May 2009 New Specialty Toys — Books

Favor Johnson is a delightful story of loving and giving that epitomizes what the holiday season should be all about. In many ways life is moving much too fast these days and we have lost track of what is really important. This story of the wonderful old Vermont farmer, Favor Johnson, told by Willem Lange and beautifully illustrated by Bert Dodson, will help us slow down and savor the true values of Christmas.

Inspired by the author’s childhood memories of receiving notes in his lunchbox, Lunchbox Stories were created as an innovative way for kids to enjoy reading. With more than 40 chapters in each book, readers experience the twists and turns of each adventure through a series of suspenseful Chapter-Cards™. Four titles are available, and each story includes full-color illustrations and packaging. "The Chapter-Cards have approximately 200 words, and are written with just enough suspense to encourage the child to read the next card. The unique design makes Lunchbox Stories effective for quick and consistent reading before bed or during the day, and teachers find they can use the short chapters to playfully regain the attention of the class after recess and lunch," Brian Martin, president of Lunchbox Stories, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 5, 2009.

Now, teaching music history is easy for teachers and fun for students. "The Right Notes" music assignment book teaches music history for instructors, freeing up their valuable time for lessons. A weekly practice chart helps keep track of practice time. The 9" X 12" pages give ample room for writing weekly notes. Each notebook lasts a year. A completed "The Right Notes" music assignment book can also act as a lasting record of a student's progress. Click here to watch publishers' 2-year-old exhibiting her musical knowledge. Launch date: January 2009.

Morsel Munk® Word Stump® is designed to fuse fun, imagination and exercise for the mind. It's where word association, synonyms and antonyms meet crosswords and word searches. "The goal of these puzzles is to challenge and expand the creativity of which everyone is capable. They are not strictly a test of knowledge/book smarts," Brigitte Rouleau, vice president of Morsel Munk LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2008.

This lift-the-flap board book features colorful illustrations showing how different animals around the world walk, slide, hop and more. It is written by Stella Blackstone and illustrated by Caroline Mockford.
—  Barefoot Books were listed as top sellers by Candace Gooch, owner of At Once All Agog in Limerick, Maine, in spring 2009.

This iBaby Float Along set includes a book that teaches early-learning concepts and include three floatable turtle toys to serve as bath toys. The bath book teaches children all about opposites as the turtles float in the tub during bathtime. By Ana Martin Larranaga (illustrator).

A hermit crab is in search of a place to be alone by the seashore, but he discovers that many creatures call the seashore home. Sidebar facts about sea lions, starfish, pelicans, and other amazing animals introduce kids to life at the seashore. By Ruth Koeppel (author) and Scott McBee (illustrator).

In this highly condensed, fully illustrated version of the world's greatest and most tragic love story, the author supplies thought-provoking discussion questions that allow readers to explore this tale from any age or perspective. The same discussion questions may be used to explore other plays from a similar perspective. "Written for grades three and up, it makes the classic play inviting to this age group," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007.

With a clear and simply laid out approach, this book by Cass Foster and Lynn G. Johnson is designed to take the trepidation out of teaching Shakespeare's works. Professor Foster, a professor of Theatre at Central Arizona College, provides background information that includes a discussion of the value of Shakespeare's legacy, what life was like in the Middle Ages, and warm-up activities. With consideration to a whole-language based approach, the book includes activities across the curriculum and a journal. "You won't need to be a Shakespeare Scholar to fascinate students with activities across the curriculum, including crossword puzzles, a scavenger hunt, scale models, costume and scenery suggestions, and warm-up games. This book is a must for every school library and for anyone teaching Shakespeare, whether in the elementary grades or high school," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2004.

The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series offers an alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so that students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. "Reading or performing Shakespeare doesn't need to take 'forever and a day.' Not if you raise the curtain on The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare ... Cass Foster has done a superb job of cutting the text while retaining the sense of the story and the poetic rhythm of the words," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2003.

The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series is analternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so that students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. Launch date: 2003.

The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series is an alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so that students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. Launch date: 2003.

The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series is an alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so that students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. "Reading-or performing Shakespeare doesn't need to take 'forever and a day.' Not if you raise the curtain on The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare ... Cass Foster has done a superb job of cutting the text while retaining the sense of the story and the poetic rhythm of the words," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2003.

Kids may use this product to discover the continents, countries and captials of the world utilizing dry erase cards. Each card comes with an answer overlay for easy reference. The United States and its state captials are included. "It is a fun kid kit with an educational bonus. Great for students who are trying to memorize states and capitals," Carolyn Pickup, marketing assistant at EDC Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2009.
— EDC Books were on the top-10 best-seller list at the Toy Shop of Concord in Concord, Mass., according to Owner David Hesel in late 2009.

