December 2009 New Specialty Toys — All

Meet Skiff, a playful Sheltie. In "Little Skiff Copes With Valley Fever," Skiff learns all about Valley Fever firsthand. Author Dany Pierard-Deviche hopes Skiff will teach children how to stay confident in the face of adversity and change. "As a former research biologist, Pierard-Deviche hopes to trigger reflection in children and inspire them to conduct their own research on things that interest them," said Lisa Goldman of Five Star Publications. "The Little Skiff books are the perfect blend of fiction and nonfiction. They are simultaneously instructional and entertaining." Launch date: January 15, 2010.

This wooden set of two, 15” cubes is made in the USA of sustainably grown Baltic birch plywood and uses eco-friendly paints and finishes. The front panel can be customized from a variety of colors and shapes. The cubes can be connected in various ways.
— Through Via Toy Box and its sister line, Via Wine Cubes, KD PRODUCTS combines form and function into sensible storage solutions. The Via Toy Box line features modular cubes with a variety of openings that can be used to create fully customized storage. Shelves, casters, cabinets, and more can be added to the basic cubes for more possibilities. The units can also be rearranged to meet changing display needs. The cubes can keep floppy plush and difficult to stack items neat and orderly while the array of colors and intriguing shapes can draw attention to products held within. Since children tend to climb, it’s probably a a good idea to anchor the cubes to the wall for safety. The reviewer on Daddy Types ordered the product online and was thankful it “turn[ed] out to be good after all.”

Nichols Oldland’s “Big Bear Hug” tells the story of a gregarious black bear that hugs everything in the forest. Humorous illustrations show how nothing, be it moose, snake, rabbit, or tree, can escape the bear’s displays of affection.
— Parents praise the book because it teaches children the importance of making good decisions and showing compassion. A confrontation with a human looking for lumber adds minor tension and provides the book with a subtle yet important environmental message, making it green-friendly as well.
— It received an average of 4.5 of 5 stars from three reviews on Amazon.com, and an average of 4.26 out of 5 stars from 39 reviews on Goodreads.com, as of November 2009.

This set includes 216 powerful rare earth magnets that can be molded, shaped and snapped together in an endless variety of configurations. Each Buckyball has two poles — one repels, one attracts. Not intended for children. Watch video
— ''Pun's has sold about four dozen in the last month alone,'' Joe Berardoni, Sr., owner of Pun's Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr, Pa., shared with TDmonthly in the fall of 2010.
—Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., sold nine of 24 units in two days after opening a box for display, she told TDmonthly. Two of 39 retailers named Buckyballs as a best-selling travel toy in March 2010.
— Dean Smith, Co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that he sells "probably 50" sets of Buckyballs each month.
— May 27, 2010 RECALL of 175,000 sets (prior to March 2010) with 13+ labeling violating a federal standard that powerful magnets not be sold to children under 14.

Crazyoleez blend various colors of crayon into a single decorative shape, for a distinctive artistic experience while coloring. Other shapes and sizes are available.

This 200-piece puzzle shows a vast space scene and provides the names of the planets. Once assembled, it measures 19 1/3” x 14 1/4".
— Main Street Toy Shop in Columbus, Ga., sells about 30 Ravensburger puzzles per month, Owner Gladys Griffin told TDmonthly in fall 2009 when discussing best-selling educational items.
— "Ravensburger jigsaw puzzles; a dozen per month" Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly.

The JUMBO Grip features the same shape as The Pencil Grip to place fingers in the correct stance for gripping, for both right- and left-handed writers. It’s about 40-percent bigger than The Pencil Grip, designed to offer comfort and support up to the second knuckle.
— Joan Machlis, owner of Wind Up Here in Olympia, Wash., told TDmonthly in fall 2009 that the store sells about 50 items per month by the Pencil Grip.
— ''We sell maybe 75 per month,'' Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Centre, Inc., in Paoli, Pa., told TDmonthly.

Centered on basic math skills and beginning reading, this workbook includes activities with color illustrations that allow kids to practice for reaching first-grade goals while strengthening their critical thinking.
— Seven of 40 specialty retailers referenced books or study guides of some sort when asked about best-selling educational toys and school supplies in fall 2009.
— Annie’s Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., sells about 18 School Zone books per month. “Tourists grab them and use to keep the kids thinking on breaks,” Owner Teresa Derry told TDmonthly in late 2009.

Designed to teach girls about cosmetic chemistry, this kit includes ingredients to make custom scents and indulge in a crystal mud treatment and a sea salt scrub. Girls can also buff and shine their nails for a finished look.
— Two of 40 retailers cited Scientific Explorer as a best-selling educational brand in fall 2009. The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., sells dozens of Scientific Explorer kits per month, Owner Mary Porter told TDmonthly.

