TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Preschool Product Category

Clifford's Halloween by SCHOLASTIC

Out of all the holidays, Emily Elizabeth and Clifford like Halloween the most. They play games, trick-or-treat in the neighborhood, and tell ghost stories. Best of all, they can wear costumes. Clown, witch, knight, or ghost—what will Clifford decide to dress up as this year?
— Lynda Blankenship from Smart Toys & Books in Knoxville, Tenn., told TDmonthly in a December 2011 survey about Halloween that, "any Halloween books with established characters, like Clifford or Fancy Nancy," tend to do well. 12/7/2011 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mary Engelbreit's Mother Goose: One Hundred Best-Loved Verses by HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS

From the vast and colorful imagination of Mary Engelbreit springs a Mother Goose world bursting with warmth and humor. All the favorite time-honored characters are here - Little Bo-Peep, Humpty Dumpty, Old King Cole, Jack and Jill, and many, many more, along with such treats as a mouse running up the clock, piggies going to market, and children dancing round the mulberry bush. As complete as can be with one hundred rhymes in all. Launch date: September 20, 2005.
— As of 12/06/2011 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 52 reviews on Amazon.com.
— Maryalice Miner, co-owner of Miner's Doll & Toy Store in Ocean Springs, Miss., told TDmonthly in a December 2011 survey that they sell about 6 copies of this title each month. 12/6/2011 (Price: $19.99)

Tickle Monster Laughter Kit by COMPENDIUM INC.

A loveable monster with big puffy mitts has just flown in from Planet Tickle. His mission is to bring joy and laughter to Planet Earth. How? By tickling any child who happens to follow along in this book. Parents read aloud and do the tickling. The book comes with blue Tickle Monster mitts, with holes in the fingertips to make it easy for parents to instantly transform themselves into Tickle Monster and turn pages while tickling. Launch date: September 30, 2009.
— As of 12/06/2011 this product had 4.9 out of 5 stars from 81 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In a December 2011 survey, William Meredith, owner of Learning Express in Cary, N.C., said Tickle Monster was one of his best selling books. "It's a good infant item. You can buy it for a baby,” but it's also suitable for toddlers and preschoolers, he said. They sell about 10 copies every month. 12/6/2011 (Price: $34.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Green Start Play Draw Create: Trucks by INNOVATIVEKIDS

Earth—friendly reusable drawing and magnet kits. Contains everything neessary for everlasting fun, learning, and creativity! Each kit includes a magnetic dry erase board, over 30 magnetic play pieces, five dry erase markers in assorted colors and a write on/wipe off activity book filled with lots reusable activities and games. Kids will create rough—and—tumble trucks and make up their own on—the—go adventures. Launch date: February 2011. 12/1/2011 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Uncle Wiggly's Storybook by GREATHALL PRODUCTIONS

Howard R. Garris's stories of the kindhearted, resourceful rabbit gentleman, Uncle Wiggly Longears, have been an irresistible source of joy for generations of readers. These charming modern classics offer gentle lessons amid laughter as the clever, courteous rabbit ingeniously helps his animal and human friends. Jim reads an assortment of favorites from the book for this recording.
Awards: Film Advisory Board Award 12/1/2011 (Price: $13.45) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rocking Dinosaur with Seat by THE CHARM COMPANY

This plush rocking dinosaur comes with a soft seat for little ones to sit in. Rocker base is made of durable hardwood. Seat is elevated 9 inches off floor. 12/1/2011 (Price: $129.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Plug and Stack Master Builder Medium by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Many creative building and stacking combinations — ideal for stacking experiments. Includes both round & angular blocks. 22 beechwood pieces and two boards. Made in Germany. 12/1/2011 (Price: $35.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cuddly Creatures by BEATRIX NEW YORK

Kids love our backpacks and lunch boxes, but hugging a backpack isn't much fun. So we've made some of our favorite forest creatures into squishable, squeezable, stuffed toys. These furry guys are sized for maximum huggability and are suitable for kids of all ages. There's no plastic or other little pieces that might be swallowed. Tested lead free and phthalate free. Launch date: December 2011. 11/29/2011 (Price: $22.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Miss Lina's Ballerinas and the Prince by Grace Maccarone by MACMILLAN

Miss Lina’s ballerinas have all learned how to dance as a group. But now Miss Lina has a new surprise for them – a boy will be joining their class and performing in their end-of-year show. The girls have grand visions of dancing their first pas de deux with a prince. But when he finds himself surrounded by so much pink and so many girls, he turns quite shy, and dances his way out the door. 11/23/2011 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Moving House by Mark Siegel by MACMILLAN