The Sixty-Minute Shakespeare series is an ideal alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. "Reading-or performing Shakespeare doesn't need to take 'forever and a day.' ... Cass Foster has done a superb job of cutting the text while retaining the sense of the story and the poetic rhythm of the words," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2003.

This series includes six individual preschool books with lessons written in rhyme. It features distinctive new cat and dog characters presented in a hand-carry book box with a plush hand puppet, plus an audio reward activated sound chip allowing the puppet to bark or meow. The packaging has a "capture system that enables the hand puppet or finger puppets and book to stay together in [the] attractive book carry box," Debby Carman, president of Faux Paw Productions, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

The "Sixty-Minute Shakespeare" series is created as an ideal alternative for those who lack the time to tackle the unabridged versions of the world’s most widely read playwright. Foster has condensed the Bard’s language, but has left the integrity of Shakespeare’s writings intact so that students can experience the thrill of his stories as well as the beauty of his prose. In addition, the author has provided footnotes explaining some of the more arcane words and phrases so that the reader can better understand and, therefore, enjoy the plays. It "allows teachers to introduce the language more easily to wary students, while each play retains its integrity and beauty," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 1990.

Miss Rosa, as Vincent Beach called his mother, was known for her sayings, including the title of his heartwarming autobiography. Vincent left his native Jamaica in 1944 with little more than his parents’ wisdom, and this book tells the story of his life’s journey as a military bandsman, educator and family man. It received the 2008 Carter G. Woodson Award (secondary level) for “the most distinguished social science book appropriate for young readers that increases understanding of ethnicity in the United States." "An ordinary man by his own description, Vincent says he wrote [the book] because he believes life stories provide an opportunity to better understand the complexities of human beings and the realities of every day living," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007.

The DVD's images of peaceful, flowering gardens and multidimensional stones transitioning in an artistic display of creation, accompanied by tranquil nature sounds, are designed to shift the mind to right-brain thinking and free viewers from anxiety and stress. It comes with colorful 5” x 7” postcards to mail or frame. "'Healing Stones and Gardens' suspends time for an extraordinary moment and facilitates a journey to a sacred place where we can reconnect with inner divinity," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

"Granted!" is written to simplify the application process for novice grant seekers and to reveal strategic advice to veteran grant writers. Educators are expertly guided through proven methods for writing and winning grants. Worksheets organize and record research, actions and data, saving time and giving grant seekers’ their best shot at securing grant money. "Invaluable worksheets organize and record grant seekers’ thoughts, research, actions and data to give them the best possible chances of securing grants for school projects, supplies and anything else a grant might help fund," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 15, 2009.

The book is an anthology of recipes that have been extensively field-tested at school, church and sporting potlucks. In addition to recipes, the book has a wealth of information about planning group events, decorating inexpensively for large gatherings, and specific information for feeding young athletes along with menu suggestions for games and practices. "It should appeal to anyone who has to feed kids, or crowds, or crowds of kids at church, school, athletic, scouting, tailgating or other social events. Perfect for novice cooks, but interesting enough for experienced cooks, 'Potluck Survival Guide' is a user-friendly cookbook that takes the fear out of taking a dish to your next potluck," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

A tribute to family, friendship and forty-five years at summer camp, "Campingly Yours" paints a poignant picture of character, charisma and courage, lovingly nestled in America’s heartland. Punctuated with vivid imagery and laugh-out-loud humor, Thomas C. Adler’s memoir is "a heartwarming journey of a lifetime at summer camp," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 15, 2009.

"Jack & Walter" traces the legendary careers of Lemmon and Matthau. From their first screen-pairing in 1966, The Fortune Cookie, to their last comical romp, 1998’s The Odd Couple II, they put the “fun” in dysfunctional, cementing their positions in Hollywood history as the 20th Century’s last great comedy team. "With complete biographies of both Lemmon and Matthau, full credits and storylines for all 11 films, more than 100 publicity and behind-the-scenes photographs, and memories from co-workers and co-stars including some of Hollywood's biggest stars, Jack & Walter is the ultimate recognition of the pair's remarkable cinematic achievements," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 15, 2009.

Mr. Twiddles the cranky cat is unexpectedly visited by a noisy stranger, Clara the housekeeper. But, there’s something amazing about Clara: her Very Special Powers (VSP) let her talk and listen to Mr. Twiddles. Should Mr. Twiddles try to be her friend, or get her out of his cozy, quiet home for good? "[Author] Murray-Gibson was born in Monrovia, Liberia, [and] has actively supported the cause of literacy and education for the people of her homeland. She also volunteers for a number of charities in and around her current hometown in Minnesota. Her book is also dedicated to the children of Liberia, and Murray-Gibson has planned to donate the proceeds from Clara and Mr. Twiddles to build schools and clinics around the rural areas of Liberia — an area that has been extremely impoverished by an 18-year war. With her support, children will be able to attend school free of charge," Sue Defabis, project manager at Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 15, 2009.