TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Books Product Category

The Great Train Mystery by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

Christina, Grant, Mimi, and Papa go "All aboard!" Papa's borrowed train for a fast-track adventure across America. Just try to keep from being "derailed" by mysterious mishaps, spooky surprises, and - oh, it's so dark in there! - those treacherous tunnels! This mystery incorporates history, geography, culture and more. Launch date: January 2012. 10/19/2012 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Big Cool USA Coloring Book by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

The Big Cool USA Coloring Book is fun for all ages. Visuals provide a great backdrop to learn more about our country's history, landmarks, scenic places, symbols, prominent historic characters and more. Launch date: 2007. 10/19/2012 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Santa Trap by PEACHTREE PUBLISHERS

Meet a beastly boy with a dastardly plan that could ruin Christmas! Bradley Bartleby is bad. Very bad. To avoid Bradley's wrath, his wealthy parents buy him whatever he wants. All the adults in Bradley's life are running scared—except for Santa Claus, who refuses to give him anything but socks. But Bradley vows to get what he deserves. If Santa won't give him the gifts he wants, Bradley will just have to steal them...Launch date: October 2012.
Awards: 2012 Publishers Weekly, starred review; 2012 Kirkus Reviews, starred review. 10/16/2012 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Baseball Mystery by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

It's time to "Play bal!" when Christina, Grant, Mimi, and Papa take a tour of baseball's most famous places and slide head-first into a mystery. Launch date: January 2012. 10/16/2012 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Earthshaking Earthquake Mystery by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

What do a brother and sister do when their sort-of-mad scientist dad takes them along the San Andreas Fault, to new Madrid Missouri and other earthquake prone places? What child can resist learning about the power of mother-nature and the tools to stay safe as these interested kids confront nature head-on. Launch date: 2007.
Awards: 2007 iParenting Media Award 10/16/2012 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Mystery at the Eiffel Tower by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL

Mimi, Papa, and their grandchildren- Christina and Grant- fly to Paris aboard Papa's red and white airplane, The Mystery Girl. As soon as they land at Charles de Gaulle Airport and meet their pen pals, Jean-Luc and Marie, the mystery begins. A famous statue is missing from the world-famous Louvre Museum. A mysterious woman in black is following them. So is a pigeon, dropping clues and more along the way. Launch date: 2006. 10/16/2012 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

How Machines Work by RUNNING PRESS BOOK PUBLISHERS

Everything that a budding inventor needs to build 12 basic machines is provided, including 25 machine pieces, 10 plastic nuts and bolts, and a detachable peg board—all color-coded for easy identification. Using the simple and direct instructions, kids can build each machine in minutes. The projects include: incline planes, levers, wheels and axles, gears (spur, compound, rack and pinion, and planetary), cams, cranks, pulleys, ratchets, and springs. Includes timelines detailing the history of each machine.  Hands-on, interactive, and engaging, this kit will bring out the DIY and inventor spirit in every child. Launch date: October 2011. 10/16/2012 (Price: $19.95)

The Treehouse Heroes and the Forgotten Beast by IMMEDIUM

A new children's picture book, written by a former Dark Horse comics editor and illustrated by a Star Wars: The Clone Wars animator. From their treehouse headquarters, come five teen titans and their wise teacher. Now they must save the "Zez," a mystical beast, from an encroaching civilization, the menacing General Moon, and his soldiers. Using all their varied powers, can the Treehouse Heroes protect their new friend and restore the balance of nature? This fresh blend of adventure and lyrical art will excite young readers. Launch date: October 2012. 10/10/2012 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Global Game Changers by PIXEL ENTERTAINMENT

Winner of Dr. Toys 100 Best Childrens Products of 2012 and 10 Best High-Tech Products of 2012, as well as a Preferred Choice Award by Creative Child Magazine, this new children's book is built around The Global Game Changers, a fictional team of superheroes whose leader, Global Girl, and her sidekick, Little Big-Heart, and their trust dog Pixel, recruit real-life kids to help change the world for the better by doing good things for others without expecting anything in return. At the end of The Global Game Changers book there is a call to action for the reader to be inspired to join the Alliance by visiting The Global Game Changers interactive web community where they can share their Ignite Good! stories, learn how to utilize their talents to affect things they are passionate about, have fun, and be empowered to help make a difference in the world. Launch date: July 15, 2012. 10/9/2012 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Charley's First Night by CANDLEWICK PRESS

