December 2008 New Specialty Toys — All

Greetings! My name is Carbon Offset Chet™. I’m from London, England and I love to fly! By flying in my special solar-powered plane, I've reduced the amount of air pollutants or “carbon emissions” I emit. This leaves the air and land cleaner for everyone to enjoy. And furthermore, I get to see the world with my Global Green Pals™ without polluting the environment! Roger that! Join me and my pals on our mission!

Global Green Pals,™ group of young eco-explorers from around the world know that everyone can do something good for the environment whether it's turning off a faucet, riding a bike, recycling a can or planting a tree. Made with organic and natural cotton, Global Green Pals ™ are loved by kids and adults alike. Each soft doll comes with its own environmental message and character tag. A portion of your purchase goes to saving the planet.

The Horse Farm Stable features three horseboxes, a section for refreshments and an area for grooming. It includes three figures, three ponies, a kitten, a wheel barrel, hay, a ladder, fences and many other accessories. Dimensions are 21” L x 11” D x 10” H.
— "Playmobil is selling really well for us," Erika Evers, owner of Dancing Bear Toys in Hendersonville, N.C., told TDmonthly in early 2009.

A Dr. Seuss classic from 1971, “The Lorax” is a brightly illustrated book filled with lyric verse about a timely theme. The Lorax is a strange creature that watches over a forest filled with marvelous trees. As the forest is cut down to make things for the growing community, the trees and the habitats of the various creatures that live there disappear until there’s almost nothing left. Dr. Seuss’s simple, clever and powerful message about environmentalism will stick with young readers.
— “The Dr. Seuss always sells out,” said Elizabeth Ryan, owner of Tales & Toys in Venice, Calif.
— “Dr. Seuss is always popular,” agreed Pat Cooley, owner of Cooleykatz Toys in Livermore, Calif., in November 2008.

Third in the popular “Inheritance” series by Christopher Paolini, which begins with “Eragon,” “Brisingr” continues to chronicle the dragon rider Eragon’s journey and training as he undertakes a heroic quest to help rescue his cousin’s betrothed. Roran and Eragon undergo primarily separate journeys, having to face many tests and overcome great odds. The story is themed in the classic high-fantasy genre, filled with magic, dragons, elves, dwarves, and sword fighting, as well as the value of friendship, family and courage. Launch date: September 20, 2008.
— “The new Christopher Paolini book, “Brisingr.” [We sell] over 100 per month,” said Jessica Wood, buyer for Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, Vt.
— Two of 52 retailers named “Brisingr” as a best seller in November 2008.

Part of Usborne’s series of books introducing young children to unfamiliar experiences, this short, 8” x 8” soft-cover book is an illustrated account of the first day of school. The friendly, colorful pictures are designed to be talked about so that little ones will have an easier time externalizing possible anxieties about a change in routine. The series covers many first experiences, from the introduction of a new baby sibling to a hospital visit or travel on an airplane.
— Eight percent of 52 retailers told TDmonthly in November 2008 that Usborne is their top-selling supplier of books.

Jane Dyer’s rich illustrations and an allegory about making chocolate chip cookies present simple but solid anecdotes about some of life’s most important issues in Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s whimsical instruction manual for manners and morals. Accompanying each colorful picture, a single concept is defined by a related phrase that captures the essence of the abstract, such as kindness or respect. For example, Rosenthal defines cooperation: “How about you add the chips while I stir?” Launch date: May 2, 2006.
— “‘Cookies’ is very popular,” Erin Dedmon, owner of The Wee Loft in Dana Point, Calif., told TDmonthly in November 2008.
— “‘Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons.’ [It’s] for children and adults, about kindness, patience. Great book,” said Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper for Kids in Springfield, Va., who sells about 15 per month.

More than 60 years old, Margaret Wise Brown’s “Goodnight Moon” continues to lull children to sleep with its gently colored illustrations by Clement Hurd and simple, soothing message. The baby bunny in the story goes to bed, bidding goodnight to all of the things in the bedroom and the familiar view outside the window. 
— “My classics like ‘Goodnight Moon’” are top sellers in the book category, said Elizabeth Ryan, owner of Tales & Toys in Venice, Calif.
— Three of 52 retailers told TDmonthly in November 2008 that “Goodnight Moon” is a best-selling book for them.
— As of 8.12.10, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 65 reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 7 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Vivid illustrations, stimulates imagination, entertains while teaching values.

