December 2009 New Specialty Toys — Books

Ever wondered if the light in the fridge stays on when you close the door? Fiber optics can light the way. It may sound like some supercomplicated electronic technology, but the basics are quite simple. Author Jim Becker helps kids understand what’s going on as they use the power of light to build 10 high-tech electronic projects, including a burglar alarm, an electronic rooster, and a flexible flashlight. The kit includes two preassembled workbenches (transmitter and receiver), three optical fiber rods and a connector, 26 hookup wires, two LED couplers, 12 activity cards , and a 12-panel fully illustrated booklet. "The retail feedback we have received tells us that there is not a similar product on the market," Darcy Morris, Director of Sales & Marketing, SmartLab Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 30, 2010.

Developed by Del Visionaries, the Little Green Money Machine is a gateway learning system designed to teach children lifelong skills, in addition to building confidence and self esteem. The book and storefront stand can be used at home, in the classroom, and with youth groups and fundraising projects. This system teaches children about money management and business, and lays the foundation to learn about entrepreneurship. The interactive book, "The Little Green Money Machine: Kids in Business Around the World," offers content, ideas and exercises to give children ages 7 to 14 the tools and know-how to run a business, set goals, and pursue their dreams. The storefront is an all-purpose business stand where children can set up actual business ventures and fundraisers and apply what they have learned in the book. It includes adjustable-height upright posts, five magnetic and dry erase banner areas for marketing and increased visibility, built-in cupholders, a built-in money tray with lock and key, a solar-powered calculator, and a storage area for marketing materials, such as brochures, fliers and business cards.

The award-winning Joe Rock and Friends interactive stories are now available on iPhone and iPod Touch. Featuring two languages (English and Spanish), original fun songs, 3D graphics, instant switching between languages, optional narration, and word tracking, these stories can provide a great reading experience for emerging readers (ages 3-8) and a great tool for language learners. "The multi-language features ... allow instant switching of any page between the two languages," Allan Crossley, CEO, BoggleNoggin Media Inc., told TDmonthly. Awards: 2008 Outstanding Product - iParenting Media Awards, Preferred Choice Award - Creative Child Magazine, June 2008, Editor's Choice Award - Children's Technology Review, June 2008 & Dec 2006, Recommended - Parent's Choice FOundation, March 2008. Launch date: September 2009.

Baltazar has always enjoyed hearing pirate stories from his grandpa. But did the boy know he was related to the legendary scaliwag Greybeard? The Captain of the infamous Corsairs does, so Redlocks travels to recruit young Baltazar and to locate long lost treasure. But now the amusement park "Treasure Island" sits atop their buried booty! Can a young adventurer successfully lead a motley crew that includes Long John Silver, Hook, and Black Bart through this fantasy land? Take a wild ride with pirates galore to discover where X marks the spot! "This storybook combines the timeless appeal of pirates and amusement parks, which make it ideal for kids who like Pirates of the Caribbean, Pirate Legos and the Cartoon Network TV series Chowder," Amy Ma of Immedium told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

Caillou’s parents go out, and Lisa comes to babysit. Caillou feels abandoned, but Lisa helps him overcome his distress. Ideal for little hands, this book has a padded cover and plasticized pages. Also in the series are "Potty Time" (best seller) and "Caillou Says No!" "Written with input from child psychologists, the Hand in Hand book series help children understand the new situations and feelings they are experiencing. By encouraging youngsters to identify with Caillou and using this series as a catalyst for communication, parents can defuse situations that might otherwise cause conflict in family life," Anne Paradis of Chouette Publishing told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009.

This album unveils tender moments from Caillou’s first year. But once parents insert their own children’s photos behind the flaps, it becomes a lift-the-flap album where children discover their own story. Launch date: September 15, 2009.

The children of the forest live deep in the roots of an old pine tree. They collect wild mushrooms and blueberries and shelter under toadstools when it rains. They play with the squirrels and frogs, and when autumn comes, they collect and prepare food to see them through the long winter, until the warm spring breeze starts to blow.. Written and illustrated by Elsa Beskow, whose  picture books for children have been known and loved for over a century.