On Charley’s first night, Henry carries his new puppy in his old baby blanket all the way to his house. He shows Charley every room, saying, "This is home, Charley." He says that a lot so that Charley will know that he is home. Henry’s parents are very clear about who will be walking and feeding Charley (Henry will, and he can’t wait). They are also very clear about where Charley will be sleeping: Charley will be sleeping in the kitchen. But when the crying starts in the middle of the night, Henry knows right away that it’s Charley! And it looks like his parents’ idea about where Charley is going to sleep may have to change. With warmth, humor, and endearing simplicity, Amy Hest tells a tale familiar to everyone who has loved a puppy, while Helen Oxenbury renders each tender gesture and charming detail in a beauty of a book that children will be eager to take home. Launch date: October 2012. 10/5/2012 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Greatest Liar on Earth by CANDLEWICK PRESS

There is not a whisper when Louis de Rougemont steps onto the stage to recount his astonishing experiences on the sea and in lands far away. It is a breathtaking tale of catastrophe and miraculous events. A monster with enormous tentacles! A sea turtle big enough to ride! Fish raining from the sky! Cannibals! But critics say he is an imposter with a gift for spinning yarns. Are Louis’s tales true? Or is he the greatest liar on Earth? Bold, whimsical artwork brings to life the tale of an early-twentieth-century man who held audiences rapt while his critics dubbed him a hoaxer of the highest degree. A fun slice of history sure to inspire a lively discussion of truth, fabrication, and the gray areas in-between. Launch date: October 2012. 10/5/2012 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zephyr Takes Flight by CANDLEWICK PRESS

Zephyr is a girl who loves airplanes. She draws pictures of them, makes them out of paper, builds them out of junk, and hopes one day to fly one of her own. But when Gramma, Daddy, and Mom are too busy to play airplane with her, Zephyr’s excess enthusiasm gets her sent to her room -- where she discovers a secret door that leads to the most wondrous place she’s ever seen! Lovers of flying machines and gadgets, along with adventurers of all kinds, will be buoyed by this lighthearted tale of a little girl who finds her wings. Launch date: October 2012. 10/5/2012 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Oliver by CANDLEWICK PRESS

Oliver is different. He enjoys his solitude. He likes playing with his friends, who are puppets, stuffed animals, and other toys. With his rich imagination, Oliver’s day is never dull. There are bridges to cross, sharks to fight, and treasures to find! But maybe toys don’t always give a boy everything he needs. Maybe he needs another kind of companion. Will Oliver discover a way to be, well, different? When his tennis ball rolls across the lawn into the yard of the girl next door, he just might be surprised. Launch date: October 2012. 10/5/2012 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Potty Training Little Ones by GALLOPING MINDS

Potty Training Little Ones is geared towards making potty time fun for children. The book walks through each step of potty training. From the time the child is introduced to the potty to the time he or she is ready to go and make it part of their routine. This fun and colorful book also motivates kids by providing coloring pages for each activity - choosing a potty, going for the first time and washing hands.
Awards: National Parenting Seal of Approval 2012 10/4/2012 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Olive and the Big Secret by CANDLEWICK PRESS

When Molly shares a secret with Olive, the urge to tell is just too great. Olive tells Joe who tells Matt who tells Lola. But Lola is best friends with Molly. Uh-oh, the secret is out, and Olive is in for it. Launch date: August 2012. 10/4/2012 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Come August, Come Freedom: The Bellows, the Gallows, and the Black General Gabriel by CANDLEWICK PRESS

In a time of post-Revolutionary fervor in Richmond, Virginia, an imposing twenty-four-year-old slave named Gabriel, known for his courage and intellect, plotted a rebellion involving thousands of African- American freedom seekers armed with refashioned pitchforks and other implements of Gabriel’s blacksmith trade. The revolt would be thwarted by a confluence of fierce weather and human betrayal, but Gabriel retained his dignity to the end. History knows little of Gabriel’s early life. But here, author Gigi Amateau imagines a childhood shaped by a mother’s devotion, a father’s passion for liberation, and a friendship with a white master’s son who later proved cowardly and cruel. She gives vibrant life to Gabriel’s love for his wife-to-be, Nanny, a slave woman whose freedom he worked tirelessly, and futilely, to buy. Interwoven with original documents, this poignant, illuminating novel gives a personal face to a remarkable moment in history. Launch date: September 2012. 10/1/2012 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sesame Street Brand New Readers Box Set by CANDLEWICK PRESS