This picture-filled wooden puzzle of the United States includes 40 pieces created to help develop map skills. When each puzzle piece is placed in the correct location, the puzzle speaks the names of the states and capitals. It measures 0.8” x 15.8” x 11.9”. It requires three AAA batteries (not included).
— Ten percent of 40 retailers named Melissa & Doug as a best-selling brand when it comes to educational products. LB Toys in Media, Pa., sells about 30 per month of the U.S. wooden map puzzle, Owner Jamie Burdette told TDmonthly in fall 2009.
— Michael O'Dell of Toys from the Attic in Rehoboth Beach, Del., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that they don't sell many electronic or battery operated toys, but of those they do have, sound puzzles from Melissa & Doug sell best.

856 Motorhead Miniatures Figurines - 1:18 scale Vintage Vixens #1 Set of 4 . Hand painted cold-cast resin. These figures are great for decorating 1:18 scale cars and dioramas. This set includes four approximately 3.5" lady figures. Manufactured by Motorheads. Packed in a window box. Box size: 10.5"Lx 2.25"Wx 5"H. Note: Vehicle is not included.

5342/2D Kinsmart - Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. 1:42 scale diecast collectible model car. This Ford Crown Victoria is a 5"L x 1.75"W x 1.75"H die cast metal car with pull back action, and openable doors. This Ford Crown Victoria Police car is manufactured by Kinsmart. 12 pcs per display box in assorted colors. 72 pcs per inner.

60164 HIGHWAY 61 - 1969 Chevy Camaro SS396 Hard Top. 1:18 scale diecast collectible model car. This Chevrolet Camaro SS-396 is a 10.25"L x 4"W x 2.75"H die cast metal car with openable doors, hood & trunk, fully detailed engine, working steering and suspension, soft interior and rubber tires. This 1969 Chevy Camaro SS396 is manufactured by Die-cast Promotions. 60164 is in Burnished BROWN color with White stripes. Individually packed in a window box. Box size: 13.75"L x 6.5"W x 5.75"H. GM is a trademark of the General Motors Corporation.

50755 HIGHWAY 61 - 1970 Plymouth Barracuda 383 Gator Top. 1:18 scale diecast collectible model car. This Plymouth Barracuda 383 is a 10.25"L x 4"W x 2.75"H die cast metal car with openable doors, hood & trunk, fully detailed engine, working steering and suspension, soft interior and soft rubber tires. This Plymouth Barracuda 383 is manufactured by Highway 61. Limited edition 1 of 600 pcs. 50755 is in METALLIC BURNT TAN color with Gator top. Individually packed in a window box. Box size: 13.75"L x 6.375"W x 5.75"H.

92478 Yat Ming Road Signature - 1950 Studebaker Champion Hard Top. 1:18 scale diecast collectible model car. This Studebaker Champion is a 10.25"Lx 3.5"Wx 3"H die cast metal car with openable hood, doors & trunk, free wheels. Sits on a display plaque. Road Signature collection. The Studebaker Champion is manufactured by YatMing. 92478 is in GREEN color. Individually packed in a window box. Box size: 14.25"Lx 5.75"Wx 5.25"H.

31834 Maisto Special Edition - 1952 Citroen 2CV. 1:18 scale diecast collectible model car. This 1952 Citroen 2CV is a 7.75""L x 2.75""W x 3""H die-cast metal car with openable hood & doors. Special Edition. Sits on a display plaque. This Citroen 2CV is manufactured by Maisto. Item 31834 is in GRAY color. Individually packed in a window box. Box size: 13""L x 6.5""W x 5""H.

DC59AM01 Shelby - 1959-2009 Aston Martin DBR1 Convertible 50th Anniversary #5. 1:18 scale diecast collectible model car. This Aston-Martin DBR1 is an 8.5"L x 3"W x 1.75"H die cast metal car with openable doors, hood and trunk, authentically detailed engine, interior and chassis, chrome detailed accessories, and chrome wheels. Mounted on a display platform. This Aston Martin DBR1 is manufactured by Shelby Collectibles, Inc. Individually packed in a window box. Box size: 12.5"L x 5.75"W x 5"H. DC59AM01 is in GREEN color.

31852BU Maisto Special Edition - Smart Fortwo Coupe with Extra Black Hood. 1:18 scale diecast collectible model car. This Smart Fortwo Coupe is a 5"L x 2.5"W x 3"H die-cast metal car with openable doors & hatchback. Special Edition. This Smart Fortwo Coupe is manufactured by Maisto. Item 31852 is in BLUE & SILVER 2-tone colors. Individually packed in a window box. Box size: 13"L x 6.5"W x 5"H.

31144SV Maisto - BMW M5 Hard Top with Sunroof. 1:18 scale diecast collectible model car. This BMW M-5 is a 10"Lx 4"Wx 2.75"H die cast metal with openable doors, hood & trunk. Sits on a display plaque. This BMW M5 is manufactured by Maisto; ref. no. 31144 in SILVER color. Individually packed in a window box. Box size: 13"Lx 6.5"Wx 5"H.