December 2011 New Specialty Toys — Videos & DVDs

These 5 stories feature narration by Mem Fox, David de Vries… and others. ONE ZILLION VALENTINES (Written and illustrated by Frank Modell) Two enterprising friends, Milton and Marvin, prove that valentines are for everyone. A LETTER TO AMY (Written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats) The wind spoils Peter’s attempt to mail a special invitation to his special friend Amy. GOGGLES! (Written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats, narrated by Geoffrey Holder) Peter and his friend Archie call upon faithful dog Willie to outsmart a gang of tough bullies who want Peter’s goggles. WILFRID GORDON McDONALD PARTRIDGE (By Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie Vivas, narrated by Mem Fox) In this gentle, moving story about caring and sharing, a small boy helps a friend remember her past by sharing his own special items. WILL I HAVE A FRIEND (Written by Miriam Cohen, illustrated by Lillian Hoban, narrated by David de Vries) On the first day of school Jim worries that he won’t make any friends. Will he meet anyone who feels the same way? Launch date: January 10, 2012.

23 Award-Winning Stories in a 3-DVD collection. Caldecott award winners including Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day, Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling and Denise Fleming’s In the Small, Small Pond come together for the first time in Caldecott Favorites. Launch date: November 15, 2011.

Baby Beehavin’ Stroller DVD Pouch is a practical and effective way to both organize a stroller, and help keep a baby entertained and behavin’. As a way to play educational or their favorite DVDs while on the go, it will stimulate and entertain babies keeping them engaged and quiet. This stylish and functional design is compatible with virtually any portable DVD player. Also features: Mesh Bottle Holder, Cell Phone Holder, Protective DVD Player Cover, Expandable Trash Bag, Strong elastic bands, 5 DVD disc pockets, Extra storage pockets, Convenient key Ring.

Baby Lullaby takes baby on a soothing journey with classical lullabies by Bach, Brahms and Mozart. Enjoy relaxing ocean waves, sweet puppet shows and tranquil images. Includes DVD, CD, and picture book. 30 minute run time. Other titles in this series include World of Rhythm and Neptune's Oceans. Launch date: February 22, 2011.

An Elf’s Story™, the animated Christmas special that premiered on CBS last holiday season, is the first Elf on the Shelf® Christmas special that features cutting edge animation, memorable songs, and a tale about the spirit of the season. Nine-year old Taylor McTuttle has reached a crossroads. Does he believe Santa Claus really knows who is naughty or nice? Does he even believe in Santa Claus anymore? An Elf’s Story™ is the inspirational tale of Chippey, the young scout elf who is assigned by Santa to restore Taylor’s belief in Christmas magic. When the boy breaks the number one Elf on the Shelf rule, Chippey loses his Christmas magic; the entire McTuttle family loses its scout elf, and both Taylor and Chippey lose their self-respect. Through the power of love and forgiveness, both of them learn that true belief cannot be taught. Each pack includes: An Elf’s Story ™ 23-minute holiday special; TV trailer; Behind-the-scenes look at the making of An Elf’s Story™; Filmmaker’s commentary; and Special Code for website access to Santa's Shipping Yard.

When a storm makes a mess of the neighborhood, everyone lends a helping hand. In the meantime, Grover is invited to a Bar Mitzvah in Jerusalem. Come join Matisyahu and Oofnik as they beat box the Hava Nagila. It's "Sesame Street for the Jewish American consumer - The Jewish Version of Sesame street with familiar Sesame Street characters and their Israeli furry friends," Haim Scheininger, president of SISU Home Entertainment, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2011.
Awards: 2010 Dr. Toy Best Pick Award; 2011 Hugo Television Award (for “It’s Passover. Grover!); 2011 CINE Golden Eagle Award.