This engaging boxed set contains: Ten short, funny, full-color books about Sesame Street, featuring Big Bird, Grover, Elmo, Abby, Bert, Ernie, Cookie Monster, and more; a fold-out poster with full-color stickers for tracking books as they’re read; a Brand New Readers certificate of achievement to build children’s confidence; a make-your-own Brand New Reader book - just right for brand-new writers; and a parent/teacher guide to make reading a success the very first time. Launch date: September 2012. 10/1/2012 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Maya Makes a Mess by CANDLEWICK PRESS

In the midst of a family dinner with her scolding parents, Maya receives a very unexpected invitation to dine with the queen. Suddenly, her messy manners are put to the ultimate test and she begins to improvise her very own set of rules, with uproarious results. Filled with humor and exquisitely imagined detail, this book by Eisner Award-winner Rutu Modan is bound to turn every child into a voracious reader. Launch date: August 2012. 10/1/2012 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

After Eli by CANDLEWICK PRESS

Some people die heroically, others accidentally. When Daniel Anderson’s older brother dies, he wonders which category Eli’s death falls into. In an attempt to understand, Danny creates a Book of the Dead - an old binder that he fills with details about dead people, how they died, and, most important, for what purpose. Time passes, and eventually Daniel is prompted to look up from his notebook of death and questions to make new friends and be swept into their imaginings. With gentle humor and genuine emotion, Rebecca Rupp examines the questions that arise following a profound loss and the moments that start life rolling again. Launch date: August 2012. 10/1/2012 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dublin: A 3D Keepsake Cityscape by CANDLEWICK PRESS

Traveling to Dublin? Just returned? Wish you could go? Discover a dozen popular spots, from Dublin Castle (now a convention center) to the lofty St. Patrick’s Cathedral, from the handsome brick townhouses of Merrion Square to Gaiety Theatre, the city’s longest-running theatrical stage. Launch date: September 2012. 10/1/2012 (Price: $8.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Metropolitan Museum of Art 3-D Expanding Pocket Guide by CANDLEWICK PRESS

Welcome to the Met. Boasting more than two million works, it’s one of the world’s largest art museums. Learn about twelve top attractions, including the lovely Charles Engelhard Court, the formidable Arms and Armor Court, and the Modern Art Gallery showcasing works from Monet to the artists of today. Launch date: September 2012. 10/1/2012 (Price: $8.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Let's Play in the Snow: A Guess How Much I Love You Storybook by CANDLEWICK PRESS

The Nutbrown Hares are playing I Spy as they hop through the snow. They spy something that belongs to a tree, a bird, and a spider. They spy something that belongs to Little Nutbrown Hare - something that is only there when the sun comes out. But what does Big Nutbrown Hare spy that belongs to him and is his favorite thing of all? Launch date: September 2012. 10/1/2012 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse by CANDLEWICK PRESS

Rediscover the tale of the simple country mouse, magically retold by Helen Ward. Beguiled by his cousin’s amazing tales, the country mouse visits the electric city. Unfortunately the town mouse forgot to mention that the city has a lot of noise, tall buildings...and dangerous dogs. Helen Ward’s 1930s New York at Christmas is at once gorgeous and frighteningly busy. In the end the reader understands both why the town mouse loves his exciting life and why the country mouse is content with his peaceful home. Launch date: September 2012. 10/1/2012 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bears in Beds by CANDLEWICK PRESS

It’s time for Big Brown Bear to tuck all four little bears into their beds. Then he’s ready to climb into his own bed and turn out the light. Five warm beds, holding five sleepy bears, until a sound goes whoosh in the middle of the night, and all the bears wake up in a fright. Will they ever get back into bed? Luckily, Big Brown Bear knows just what to do. A fun, rhyming read-aloud that parents will love and tired little cubs will be happy to snuggle up with. Launch date: August 2012. 10/1/2012 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Elephant's Friend and Other Tales Ancient India by CANDLEWICK PRESS

Have you heard about the elephant and the dog who became not just unlikely companions, but the best of friends? Or the traveler whose greed for gold lures him straight into the scrawny tiger’s trap? How about the talkative tortoise who can’t keep his mouth closed to save his life? Drawing from three books of best-loved Indian folktales - Hitopadesha Tales, Jataka Tales, and Panchantra Tales - this graphic storybook collection, alive with kid-friendly illustrations, is infused with humor and warmth. Launch date: August 2012. 10/1/2012 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]