May 2010 New Specialty Toys — All

This refrigerator, stove and sink set provides generous storage space. The sink features a realistic pull-out "sprayer," and the "burner" stove has wood turn-button controls. The four-piece set includes an additional cupboard, and each item is available for individual purchase.

This set includes a corn broom, push broom, whisk broom, dust pan, and two wet mops. The unit is 11" x 11" x 18" and features an ultra-violet KYDZTuff finish that "is as tough as a gym floor and allows marks from common items to be simply wiped away," Jonti-Craft Marketing Associate Melissa Gustafson told TDmonthly.

The Imagination Station features a stage, store and drive-up window. Shelves in back can hold toys, puppets and other play items. Wooden braces are attached for stability. A curtain rod is included, but optional curtains are sold separately. Available with a Write-n-Wipe, Flannel or Chalkboard front, the station measures 49"x15"x49" and features an ultra-violet KYDZTuff finish that "is as tough as a gym floor and allows marks from common items to be simply wiped away," Jonti-Craft Marketing Associate Melissa Gustafson told TDmonthly.

Children can rock their dolls in this roomy 14½" x 27" x 12" cradle. The head and footboards are made of sturdy Birch plywood and the side rails are made with rich Maple wood. The cradle features an ultra-violet KYDZTuff finish that "is as tough as a gym floor and allows marks from common items to be simply wiped away," Jonti-Craft Marketing Associate Melissa Gustafson told TDmonthly.

Young puppeteers can hang their puppets on the 16 branches of this puppet tree. Each branch is 8" long, allowing for maximum puppet storage. The unit is 11" W x 11" D x 48" H, and is made of rich maple and sturdy birch wood. The puppet tree's ultra-violet KYDZTuff finish "is as tough as a gym floor and allows marks from common items to be simply wiped away," Jonti-Craft Marketing Associate Melissa Gustafson told TDmonthly.

Big, bold and colorful, the Dinosaur Mobile is fully assembled in the United States, using quality archival art board and printed in lead-free non-toxic colors. An informative fact sheet is included.

This 1:18 scale RC model is designed to look just like a real Ferrari 599XX, and is fully functional. It includes working headlights and tail lights, as well as a rechargeable battery pack and charger.

Skyflight's whimsical mobile is designed to entertain infants with its constant motion. The mobile is made in the United States from archival art board, and is printed in lead-free, non-toxic colors. An informative fact sheet is included.

This realistic kitchen and dining counter has a dual-sided design for multi-child use. Its modern features include a "stainless steel” oven, refrigerator and serving utensils. Also included are a 39-piece accessory set, lots of storage, two electronic sound features, and a deep sink.

This novelty hat is made of 100-percent cotton velvet and has a foam interior for durability and support. "BZany hats are unique and adjustable. The inner velcro and elastic strap makes it easy to change the size of the hat to fit either children or adults," BZany Operations Manager Sara Henig told TDmonthly.

Inspired by the blue sea of the Riviera, the Portofino set is made from silky, lightweight jersey cotton. The white short sleeve tee has Riviera blue stitching and snaps at the shoulder. The matching drawstring pants are Riviera blue with a white strip at the leg.

The versatile Keiko kimono dress is made from soft organic jersey cotton, with delicate stitching at the sleeve. It can be worn alone or with pants underneath.

The Zah Organics Signature Kimono Set is made from organic terry cotton and features an almond kimono top and white drawstring pants, both with matching white trim and topstitching.

This inflatable 16"-diameter "reality globe" is made with thousands of digital images of the world from space. Visually authentic, the EarthBall also features accurate glow-in-the-dark cities and atmospheric conditions as seen from space. The ball is easy to inflate and suspend from the North Pole in a classroom, office or a bedroom. "This inflatable globe is photo-realistic, offering a beautiful, fun and important global perspective," Sole Proprietor Didier Gincig told TDmonthly.

Solar Power Plus is a gigantic photovoltaic science lab that navigates the fundamentals of solar energy, the conversion of light into electricity, and circuits. This kit includes two of the special solar panels from the Solar Power kit that when connected generate up to 3 volts of electricity to power 22 different models. 265 building pieces are included.

This solar panel consists of three solar cells and generates 1.5 volts of electricity. The combination solar panel and battery holder allows users to switch out the solar panel for a AA battery, and is positionable in order to maximize exposure to the sun. 177 building pieces and a model-building manual are included.

Elastic Power stretches the possibilities for a simple rubber band while exploring the principles of potential and kinetic energy. After forming the 11 models, including a catapult, motor bike, trolley and paddleboat, students can use the 170 building pieces to create their own unique vehicle. A rubber band is the only fuel needed.

The Remote-Control Machines kit uses a unique six-button infrared unit, complete with touch sensors that simultaneously control three different motors. In addition to forming the 10 suggested models — including a car, crane, plow and robotic arm — the motors can be combined to make complex machines in numerous creative configurations. The kit contains three motors, remote control unit, battery holder, 182 building pieces and a 48-page, full-color manual.
— Barston’s Child’s Play in Baltimore, Md., ordered Thames & Kosmos science kits at ASTRA 2010, Owner Barbara Fineblum told TDmonthly in June 2010.

Where to buy:
SOUTH

The T-talk Bluetooth Doll is an animation toy that incorporates Bluetooth innovation. It can be used hands-free like a normal Bluetooth headset but is also an animated plush that dances its way through a conversation.

This sleek European-influenced styling uses gender-neutral colors to appeal to both boys and girls. “Stainless steel” appliances and accents add to the clean, modern look. A special frying pan and boiling pot with lid activate electronic frying and boiling water sounds in the stove’s cook top burner. Additional electronic sounds in the oven, microwave and phone add to realistic play. The set also includes a refrigerator, coffee maker, faucet and sink.

All players help a dreaming little boy, chased by tigers, collect all four teddy bears and a toy collection. Then, they get him back to bed before he wakes up. The game includes a board, tigers, candy, wake up card, little boy, card stand, toys, dream tools, and rules for basic and hard games.

Grump has taken the villagers' treasures and is now fast asleep at the top of the beanstalk. Together, players climb to the top to recover their treasures. If Grump is awakened, he takes back everything. Players share the treasures and leave some behind for Grump. Their kindness will help change him. The game is won when everyone has some of the treasure.
Awards: 1981 Canadian Toy Testing Council  Top Rating

Players help each other plant as big a flower garden as they can, and also help the Growlies find what they need most, so they don't pick and trash the flowers instead. With some sharing of ideas and talking over of strategies, players can will help change Crabby, Messy, Greedy, Stinky and Snobby into happier creatures. Each game unfolds differently. The game includes a board, 16 flowers, five growlies, a growly lodge, nine special items, scoresheets, a handy chart, and rules for regular and hard versions.

Players act as Camel Drivers, guiding caravans from their home village through the desert, gathering various valuable things to trade and sell in the city. The game includes a board, special dice, sandstorm card and holder, caravan movers, desert caravan collector card, and an assortment of special cards including tents, thieves, valuables, guards, camels, food, water and jeeps.