July 2009 New Specialty Toys — Books

Created and illustrated by Simon Basher, and written by Dan Green, this 128-page, full-color paperbook dedicates individual pages to profiles of stars and other objects in outer space. It comes with a solar system poster. Launch date: May 2009.

The Gisela doll and book set is based on one of the daughters of Charlemagne, designed to teach young girls about the lives of young girls during the medieval period. The soft-bodied and vinyl doll is dressed for historical accuracy. Launch date: March 2008.

Stickiestory is a company that creates personalized storybooks for children in which the children become the main characters. Kids can recognize their friends and themselves in the story. Launch date: February 2009.

This book teaches children about the large, diverse country of America — past, present and future — using a simple metaphor of a village of just 100 people. Launch date: August 2009.

A delightful first book for the nursery or a sweet addition to baby’s expanding library, this soft book tells the classic tale of "Guess How Much I Love You." It has a 7” colorful spine for teething tender gums, plus a hanging teether heart. Awaiting discovery inside is a kissing sound and an “I Love You” message. Launch date: April 2009.

Featuring two classic Christmas stories, Clement C. Moore's "The Night Before Christmas" and Saviour Pirotta's retelling of "The Nutcracker," this large hardcover is illustrated with watercolor art by Susanna Lockheart and features several changing picture windows for added intrigue.

This colorful hardcover relays the story of what happened before the tale of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" — when Mama Bear and Papa Bear wanted Goldilocks to influence Baby Bear for the better. It includes a pop-up house, envelopes with removable letters, and a page that features Goldilocks with soft, touchable hair. Launch date: August 2009.

Christina Marie Pop-In-Kins “pops in” with the first lighting of the family Christmas tree and stays until the last decoration is put away.  She loves to play hide-and-seek and is always available to share a smile and to lend an ear. In “Christina Marie and the Little Tree” Christina Marie sets out to be the very best elf at the North Pole.  But only after she discovers a little tree and saves it from a certain fate, does she learn what it truly means to be “the very best”. Each Christina Marie Pop-In-Kins Fun Set includes a posable Christina Marie Pop-In-Kins Elf, “Christina Marie and the Little Tree” illustrated storybook, and Christina Marie’s own storage case. Christina Marie Pop-In-Kins was named “2010 Book of the Year” by Creative Child Magazine.
Awards: 2011 The Toy Man Award of Excellence; 2011 The Toy Man E-Choice Award; 2011 The Toy Man Seal of Approval; 2010 Book of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine; 2010 Dr. Toy Best Picks of Children Products Award; 2010 USA Book News Best Books Award Finalist

Kids can join Santa on his Christmas journey in this Scribble Book that comes with 10 color-on, wipe-off board book pages and six crayons. The pages can be colored again and again, and the product may be used at meal time, home, school and restaurants, and for travel and kids on the go. "Our special surface wipes clean with a dry cloth, so children can color over and over," Andi Thea, COTS of Scribble-Mats!, told TDmonthly. It received a 2009 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Children's Products Award. Launch date: 2006.

"Thumbuddy To Love" is an illustrated story book that comes with a thumb puppet to help children stop thumb sucking. Fireman Fred (for boys) matches the character in the book. A calendar at the end of the book allows kids to mark off the days they do not suck their thumb. "Thumbuddy To Love is a positive teaching tool for kids to help them break the thumb-sucking habit," Andrea, president of Thumbuddy To Love, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. This product received a 2009 Mom's Choice Award.

This beginner's origami book instructs kids on creating designs that include a spaceship, frogs, flowers and more. The 48 pages of instruction include color diagrams, and the back of the book holds 40 sheets of origami paper. A drawer in the book's spine opens to reveal six colored pencils and 12 decorative eyes that may be used to adorn the finished creations. The book measures 7.5" square.

This lively and colorful book features rhyming text that shares facts about lesser-known animals in a humorous way. It is written by Maxine Rose Schur and illustrated by Michael S. Maydak. It is also available in hard cover (MSRP: $16.95).

This set of five books shares several stories about PBS Kids' Caillou: "Caillou and Rosie's Doll," "Caillou Makes a Snowman," "Caillou Plans a Surprise," "Caillou Puts Away His Toys" and "Caillou Sleeps Over." It is designed to encourage communication between kids and adults as it relays life lessons. Launch date: 2009.

