going to be lucky in love. Launch date: November 13, 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— As of 11/19/2012 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 241 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In a Winter 2012 survey, half of retailers surveyed by TDmonthly said that the Diary of a Wimpy Kids series were their bestselling books.

 11/19/2012 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

About Dinosaurs by AZ BOOKS LLC

Kids have millions of questions. In these books real doctors, geologists, biologists, and other scientists provide answers. The series includes books on the human body, planet Earth, wildlife, and dinosaurs.  11/16/2012 (Price: $18.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Turtle and Me by SCHOLASTIC

An interactive light book based on the bestselling TWILIGHT TURTLE by Cloud B. Made in association with Cloud B, the baby sleep specialists. Follow a young child and his turtle as they do everything together. Includes a turtle-shaped night light visible on every page, just like the real thing. 10/30/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Yuko-chan and the Daruma Doll by TUTTLE PUBLISHING

Yuko-chan and the Daruma Doll, a gorgeous book by author/illustrator Sunny Seki, takes readers on a journey into ancient Japan and the story behind the famous Daruma Doll. Yuko-chan, an adventurous blind orphan, is able to do amazing things. She confronts a temple burglar in the dead of night, and crosses treacherous mountain passes to deliver food to hungry people. During her travels, Yuko-chan trips and tumbles down a snowy cliff. She discovers a strange thing as she waits for help: her tea gourd, regardless of how she drops it, always lands right-side-up. The tea has frozen in the bottom of the gourd. Inspired by this, she creates the famous Daruma doll toy, which rights itself when tipped—a true symbol of resilience. Thanks to Yuko-chan's invention, the villagers are able to earn a living and feed themselves by selling the dolls. Yuko-chan never gave up, no matter the obstacles she faced, and the Daruma doll is a charming reminder of the power of perseverance. 10/23/2012 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Japanese Nursery Rhymes by TUTTLE PUBLISHING

Everywhere in the world, there are poems and songs especially for children—rhymes that are sung from generation to generation and never forgotten. In Japan, nursery rhymes speak of nature, of everyday joys and of Japan's own special culture. In Japanese Nursery Rhymes fifteen well-loved verses are colorfully presented in a format that makes language learning easier. The included audio CD features kids singing in both Japanese and English. 10/23/2012 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Mystery in Chocolate Town by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

Hershey is a real town dedicated to family fun… there's a Hershey Inn, rides, gardens, and much more, especially Hershey sampling. But when a mystery is also in town, the family goes into action to save the day - well, hopefully. Launch date: 2007. 10/19/2012 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Mystery at Disney World by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

Four funny friends travel to Disney World for the vacation of a lifetime. They have a lot of fun, until... A pirate kidnaps one. Ghosts grab the second. A mouse house swallows the third one. And the fourth is left to find them all. Solving this magical mystery will take a little good luck and loads of creativity. Launch date: 2003.
Awards: 2004 Learning Magazine Teachers' Choice Award for the Family 10/19/2012 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hannah Hunts for Habitats by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

Hannah will introduce students to habitats including deserts and tundra, ocean and river habitats, colonies, nests and more. The book also includes fun activities and a thought-provoking science fair project. Hannah hunts for Habitats is a reproducible, colorful and fun book with hand-on experiments, a science fair project, metric conversions, the scientific method and a glossary. This book covers the exciting careers, many inventors, and actual tools and equipment with a touch of humor. Launch date: 2008. 10/19/2012 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mimi and Papa's Everyday Amazing Almanac by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

A modern-day kid-friendly almanac that makes every ordinary day an Amazing Almanac Day. Parents and children will love learning about the educational facts with a traditional trusted companion feel. Launch date: December 2011.
Awards: 2012 Seal of Excellence from Creative Child Magazine 10/19/2012 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Giggling Ghost Girl Scout Mystery by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

When Christina and her friends head to Savannah, GA for the National Camporee in celebration of the Girl Scouts' 100th Anniversary, Christina reassures them that on this trip, there will be no funny business and no mysteries. But as they begin exploring the historic city they stumble upon creepy clues that lead them around the city where they find themselves in the middle of a real mystery that is going to need all of the Scouting skills they have, as well as their friendship, to solve. Launch date: June 2012. 10/19/2012 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]