January 2009 New Specialty Toys — All

This soft, satin-edged, 13" x 13" blanket features a Beagle head as well as a plush tail and soft paws. It is perfect for toting around and is also available in Golden Retriever, Dalmatian, Yellow Lab and German Pointer varieties. Launch date: March 2008.

This natural version of the Classic Skwish toy is made from rubberwood and has a water-based, nontoxic finish. It measures 5.5" high. Launch date: January 2009.

Suitable for ages 3 months and up, this activity toy features bright colors and pictures of expressive baby faces by renowned photographer Penny Gentieu. It features various textures along with a bell, a rattle and teething accents.

With all the fashion and flair of the regular Groovy Girls dolls, the Special Edition mermaids come with removable tails. Maddie and Macy are also available. Launch date: January 2009.

Students stumped by noble gases, alloys, isotopes and polymers? Chemistry Quizmo will help them gain practice in solving for either the Chemical name or Symbol for elements found in the Periodic Table while also learning trivia. From Hydrogen (H) to Radium (Ra), kids in grades 5 and up can discover fun facts, unusual uses and the stories behind an element’s name. There are two levels of play, and the game is for two to 36 players.

KidsRuler was created by a veteran elementary school teacher, who noticed that students consistently struggled with using the standard ruler to learn the beginning concepts of measurement. KidsRuler was created to help students visualize the increments of measurement, and give them a fun way to practice their skills. The KidsRuler helps students master the NCTM standards of measurement. They also connect together to allow kids to measure real-life objects, such as a desk or chair.
— Mention ToyDirectory and receive 10% off on your first order.

The stylish A-9S features a speedster body and driving lights set lower than on the standard A9. The beech wood construction is complemented by shiny black wheels and white molded components that are interchangeable with other Automoblox designs.

This magical bunny pops out of a magician's hat. Fully poked out, this rabbit's just 5" high. Launch date: 1999.

This velvety little winged piggy defies the laws of gravity. With a magnet in its nose, two of them can kiss or hang on to a refrigerator. They're just 3.5" long.

This nocturnal wide-eyed Flying-squirrel puppet is designed in ultra-soft plush in his flying position, allowing the puppeteer's hand to glide this adorable creature along. This puppet has movable front paws and tail. It won a 2007 IParenting Media Greatest Product Award.

The sweet-and-gentle Fawn puppet is adorable from its soft vinyl nose down to its soft vinyl hooves. Big black eyes and silky spotted fabric "fur" details complete the realism of this hand puppet.

Heirloom-quality details and a rich mix of sumptuous plush make this 20" Folkmanis Rabbit Stage Puppet a stand-out in the puppet world. He has a movable mouth and arms.

These additions to Aurora’s furry, loveable YooHoo line are 8" Sugar Glider, Panda, Penguin and Lesser Panda. Each cuddly plush character makes a distinctive and funny sound when its tummy is squeezed.  Sugar Glider has pink wings attached to her tiny arms and tail, and makes a "whistle” sound). Lesser Panda features a pink and purple striped tail to match his pink button nose and purple body, and makes a “boing” sound. Panda makes a “giggle” noise when squeezed, and Penguin makes a “magical” noise.
— “I would say it would be the YooHoo dolls from Aurora — by sheer quantity, our best seller in plush,” Jason Curtis, owner of Funtopia in Middletown, Calif., told TDmonthly in May 2009.

Aurora’s charismatic Dilly Dallys line includes eight different animals. Mousey, Alley Cat and Howler (14” MSRP $14.99) feature different patches embroidered on their bellies and feet. The patches represent a characteristic of each animal. For example, Howler the Monkey features a banana; Alley Cat, a fish bone; and Mousey, a slice of cheese. Howler and Alley Cat’s uneven smiles or Mousey’s charming, oversized front tooth will put smiles on the faces of children and adults alike. The other Dilly Dallys — Laramie Lion, B.B. Bear, Woesome Wolf, Harry Hound and Darius Donkey (16” MSRP $17.99) — feature sleepy eyes and curious grins and are the perfect huggable day or nighttime buddy for children ages two and up.

Puffee Luvs are nearly impossible to put down once you start holding and cuddling them. Puffee Luvs (6”, MSRP: $5.50) include a kitty, pig, cow, bear, bunny and elephant. Perfect for kids of all ages, each of the cuddly animals is bean-filled and machine washable and soft enough for nap time.

Aurora inked a deal to produce an exclusive plush product line for Stephan Pastis’ Pearls Before Swine, the hit cartoon comic strip syndicated in more than 550 newspapers worldwide. Aurora’s Pearls plush product line will initially include seven pieces. The free standing, 12 inch plush includes Rat, Pig, and Croc (MSRP: $10.99). Buyers won’t be able to resist the smaller 8-inch pieces, which include Rat, Pig, Croc and Zebra (pictured, MSRP: $6.99). You can "meet" Stephan Pastis by watching the video, taken at Toy Fair 2009.

The Gisela Doll from Medieval Maidens is 18" tall with a soft body and is the first doll in the Medieval Maidens doll line. The clothing is historically accurate, featuring a blue dress with gold trim, chemise undergarment, socks with ribbon garters, brown faux leather shoes, and a flowered headpiece. The doll also comes with a doll stand.

Gisela wakes up for a very exciting day. Someone new is coming to the castle. And Gisela is going to become a member of Papa's Court. All in the same day! The little princess can hardly wait for the day to begin...

Dare to Lead! is an interactive board game that develops leadership skills, critical thinking, and problem solving. Dare to Lead! is a flexible new learning tool for students and adults. It can be used for leadership classes, CAPP classes, Planning 10, retreats (school and corporate), and individual lesson topics. This game is designed for individuals and groups to work their way through questions that require problem solving ability, the power of persuasion, group dynamics and co-operation, taking a stand on issues or dilemmas, and creative thinking.

In this Movie Edition of Consensus®, launching in March 2009, the object of the game remains the same as in the original Consensus®, but the central theme of the game revolves around movies. Game play is driven by questions of opinion regarding movies.

This classic from Dr. Seuss takes children on a rhyming adventure through riddles and puns. Hardcover, 63 pages.

This paperback by Joy Massof and illustrated by Terry Sirrell lets kids indulge their nasty side while getting a bit of education. More than 50 topics are covered, including acne, maggots, halitosis and snot. Cartoons and experiments, such as making fake snot, add to the fun. Paperback, 224 pages. Launch date: January 2000.

World Series Champions are teamed up with a classic car from the same year. Highly detailed: opening doors and hoods, steerable front wheels, detailed interior and chassis. Serially-numbered limited edition.

Exclusive to Press Pass Collectibles, the OCC chopper is the hottest NBA licensed die cast around! With superior details and over 50 parts, this die case metal collectible blows away the competition. Accented in team colors, and showcasing team logos, these expertly crafted pieces are a must have for any true fan. Collect your favorite National Basketball Associaton team from this limited series!