This board book, one of several in the Precious Pals series, is sturdy enough to handle the babies it draws in with its whimsical illustrations and touch-and-feel textures inside. Babies and young children will enjoy both the visual and tactile stimulation presented by the book, which is made infant-friendly by its padded cover, heavy-duty board pages and rounded corners. 
— “Our board books are popular,” said Rosie Morris, manager of Whiz Kids in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
— “The board books … have been really popular,” Genevieve Collogne, manager of Wooden Horse in Los Gatos, Calif., told TDmonthly.
— Eight percent of 52 retailers said in November 2008 that board books comprise their best-selling books.

Available in five sizes, this girls’ dance outfit features a sequin-dotted lycra leotard, an organza skirt with sequin trim and a big red bow on the back, and a matching hat. The gloves, socks and shoes are sold separately. This costume is only available to professional dance teachers and studios. Launch date: February 2009.

This faux-suede hat featured patchwork detail and has an invisible string that secures behind the ears.
— Two of 52 retailers mentioned Elope when asked in fall 2008 about Halloween items that sell well in their stores, particularly for the company’s hats and Harry Potter accessories.

Available in small, medium and large, this costume includes a muscle chest jumpsuit with boot tops attached, a headpiece, a cape, a belt and two Batarangs.
— Two of 52 retailers mentioned Rubie’s costumes when asked in fall 2008 about Halloween items that sell well in their stores.

Ghosts, pumpkins and black cats can be found in this spooky collection of six glow-in-the-dark tattoos.
— Three of 52 retailers named items by Dover when asked by TDmonthly about best-selling Halloween items in fall 2008.
— Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that glow-in-the-dark tattoos were one of her Halloween bestsellers.

This set of three frightful characters move along when their string is pulled. Each is between 4.5” and 5.5” tall.
— Three of 52 retailers told TDmonthly in fall 2008 that Gund items sell well for Halloween in their stores.

Kids can flip this 2.25”-diameter Poppin’ Hopper inside out and watch it launch into the air.
— Three of 52 retailers mentioned Toysmith novelties when asked about popular Halloween items in their stores, in fall 2008.

Complete with a bright construction vest and hard hat, this dress-up set also includes a screwdriver, hammer and construction flag.
— Nearly 10 percent of 52 specialty retailers named Small Miracles when asked in fall 2008 about brands that sell well for them in terms of Halloween merchandise.

Written by Geoff Johns, this series will bring back the original Flash, Barry Allen, as well as other key characters. Launch date: 2009.

Whenever the Shi'Ar aliens are involved, readers know they are in for a galactic storm of a story. The universe is learning to fear Vulcan, the long-lost brother of X-Men Cyclops and Havok. Havok, Polaris and Marvel Girl stand in his way, as events converge to the upcoming War of Kings. The comic is by Christopher Yost, Dustin Weaver and Jaime Mendoza with a cover by Brandon Peterson. Launch date: February 18, 2009.

For Spider-Man to save his loved ones, he must face thirty of his deadliest foes, all while dealing with Harry Osborn's return from the grave. Part 3 of the Character Assassination storyline is written by Marc Guggenheim and drawn by John Romita Jr. and Klaus Janson. Launch date: February 18, 2009.

Photographer Phil Sheldon might not be a superhero, but he's had a ringside seat to the best and worst the Marvel universe has to offer. Continuing his story from the acclaimed Marvels miniseries, he is now witnessing the dark side of heroes and villains, such as Elektra's epic fight with Bullseye. The comic comes from fan favorites Kurt Busiek and Jay Anacleto. Launch date: February 25, 2009.

The combined might of the Justice League of America and Dr. Light (the heroic female one, not the evil male one) must take on the cosmic entity Starbreaker to prevent him from consuming the sun. This comic is written by Dwayne McDuffie, featuring art by Ed Benes. Launch date: February 18, 2009.

“Legendary writer Grant Morrison concocts an unthinkable plot: The death of the Dark Knight,” DC Comics writes. As Bruce Wayne slips out of the public eye, Batman's villains rise and Batman's allies have to try to keep order. This oversized deluxe hardcover comprises “Batman” issues #676 through #683. Launch date: February 4, 2009.

This issue is both a “Faces of Evil” story highlighting a villain of the DC Universe and the finale of the “New Krypton” storyline. As tensions rise between the Kryptonians and Earthlings, Superman's people have plans of their own. “Writer Geoff Johns and artist Pete Woods wrap up this cosmically important chapter in Superman's life by introducing a major change to The Man of Steel's status quo!” publisher DC Comics notes. Launch date: January 2009.

Buffy confronts shape-shifting vampires, forcing her and her friends seek out the only other being they've known who possesses such power: Dracula. It also includes “A Beautiful Sunset,” a stand-alone issue written by “Buffy” creator Joss Whedon. Launch date: November 19, 2008.