In this 32-page hardcover, Fancy Nancy and her Explorers' Club, which includes friend Bree, take a rather fancy look at the outdoors. They explore butterflies, flowers, trees, birds and more. The book is written by Jane O'Conner and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Launch date: March 31, 2009.
— Five of 44 specialty retailers referenced the "Fancy Nancy" series when discussing best-selling books in late 2009.
— In a December 2011 survey about books, 3 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Fancy Nancy books were their best sellers. Maryalice Miner, co-owner of Miner's Doll & Toy Store in Ocean Springs, Miss., told TDmonthly that, "The Fancy Nancy books have been really big." They sell a half dozen copies or more each month.

This 48-page paperback written by H.A. Rey tells how little Curious George aids a boy with his paper delivery route and causes quite a bit of trouble. Launch date: August 31, 1973.
— Two of 44 specialty retailers name "Curious George" when asked about best-selling books in late 2009, referencing a trend toward classic titles.

This book of goofy ideas and pranks includes a discussion of wedgies as well as instructions on sliding down a banister and how to send someone a toiletgram. It received a National Parenting Publications Honors Award.
— Two of 44 retailers mentioned this title when asked about best-selling books in late 2009. Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., told TDmonthly her store sells about four per week of both Volumes 1 and 2.
— "We sell Klutz all day long," said Erika Evers of Dancing Bear Toys in Hendersonville, N.C., citing sales of eight Klutz books per day. "We tend to order different ones every time."

This book full of all things pink focuses on a girl who turn pink herself after eating too many cupcakes! It also teaches that it's best just to be yourself. Launch date: May 23, 2006.
— Two of 44 specialty retailers referenced the Pinkalicious series when discussing best-selling books in late 2009. "Those are good ones," Kristen Pollard of Mud Puddle Toys in Marblehead, Mass., told TDmonthly.
— In a December 2011 survey about books, three out of 12 retailers said Pinkalicious was one of their best selling titles.

This 32-page hardcover tells the classic story of the caterpillar who eats, eats and eats, and then transforms into a lovely butterfly. Launch date: October 15, 1981.
— Two of 44 specialty retailers named this as one of their best-selling books in late 2009.
— As of 8.12.10, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 17 reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 21 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Engaging, interactive and easy for children to understand.

This 40-page hardcover tells the story of how Llama is frightened going to his first day of preschool, and wonders if Mama Llama will come back. The other kids, though, show Llama that school can be fun. Launch date: March 19, 2009.
— "What is doing well is the 'Llama Llama' books by Anna Dewdney," Rebecca Goblish, co-owner of Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Ga., told TDmonthly when discussing best-selling titles in late 2009. She added that her store sells about a dozen "Llama Llama" books per month, with a plush llama
— Two of 44 specialty retailers commented on the popularity of this book series in fall 2009.

Part of the "Good Night Our World" series for babies and young children, this 6" x 6" board book explores the sights of Atlanta, Ga., including the zoo, Georgia peaches, Piedmont Park, the Atlanta History Center and much more. The 32-page book has rounded corners. It is written by Adam Gamble and illustrated by Joe Veno.
— Two of 44 specialty retailers mentioned titles from this series when discussing with TDmonthly best-selling books in late 2009.

This hardcover classic written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak follows the imaginative journey of a little boy named Max who is sent to bed without his dinner.
— Two of 44 specialty retailers named "Where the Wild Things Are" when asked about best-selling books in late 2009. Bill Sartain, co-owner of Tutoring Toy in Salt Lake City, cited sales of about 24 per month.
— Maryalice Miner, co-owner of Miner's Doll & Toy Store in Ocean Springs, Miss., told TDmonthly in a December 2011 survey that this book, along with other evergreen titles, sell well year round.

Written by James Mayhew and illustrated by Jackie Morris, this hardcover book takes readers on a rhyming dreamland adventure complete with flying dragons, whales and singing mermaids.

