December 2012 New Specialty Toys — All

Follow Fili the Dwarf and Kili the Dwarf deep into the dark and scary Mirkwood Forest on The Quest for The Lonely Mountain. Attack the heroes with 3 small spiders and 2 giant spiders with glow-in-the-dark eyes and trap them inside cocoon elements high up in the buildable tree. Use Legolas Greenleaf and Tauriel to save the day by battling the spiders and freeing the Dwarves with the tipping function before it's too late. Includes 4 minifigures: Fili the Dwarf, Kili the Dwarf, Legolas Greenleaf and Tauriel, all with assorted weapons. Launch date: 2012.

Gandalf the Grey has invited the Dwarves to Bag End - the Hobbit home of Bilbo Baggins. Uncover the Hobbit hole to entertain the Dwarves with food and drink accessories. Then invite Bilbo Baggins on a great journey to The Lonely Mountain and begin the epic LEGO The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey adventure. Includes Gandalf the Grey and 5 exclusive minifigures featured only in this set: Bilbo Baggins in his Shire outfit, Balin the Dwarf, Dwalin the Dwarf, Bombur the Dwarf and Bofur the Dwarf, all with assorted weapons. Launch date: 2012.

On the shores of an underground lake beneath the Misty Mountains, Bilbo Baggins, armed with Sting, discovers a magic ring that was recently lost by the creature Gollum. Use the reveal function to take the golden Ring! But beware - only Gollum, aboard his boat of Goblin skin and bones, knows the way out. Can our Hobbit hero solve the riddles asked by Gollum and escape to freedom with the Ring before Gollum realizes it's gone? Kids decide as they build and recreate this famous scene from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Includes 2 minifigures: Bilbo Baggins and Gollum. Launch date: 2012.

Time to dust off the FURBISH dictionary because FURBY is back and ready to take the world by storm. Kids had better be prepared because FURBY has A MIND OF ITS OWN. Feed it, speak to it, tickle it, play music for it, and shake, tilt or turn your FURBY upside down. But be warned - how kids treat their FURBY will shape its personality.Kids can also download a free app to help them translate FURBISH, as well as virtually feed their FURBY and other interactive features. App is optional and works with iPad, iPod touch and iPhone with iOS 4.2 or later. Launch date: 2012.

In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven? The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophecy remains a mystery... With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.
— As of 12/4/2012 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,072 reviews on Amazon.com.
— Melissa Pennille, co-owner of Teaching Toys & Books in Tacoma, Wash., told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that they sell 8 copies of this book each month, making it a best seller in their store.

From the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling and award-winning I Want My Hat Back comes a second wry tale. When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So it’s a good thing that enormous fish won’t wake up. And even if he does, it’s not like he’ll ever know what happened...Visual humor swims to the fore as the best-selling Jon Klassen follows his breakout debut with another deadpan-funny tale. Launch date: October 2012.
— In a Winter 2012 survey, Jessica Wood from Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, Vt., told TDmonthly that This is Not My Hat is a recent bestseller.

Have fun with Olivia...dressing up, singing songs, building sand castles, napping (maybe), dancing, painting on walls and — whew! — going to sleep at last.
— Jessica Wood from Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, Vt., told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that Olivia books are perennial bestsellers.

Once upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur...and a Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway. One day—for no particular reason—they decided to tidy up their house, make the beds, and prepare pudding of varying temperatures. And then—for no particular reason—they decided to go...someplace else. They were definitely not setting a trap for some succulent, unsupervised little girl. Definitely not! This new take on a fairy-tale classic is so funny and so original—it could only come from the brilliant mind of Mo Willems.
— As of 12/4/2012 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews on Amazon.com.
— Pat Siegfried, co-owner of Black Forest Books & Toys in Charlotte, N.C., told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that this is one of their best selling books.

This delightfully illustrated nursery rhymes book offers parents and children the joy of reading all the best-loved rhymes, as well as discovering some of the less familiar ones. My Nursery Rhymes Collection is divided into 12 themes, such as farm animals, numbers, and action rhymes — creating shorter sections to suit the attention span of young readers. Settle back together and enjoy all the merry old souls. 184 pages with beautiful, full-color illustrations. Elegant gilded spine and cover highlights. Themed sections for easy reference. Padded hardcover edition.
— In a Winter 2012 survey, Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly that they sell 20 of this item each month.

Awesome Man can shoot positronic rays out of his eyeballs, fly as straight as an arrow, and hug mutant Jell-O! Even villains like Professor Von Evil and the Flaming Eyeball are no match for this caped crusader. But Awesome Man also has a secret...Can you guess what it is? The first picture book from Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Michael Chabon perfectly captures the fantasy life of young superhero fans. Launch date: September 6, 2011.
— Pat Siegfried, co-owner of Black Forest Books & Toys in Charlotte, N.C., told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that this books sells well and is on "constant reorder."