The fog in Foggytown was so thick that people bumped into parking meters . . . and streetlamps . . . and each other. So Joey and Chloe's parents decide it's time to move. But Joey and Chloe love their house. And as it turns out, their house loves them . . . and has a very special and utterly fantastic way of taking matters into its own hands. Comic- and picture-book star Mark Siegel has spun a delightful and compelling fantasy for young picture book readers, illustrated in a unique style that combines elements of traditional picture book, comic, and animation art. 11/23/2011 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dinosaur Expedition by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

In this multiplayer game, players must unearth dinosaur bones by excavating the mountain. But watch out- If more than one boulder tumbles off, if Tim is hit, or the big dinosaur topples over the turn is over. 11/18/2011 (Price: $35.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kidoozie My First Purse by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

This Soft purse includes pretend accessories, such as a wallet, debit card, lipstick, keys, mirror and cell phone. 11/17/2011 (Price: $12.99)

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Latches Board by MELISSA & DOUG

Kids undo a latch, swing open the numbered door, and see the picture beneath revealed on this wooden play board. Build fine motor skills while learning colors, numbers, animals and more. Measures 15.7" x 11.7" x 1.6".
— As of 10/26/2011 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 130 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Helps develop manual dexterity; durable; pieces are attached and can't get lost. Cons: Sharp edges on latches; fingers can get pinched in the latches. 11/17/2011 (Price: $24.99)

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Screen Laptop by FISHER-PRICE INC.

This toy laptop's nine colorful keys are easy to press, bringing learning to life on the animated screen so baby can learn numbers, shapes, colors, object names, initial letters, and more. Flip the lid open and closed, or bat and roll the mouse for alphabet fun. Plenty of sing-along songs, words, sounds and exciting activities, in both English and Spanish. Baby gets responses by tapping keys, rolling the mouse, or flipping the lid open and closed to discover A-B-C’s, counting and much more. Learn numbers, greetings and more in Spanish, too. 12+ sing-along songs and fun tunes, plus sounds and rewarding phrases.
— As of 10/26/2011 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Lots of variety keeps it from becoming repetitive or boring. Cons: Can smash babies' fingers when closed. 11/17/2011 (Price: $19.99)

Fisher-Price Go Baby Go! Poppity Pop Muscial Dino by FISHER-PRICE INC.

The Poppity Pop Dino is a Dinosaur character and 6 brightly colored balls. As baby bats at the roller ball, drops one of the balls down the dino's tail or onto his "back", the popping action and music begins. As the balls pop up, down and around, baby will be encouraged to grab them and start all over again. And when an occasional ball pops up and out, baby will be encouraged to crawl after it. As Baby plays, they are rewarded with over 8 fun tunes and silly sound effects.
— As of 10/26/2011 this product had 3.9 out of 5 stars from 18 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Interactive; entertaining; sturdy. Cons: The motor is a little loud; balls often shoot out of the bowl and have to be chased down. 11/17/2011 (Price: $29.99)

Mix & Match 12 Piece Puzzle by P'KOLINO

These playfully smart, multi-feature puzzles offer more than a standard shape puzzle. With surprise pictures under the pieces and pieces that can be mixed and matched, these playful puzzles fine-tune motor skills, entertain children longer and challenge creativity. 11/17/2011 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pattern Blocks by PLANTOYS

This set of 9 pattern blocks can be twisted and turned in different shapes based on the guide provided.  Shapes can also be open-ended and based on the child's imagination. Start from Basic (4 blocks), Intermediate (6 blocks), to Advanced (9 blocks). 11/17/2011 (Price: $27.99)

Storybook Treasures - The Valentines Collection Featuring One Zillion Valentines by SCHOLASTIC

These 5 stories feature narration by Mem Fox, David de Vries… and others. ONE ZILLION VALENTINES (Written and illustrated by Frank Modell) Two enterprising friends, Milton and Marvin, prove that valentines are for everyone. A LETTER TO AMY (Written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats) The wind spoils Peter’s attempt to mail a special invitation to his special friend Amy. GOGGLES! (Written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats, narrated by Geoffrey Holder) Peter and his friend Archie call upon faithful dog Willie to outsmart a gang of tough bullies who want Peter’s goggles. WILFRID GORDON McDONALD PARTRIDGE (By Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie Vivas, narrated by Mem Fox) In this gentle, moving story about caring and sharing, a small boy helps a friend remember her past by sharing his own special items. WILL I HAVE A FRIEND (Written by Miriam Cohen, illustrated by Lillian Hoban, narrated by David de Vries) On the first day of school Jim worries that he won’t make any friends. Will he meet anyone who feels the same way? Launch date: January 10, 2012. 11/11/2011 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Storybook Treasures - Caldecott Favorites by SCHOLASTIC