Annie, a sassy, self-deprecating, authentically raw 28-year-old, hazardously, yet humorously, freefalls from an all-time low to rock bottom. She's lost her job, feels legitimately trapped inside a bad relationship with arguably the most charming prick on the planet, is stifled by her past... and, oh, a perpetual buzz. Then she meets Billy, a soulful petty thief. Add barbed witticisms from Annie's cousin, an angry acupuncturist, and quips from two sadomasochistic elementary school teachers, and watch as reckless desperation leads to blind fearlessness in this modern-day tale where love is lost, found, "whined and dined," but mostly — redefined. This book was written by actress Lisa Cerasoli, a regular on TV's "General Hospital." Launch date: June 15, 2009.

High-end, custom-designed Five Star Copper Bookmarks are made with quality copper and Swarovski crystals and pearls, making them ideal for avid readers and gift giving. They come in three 3-1/2" high designs: a serene angel made with a divine crystal and opulent pearl; a paw print, which sports a teal or amethyst crystal; and a crystal-packing star. Launch date: October 15, 2009.

The battle lines are drawn both at home and abroad, as bestselling author Dianne Ebertt Beeaff's gripping first novel unfolds. Framed in a rich historical backdrop, "Power's Garden" is the masterfully woven tale of two southeastern Arizona families — one Texan, one Mormon — whose cultures collide during trying economic times. As World War I rages in Europe, a crippling drought engulfs the Gila Valley desert, the hope of the area's ranchers wasting away with their livestock. With candor and courage, the Brennick and Beecham families develop an embattled but gripping relationship, navigating uncertainties, challenging traditions and learning to love. "It's a novel of two different cultures and the Morman religion," pointed out Five Star's Lisa Goldman. Launch date: June 15, 2009.

Rattlesnakes are much maligned primarily because they are much misunderstood. In Rattlesnake Rules, award-winning children’s author and science editor Conrad J. Storad, of Arizona, removes the veil of mystery from these fascinating creatures and imparts to young readers valuable information that will help them better understand rattlesnakes and keep both the children and the snakes safe. Delightfully illustrated by Conrad’s long-time collaborator, artist Nathaniel P. Jensen, The Rattlesnake Rules is yet another in their popular series that includes Desert Night Shift (A Pack Rat Story) and Don’t Ever Cross that Road! (An Armadillo Story), among others. Launch date: October 15, 2009.

As Luke and his sister Jenny resume their summer vacation, their mother plans a stop at the historic town of Lincoln, New Mexico. But when a thunderstorm begins to brew, Luke and Jenny realize things aren't what they seem. Suddenly they are swept back in time and find themselves face-to-face with the notorious Billy the Kid. The ghost of Paul, a young buffalo soldier who lived more than a century ago, guides them on their journey as they experience the life and times of this mysterious young outlaw. Will Billy the Kid live up to his legend? — This book received a 2007 Indie Book Awards of Excellence.

Meet Skiff, a playful Sheltie. In Little Skiff’s Moving Adventures, Skiff moves from Alaska to Arizona, and 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. Launch date: January 15, 2010.

In Dr. Nicolas Bazan's first novel, neuroscientist Alvaro Cruz finds himself haunted by a recurring dream of a banjo player in a cornfield that leads him on a personal quest to uncover the mysterious past of a New Orleans street singer known as Una Vida. Stricken with Alzheimer's, Una Vida can only offer tantalizing clues about her past through her mesmerizing vocals, incredible recollection of jazz lyrics, and the occasional verbal revisiting of a fascinating life that's fading quickly. As Cruz searches for Una Vida's true identity, he learns profound lessons about the human psyche, the nature of memory, and himself. "'Una Vida' is filled with delightful twists and unexpected turns, all centering around one of the greatest gifts New Orleans has offered the world — jazz," said Five Star's Lisa Goldman. "But the story will also deeply touch anyone who has had to witness the heartbreaking deterioration of a loved one's memory as it is consumed by the unforgiving encroachment of Alzheimer's." Launch date: November 4, 2008.

High-end, custom-designed Five Star Copper Bookmarks are made exclusively with quality copper and Swarovski crystals and pearls, making them ideal for avid readers and gift giving. They come in three 3-1/2"-high designs: a serene angel made with a divine crystal and opulent pearl; a paw print, which sports a teal or amethyst crystal; and a crystal-packing star. Launch date: October 15, 2009.