When Betty Bunny eats chocolate cake for the first time, she declares, "I am going to marry chocolate cake." She loves it so much that she takes a piece to school with her in her pocket and refuses to eat anything else. Mommy tells Betty that she has to eat healthy food first, and have patience because cake is for dessert, not pockets. But Betty doesn't want to have patience; she wants to have chocolate cake. In this hilarious and spot-on tribute to the chocolate lover (and picky eater) in all of us, a new kindred spirit to Olivia, Eloise, and Ladybug Girl makes her stand.
— As of 12/4/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 20 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In a Winter 2012 survey, Pat Siegfried, co-owner of Black Forest Books & Toys in Charlotte, N.C., told TDmonthly that they sell 25-30 copies of this book each month.

These reusable books introduce the alphabet, letters and first writing skills.   Wipe-clean pages and pen offer lots of opportunities for practice.
— In a Winter 2012 survey, Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly that they sell 20 of this item each month.
— Mike Snyder, owner and manager of Cville's Hobbies, Games and Toys in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly in a December 2013 survey that this is one of their best-selling books.
— Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Usborne books are a year-round best-seller in the educational category.

Progressive puzzles grow with kids. As preschoolers master the 3-piece puzzle, they then progress to the 4-piece, 5-piece, and 6-piece puzzles. Four puzzles included in each set. Easy slide box allows for quick clean-up. Large chunky puzzle pieces measure about 2x3" each. Made with 80% recycled content and printed with vegetable based inks. Conforms with CPSIA and ASTM standards.

This youth-sized version of the popular '70s style Elvis sunglasses is perfect for a young Elvis Tribute artist.

How cool is this Elvis Presley Blue Hawaii Mr. Potato Head? Combining the spirit of the musical film Blue Hawaii, starring everyone's favorite crooner Elvis Presley, with the classic fun of putting together Mr. Potato head, the 6-inch tall Elvis Mr. Potato Head features The King of Rock and Roll with his trademark pompadour, in a red Hawaiian shirt. He's got a ukulele in his left hand, in case kids feel like having him bust out some tunes. And what kind of Hawaiian would Elvis be without that yellow lei flower necklace? Elvis fans will love the mini parody album cover included inside the packaging, too.

The rugged and ready for action chrome detailed helicopter features motorized main and tail rotors, a set of jet propulsion turbo engines, retractable landing gear, and 3 authentic sounds for ignition, take off and fly by. The working lights include running lights that work in flash or steady mode and a set of high powered, pivoting searchlights. The see through, illuminated cargo bay has a push button release for the cargo door, which lowers as a ramp for the Rescue vehicle, a 6-door SUV style truck featuring a friction motor, real working lights, retractable emergency roof lights, and chrome detailing. Launch date: 2012.

Preschool perfect matching game. Sized large, pieces are just right for small hands. Bright, graphic illustrations encourage interaction. 24 cards makes 12 pairs. Easy slide box allows for easy clean-up. Made with 80% recycled content and printed with vegetable inks. Conforms to CPSIA and ASTM standards. Cards measure 3x3".

A great introduction to modern art. Ten durable nesting and stacking blocks combine bright graphics with a classic developmental toy. Learn your ABCs and numbers. Each nesting block contains 10 cubes printed on 5 sides with vegetable based inks and measures close to 3 feet tall when fully assembled. Made with 80% recycled content. Conforms to CPSIA and ASTM standards.

This kit provides hours of fun creating amazing innovations ranging from the ridiculous to the very practical. This system is designed to teach the power of interactive innovation, creative problem solving and social innovation. Compete online with other kids or post your idea and have it rated by the Hänz innovation community. This is a very fun construction set that is simply addictive. Made in the USA with fair trade and the environment in mind.

This smaller kit is an affordable way to get started with Hänz construction sets. You can create gravity race cars, interesting structures and even practical items such as smart phone holders and picture frames. This kit can create dozen of unique innovative structures and provides hours of fun and learning. Made in the USA with fair trade and the environment in mind.

Ultra soft plush Grover comes with a satin cape 15". A silver helmet and lightning bolt logo complete the super hero look. Launch date: January 1, 2013.
— Isaac Judd from Magic Beans in Brookline, Mass., told TDmonthly in a June 2013 survey that Sesame Street plush from Gund is their best-selling plush item. They sell about 50 each month of all the characters combined.

This ultra-soft multi textured plush dragon is proud of his fire-breathing abilities... and his ninja-style moves (which he’s still mastering). He’s got a fun side to him too though, as he likes to joke around and even talk a little smack. 12” and includes 3 replaceable AA batteries. Recites 10 phrases while arms move & nostrils light up. On / off switch on left foot. Launch date: January 1, 2013

Ah the Wizard of Finn and Jake. Collect all the 2-inch figures from the popular Adventure Time series.

Adventurous times await you with Gladiator Ghost and Finn. 2- inch figures for endless play.