April 2011 Notable Toys — Gifts

This sweet, 5-inch rattle features Ella Bella's signature modern patterns and pink plush.

Modern floral patterns, a soft color pallet, and fuzzy pink are the hallmarks of Ella Bella. Ell Bella, an adorable elephant, is the star of this new baby boutique collection especially designed for baby girls. The collection, designed by Mary Meyer toy designers in Townshend, Vermont, includes seven nursery items designed to decorate a nursery with a soft, nurturing color pallet. The 8-inch Ella Bella Wind-Up Musical plush toy plays “Brahams' Lullaby.”

Alex Marshall Studios is adding a giraffe coin bank to their line of handmade, personalized baby and kids' ceramics. Available in character or silhouette design, each bank is handmade in their northern California studio and can be personalized with the name and date of birth. Each piece is made from a white earthenware clay, is CPSIA compliant and measures 7.5 x 2.5 x 12" h.

Simple, fast-paced rhymes and watercolor illustrations tell this story about a group of mice delivering valentines to the other woodland creatures on a snowy day. The adventure escalates when the smallest mouse gets left behind. He's found just in time for a warm Valentine's Day group hug. This book comes in a durable board book format with decorative red foil accents. Written by Bethany Roberts, illustrated by Doug Cushman.

This book explores the everyday life of babies and their families. A multi-cultural cast of characters experiences the joy, exhaustion, and love that plays out during a typical day just being a family. Gentle rhymes and pencil and watercolor illustrations tell this tale that is ultimately about love. In the send-a-story format, you can affix three postage stamps to the book and send it to someone in the mail, no packaging required. Written by Susan Meyers, illustrated by Marla Frazee.

This reasurring tale explores the bond between parent and child. A little fox named Small asks his parent if he will be loved, no matter how gruesome his behavior. As Small's scenarios become increasingly unpleasant, his parent is unwavering in his expression of love for his child.  In the send-a-story format, you can affix three postage stamps to the book and send it to someone in the mail, no packaging required. Written by Debi Gliori

Easy rhymes and soft watercolors tell the story of a little lamb's birthday and the surprises he gets from his loved ones throughout the day. The book explores the loving relationship between parent and child and also the natural progression of the day. In the send-a-story format, you can affix three postage stamps to the book and send it to someone in the mail, no packaging required. Written by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Melissa Sweet.

This book about friendship and love can be sent to friends or relatives in the mail, no packaging needed. Written by Sandol Stoddard Warburg and illustrated by Jacqueline Chwast, this book is unabridged from its original format — but now, you can affix three stamps and drop it in the mail.

Young readers can help Curious George and his friends celebrate with decorating, baking, and card making.  Ruby-red foil and fold-out flaps provide interesting textures and colors for children to explore while reading.