23 Award-Winning Stories in a 3-DVD collection. Caldecott award winners including Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day, Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling and Denise Fleming’s In the Small, Small Pond come together for the first time in Caldecott Favorites. Launch date: November 15, 2011. 11/11/2011 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Stacking Shapes Peg Board by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.

Teach geometric shapes and reinforce fine motor skills as kids put the correct shape into the pegboard. Five shapes including square, circle, triangle, star and hexagon come in five colors. Large 1.5" x 1.25" pegs for easy handling.
Awards: 2005 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award
— In a November 2011 survey about best selling education toys, Martha Bimblich, owner of Twinkles of Bay Harbor in Bay Harbor Island, Fla., told TDmonthly that she sells 20-30 of these each month.  “I think it's a great manipulative toy for kids, especially if they're having trouble using their hands," she said. 11/10/2011 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wagon of Blocks by CIRCATOYS LLC

CircaToys is a family business that designs and manufactures heirloom quality wooden toys that are handmade in Franklin, N.C. USA.  The company was founded in 2009 by Gary Murphy whose inspiration for the first toy "Wagon of Blocks" came from the original toy itself which he received on his birthday in 1942.  The original toy still exists, although beginning to show its age, having been played with by 3 generations. It is a simple toy made from basic wood shapes and threaded nuts and pegs that can be taken apart easily. It is a mechanical learning toy that opens the door for imagination building and hand eye coordination. Safety tested and approved for children 6 months and up. Launch date: January 2009.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine TopToy of the Year; 2010 Brain Child Tillywig 11/8/2011 (Price: $59.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Water Magic by BEAVER BOOKS PUBLISHING

Parents can have fun with their child as they practice early learning skills with Water Magic™, an exciting new educational format by Beaver Books Publishing. This series of educational discovery books includes four colorful discovery scenes that are magically revealed with the Water Magic™ brush. The engaging activities presented above each scene reinforce the basics of each subject while keeping children entertained. Titles include Alphabet Zoo, Candy Counting, Bug Play: Matching, Circus Colors and more. Launch date: 2011. 11/8/2011 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kipsy and the Magic Beans by KIPSY TOYS LLC

Kipsy and the Magic Beans is a bedtime story about a special little gnome named Kipsy. He isn't very fond of bedtime, but after finding something magical in the forest, his feelings change. The story offers a time of bonding between parent and child and many times even helps children get excited about bedtime, instead of dreading it. Includes 13 pg colorful boardbook, the cuddly Kipsy doll, 5 magic beans and 5 prepackaged incentive toys. Launch date: October 4, 2011. 11/7/2011 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tales to Play line by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

Kids can bring classic tales such as Mother Goose, The Little Engine That Could, The Berenstain Bears and Where the Wild Things Are to life with colorful game boards, including three-dimensional accessories and pawns. Each game is an adventure, much like the ones children read about in books. "No other game brings to life cherished childhood stories in the form of a board game that children will love to play over and over," Mary Dolan, public relations coordinator at Patch Products, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2011.
Awards: 2011 Dr. Toy Best Picks Children’s Products; 2011 Creative Child Game of the Year, in the Kids Games, Learning to Share category; 2011 Parents’ Choice Foundation Parent’s Choice Recommended Product Award. 11/4/2011 (Price: $23.99)

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Dance and Play Puppy by FISHER-PRICE INC.

The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Dance and Play Puppy is baby's puppy friend that will encourage him to move, dance and sing along through familiar songs. With over 25 sung songs and phrases, baby will learn about ABCs and letters, counting and numbers, parts of the body, actions, manners, greetings and first words. Takes 6 AA batteries (not included).
— As of 10/21/2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 1 review on ToysRUs.com.
— As of 10/21/2011 this product had 4.1 out of 5 stars from 25 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Engaging; moves well; interactive; large. Cons: Volume is not adjustable and can get annoying; the motor itself is loud. 10/21/2011 (Price: $39.99)