January 2011 Notable Toys — Books

This classic character is a plush animal that turns into a pillow and blanket. Perfect to cuddle up with while reading Norman Bridwell's classic books to your little one. Launch date: June 2011.

12 full-color double sided activity work cards provide individual and group practice at 4 levels of difficulty. The Work Cards help students transition their understanding of halves, thirds, fourths, fifths, sixths, eighths, and ninths into Real World Applications. Comes in a folder that opens to a series of Fraction Number Lines. Self-checking for use at a center. "The focus is on Real World Application and helps students transition from concept to daily life," Bruce Brown, president of World Class Learning Materials, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2011.

In the third book in the popular Blues Go Birding series, the adventurous Blues are filled with amazement as they discover the world’s most extreme birds—the fastest-diving, deepest-diving, highest-flying, keenest-hearing—and many more. It’s a fast-paced romp around the world with solid information about birds to inspire a future generation of birders. Written by Carol L. Malnor and Sandy F. Fuller, illustrated by Louise Schroeder. 36 pages. Also available in hardback ($16.95).

This new picture book by Marianne Berkes introduces children to some of the unique and interesting animals of Australia.  This new book is partnered after Berkes’ award-winning books Over in the Ocean, Over in the Jungle and Over in the Arctic. Illustrated by Jill Dubin. 32 pages long. Also available in hardback ($16.95).

This manga-influenced art book draws on a variety of media including toys and apparel, creating a Pop-Surrealist collection that will appeal to art fans. This 112 page book is the first full sized collection of Camilla d'Errico's work, and features an introduction by artist Ashely Wood.

Years after a big old tree tumbles to the ground and is rotting, is it really dead? In a new picture book for children, author Anthony Fredericks invites children to take a closer look. Roly-polies and daddy longlegs and velvet mites prowl here and there, while salamanders and chipmunks dash everywhere. Old logs offer a wonderful opportunity for a low-cost field trip. There might be one in your own backyard. Tons of small creatures live there, so often overlooked. A letter from roly-poly to the reader introduces this “neighborhood,” saying, “I have lots of weird neighbors, and remember, weird is interesting.” With a blend of science and rhyming text, Fredericks and illustrator Jennifer DiRubbio have created a lighthearted yet educational picture book. To further whet the appetite of nature-loving kids, Fredericks provides “field notes” and “fantastic facts” about the animals at the back of the book. And as a courtesy to teachers and parents, he provides an extensive description of projects and activities to do based on the book, ranging from simple finger play to readers theater. This is the sixth book in a series by the same author/illustrator team. Previous titles include Under One Rock; In One Tidepool; Around One Cactus; Near One Cattail; and On One Flower. Also available in hardback ($16.95).

"The Magical Tale of Santa Dust - A Christmas Tradition" is the Christmas book of 2011. It is the magical tale of two small children who, on Christmas Eve, sit by their window eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa, only to be bypassed on his yearly journey. Save for the antics of a giggling, bungling Elf and some magical dust, their Christmas dreams come true. "There has never been a book written about the lure of magical Santa Dust. Each book will be packaged with one pouch of Santa Dust," Patricia Cardello, owner of Magic Dusts, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2011.
Awards: Santa Dust - 2008 National Stationery Show in New York City "Best New Product of the Year" Nominee; 2009 Seal of Excellence Award from Creative Child Magazine.

This historical fiction/fantasy mash-up explores romance and the afterlife, set during the chaos of the Russion Revolution. Offering an imaginitive explanation for the whereabouts of Princess Anastasia and Prince Alex when the rest of their family was murdered, author Laura Whitcomb creates a world in between worlds where Calder, a Fetch, attends the dying and excorts souls to heaven. This romance with Christian themes escalates when Calder and the young royals are pursued by the malicious Rasputin and a host of lost souls.  Ultimately, goodness and love prevail. This book received a Booklist starred review

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.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid has become a phenomenon.  It started online and then moved to the The New York Times best-selling book series by author/illustrator Jeff Kinney. The first of two 20th Century Fox movies was released in early 2010, with a second due out in spring 2011. Wimpy Kid Greg even flew fly high in the 2010 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time. In this latest book, Greg Heffley is having second thoughts about growing up fast. Greg suddenly finds himself dealing with the pressures of boy-girl parties, increased responsibilities, and even the awkward changes that come with getting older—all without his best friend, Rowley, at his side. Can Greg make it through on his own? Or will he have to face the “ugly truth”? Hardcover, 224 pages.

This small paperback contains 517 full-color, thought-provoking puzzles and mental games designed to stretch neurons and shake up the usual way of thinking. The puzzles are organized in 12 tuypes with 10 levels of difficulty, each designed to make the reader feel more curious, intuitive, engaged and smarter. It’s written by Ivan Moscovich, an internationally acclaimed inventor, puzzler, toy and game designer and artist.

In this lovely classic, written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Jane Dyer,  parents of shapes and sizes from mouse to human urge their little ones to sleep. Hardcover, 32 pages.
— This was a best-selling book in 2010, said Gladys Griffin, owner of the Main Street Toy Shop in Columbus, Ga.

Gyo Fujikawa has created ten little babies in this rhyming counting book. During each episode, one little baby finds its own bliss (from playing to marmalade smearing) until just one tiny baby is left. The last page reads: One little baby, alone having fun. He became a grownup, and then there were NONE!
— This is one of Gladys Griffin's best-selling books for 2010 at the Main Street Toy Shop in Columbus, Ga.

This latest Knuffle Bunny tale from Mo Willems follows Trixie and her family as they travel to Holland. Is Trixie a big enough girl to travel without her favorite toy? Readers will find out in this illustrated book that mixes photos with cartoons. Hardcover, 52 pages.
— Two of 23 retailers said the Knuffle Bunny books were among their best sellers in 2010.
— "We sold 149 from 10/3 to 11/19," said Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barston's Child's Play in Baltimore.

Written by Anne Akers Johnson, this illustrated book provides painstakingly clear instructions for five different string figures. Attached to the book is a tie-dyed string loop – all you need to bring is ten fingers. The four-millionth copy will sell any day now and, to prepare for that happy occasion, Klutz has given the book a brand-new cover.

In a brand-new series from blockbuster best-selling author Rick Riordan, fans return to the world of Camp Half-Blood. Here, a new group of heroes will inherit a quest. But to survive the journey, they’ll need the help of some familiar demigods. