July 2011 New Specialty Toys — Science & Nature

With this kit, kids can make gruesome fake cuts, burns, and bruises, just like in the movies, use tricks professional make up artists use, and learn the science behind the movie make up. Launch date: September 2011.

Each mini figure is carefully sculpted and finely painted by hand to ensure optimum quality for years of learning fun. For added play value these collections are packaged in a reusable acetate tube. Figures range in size from 1" to 3". All figures are phthalate and lead free to ensure your child's safety. These tiny yet highly detailed figures depict real venomous creatures from around the world. Toob® includes a Cane Toad, a Yellow-Belllied Sea Snake, a Bat Ray, a Komodo Dragon, a Brown Tarantula, a Giant Centipede, a Fat-Tailed Scorpion, a Stone Fish and a Common Indian Cobra.

Cheery is a frog. He’s a Chiricahua Leopard Frog, to be more precise. Okay, he’s not a frog yet. At the beginning of the story, he’s still a tadpole. Young readers will learn how a tadpole turns into a frog and why some frogs—like Cheery—are dramatically declining in numbers around the world. Author Dr. Elizabeth W. Davidson is a research scientist at Arizona State University where she is working to save these amazing amphibians. Cheery: The true adventures of a Chiricahua Leopard Frog puts the problem in terms that young readers can grasp. The book contains valuable lesson guides for parents and teachers.

Kids will amaze their audience by rehearsing and performing 25 awesome chemistry experiments in their own science show. Whether they’re moving particles with their magic wand, creating self-destructing bottles, sparking fireworks from an orange, or watching mystical black snakes grow from a pile of power, this kit is sure to educate and entertain friends and family of all ages. Includes lab equipment, materials, chemicals, cue cards with stage directions, and a 64-page, full-color, comic-book style manual. The kit "Provides young scientists with the tools and instruction to create their own science show instead of watching one," Kim Hammann, sales & marketing manager at Thames & Kosmos, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2011.
— In a November 2011 survey about hobby toys, Mary Porter-Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly, "We sell lots of science kits — the best selling ones are chemistry sets from Thames & Kosmos."

Produced since 1917, the gyroscope has been a classic educational toy for generations that continues to fascinate young and old alike with its mysterious force that seems to defy gravity. Gyroscope technology is used in numerous applications such as guidance and navigation systems in ships, planes and spacecraft. Instructions with several amazing enjoyable tricks available with each gyroscope. YouTube video link available to assist with selling. Manufactured in Indiana (USA Made). "Still a popular selling product after many years in the market. Our #1 selling toy out of over 450 products offered," Bob Sherman, sales associate at TEDCO Toys, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Seal of Approval from Homeschool.com; Dr Toy's Classic Toy Award

The 3-IN-1 Compass Tool is conveniently attached to a self-winding retractable carabiner clip, so it's always within reach yet quickly out of the way. Push-button releases spring-loaded compass lid. Flip-out magnifying glass stays neatly hidden when not in use. High-visibility LED signal light lets kids flash secret Morse code messages across any field.
Awards: National Parenting Center Seal of Approval Spring 2011

With these kits, kids can grow Fly Traps without soil. This complete kit comes with everything kids need to get started. A Hydro-Pump is included, which keeps the water fresh and the nutrients available to the roots of the growing plants. Each Complete Kit Includes: Sprouting and Growing Dome, Hydroponic Rack,Hydro-Pump, 4 Net Pots, 4 Rock-Wool Cubes, Fly Trap Seed Pack: 8mg, 3 Color Decals, 1 Bag Part A Nutrient: 1.5oz, 1 Bag Part B Nutrient: 1.5oz, 1 Nutrient Scoop, and Instructions.

With The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy, kids can explore the universe without leaving the comfort of their backyard. This galactic tool kit has everything kids need: a build-it-yourself telescope, a night-sight flashlight, star and moon maps, a no-batteries-required sundial, a mariner’s quadrant to steer by the stars, tons of intergalactic activities, and more.
Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy Award, June 2011
— Why it won: Who knew you could build a telescope with a book? Everything needed to create a spyglass for space is contained within the Guide to the Galaxy's pages. There are lots of facts about the universe, plus other projects that kids can build to help navigate this world and others. It's a great gift that will appeal to both boys and girls.