This 32-page hardcover explains why humans wear clothing and certain gear that animals don't have to, thanks to special adaptations that help them survive rain and more. Launch date: 2009.

This book gives readers a close look at the the lives and work of honey bees, supported by rhyming verse and colorful illustrations. It is authored by Lori Mortensen and illustrated by Cris Arbo. A hardcover version is also available (MSRP $16.95).

This 32-page hardcover is an interactive book designed to help kids understand their own surroundings and get a glimpse of the world while learning basic mapping concepts. It is written and illustrated by Scot Ritchie. Launch date: 2009.

This hardcover explores the secret world of faeries, including visits to an enchanted forest and an underground workshop. The cover painting was done by Emily Fiegenschuh. Launch date: January 2009.

Parents and children can enjoy this classic memory game together while learning new ways to be an earth-friendly inhabitant of Mother Earth. I Cherish Planet Earth is all about appreciating and preserving nature and our planet. It is a celebration of Earth's life and beauty and a call to be active in creating a sustainable future for all. It includes a 32-page, full-color story book, 48 game pieces, and a cotton storage pouch. The game is made in the USA with recycled paper and vegetable inks. Launch date: 2009.

— “I Cherish Planet Earth” earned praise from Slee of Paisley and Pretties for presenting its eco-friendly message in an affirmative way as opposed to the scar-tactics used by other environmental products. Of the messages in the book and game, not only do they help children to internalize a deeper sense of connectedness to the planet, but they also encourage meaningful thought and positive ecological action.
— Jeralee of Babes and Kids Review found the product to be even greener than advertised because it includes not only a memory game, but suggestions for several other games that can be played with the kit. Her daughters eagerly embraced these alternate games, even more so than the basic memory game. Jeralee also loved the watercolor illustrations, although their complexity and muted colors made the matching game difficult for her young daughter.

Designed to engage engage students in purposeful talk about books, What's in Your Book! lets students explore story elements (character, setting, plot, solution) and challenges them to demonstrate their understanding by making connections and asking questions. It can be played by two players or teams. Launch date: 2009.

The Monsterbooks are illustrated rhyming books for all generations. The books were created as a response to parents' desire for books to read to their children that adults can also enjoy. They draw upon themes that resonate with adults, including the Beatles, presidential politics and baseball. Launch date: June 2009.

Kids can join EnviroGirl as she learns about saving the environment. "In Go Green With Me," parents and children will learn simple, eco-friendly tips that will help protect the planet. From recycling and solar power to worm composting and so much more, "Go Green With Me" is designed to make these important lessons fun to read and learn. The company's books are printed on 100-percent recycled paper with 100-percent post-consumer waste that is processed chlorine-free, using environmentally friendly inks/toner. This book received a 2009 Book of the Year award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: March 2009.

"ALLEY LOO: A Spooky Swamp Tale" is the children's picture book written by C. E. Walz. It was the winner of the "2008 DFP Award for Best Children Book" manuscript. "Written in a delightful rhyming style, ALLEY LOO takes children on a spooky tour of the swamps of the southeastern United States. It was illustrated in full-color by Pamela Wedel, who also did the artwork for 'GRIZZELDA GORILLA,' the EPPIE 2008 Best Children's Book," Terri Branson, publisher for Dragonfly Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2009.

One morning, Michael decides that he wants to be someone different. Someone exciting! So with the help of some dress-up clothes, he becomes Michael the businessman, Michael the knight, and Michael the pirate. He has a day full of adventures. But who is his favorite Michael? Come along for a day of play and pretend in this exuberant picture book about a child's boundless imagination! by Laura Heiman and illustrated by Sophie Keen. 32 Pages. Also available in Hardcover for $15.95.

By day, Eliot is quiet. He reads his books, feeds his goldfish, and watches Mr. Smith wash his car.  "Eliot is such a quiet little thing," say all the grown-ups. But the grown-ups don't know that when the clock strikes midnight . . . Eliot is a SUPERHERO! One night, Eliot receives an urgent message from the world's most important scientists. A gigantic meteor is about to smash into the Earth! Readers will laugh out loud as they follow Eliot Jones, midnight superhero, on his most important mission ever! by Anne Cottringer; illustrated by Alex T. Smith. 32 Pages. Also available in Hardcover for $15.95.