August 2009 New Specialty Toys — Books

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.

All Boris wants is a long catnap in his new cardboard box with no trouble whatsoever.  But suddenly--STAMP, STAMP, scribble, scribble--the box is taped up and zoomed off to doorsteps all over the earth and beyond... Every time Boris drifts off to sleep, someone opens the box and wakes him up. Beady eyes peek inside and loud voices shout, "This is NOT what I ordered! I DON'T want this cat!" This quirky cat tale proves there's no place like a loving home—especially if that home happens to have a plumpish pillow perfect for snooooooozing! by Leigh Hodgkinson. 32 Pages.

Emma can’t sleep a wink!  She tries drinking warm milk and even reading lots of books—but nothing seems to help.  So she decides to count sheep to help fall asleep.  All goes well until Emma reaches number 108.  Sheep 108 cannot make it over the bed!  Emma, along with 109, 110 and all the following sheep must try to find a way to help 108 jump over the bed or none of them will get to sleep.  Luckily Emma has a plan… by Ayano Imai. 32 Pages.

Designed to help children stop sucking their thumbs, this puppet and storybook includes stickers and weekly calendar to chart successes. Ballerina Sue can be worn at bedtime and throughout the day. There's also a Fireman Fred version.

YoYo's in your neighborhood! See YoYo as he goes next door for a visit. Children can look for YoYo under the flaps on every spread to see what he's going to do next! Written and illustrated by Jeannette Rowe. 8 Pages.

Tom has a problem with his tail--he doesn't like it. He wants to wag his tail like Sam the sheepdog, or swish his tail like Henry the horse. But Tom's tail is too short and curly. With the help of some mud, Tom's tail becomes long and straight. But it's also sharp! When Tom wags his tail, it pokes anyone standing by. His brothers and sisters kick him out of the sty because they're tired of being poked. In the middle of the night, as Tom's sleeping outside, it begins to rain. And the rain washes away the mud on Tom's tail, making it soft and curly again! By Linda Jennings, illustrated by Tim Warnes. 32 Pages.

MINE! That's what the very greedy bee says to anyone who asks him to share. While the other bees work hard, the greedy bee is busy gobbling pollen and guzzling nectar. Until one day, the greedy bee finds a meadow full of the biggest, juiciest flowers he's ever seen, and he decides not to tell ANYONE. . . . Soon he's too full to fly, and worse, he doesn't know how to get home. Will anyone help a very greedy bee? By Steve Smallman, illustrated by Jack Tickle. 32 Pages.

Mother Mouse is watching over Little Mouse, snuggly tight in his bed, when Mole appears. "Mother Mouse!" Mole says. "You can't leave your baby there! The farmer is coming to plow the field. That bed is not safe." By the light of the moon, Mother Mouse searches for the perfect new nest for Little Mouse. Her woodland friends offer many ideas, but nothing is quite right. Then Mother Mouse remembers something. Set against a spectacular sky of glittery stars and a flocked full moon, this inviting story will lull children to sleep as they appreciate the coziness of their own beds. By Sheridan Cain, illustrated by Gaby Hansen. 32 Pages.

Designed for young golf players, this journal has colorful graphics and divided sections that allow kids or teens to keep track of their goals, lessons, statistics, practice, tournaments and more. It also includes a pocket for scorecards and quotes from famous golfers throughout.

Featuring the main character from the Caillou television series, this board book showcases the ABC Train, which has removable puzzle pieces designed to help kids learn the letters of the alphabet. The pieces can be connected outside of the book to create a lengthy train puzzle.

This Asian-American doll is part of the Friends Forever Girls series of dolls and books that focus on friendship, character and community. She comes with "The First Day of Forever" book. Launch date: September 2009.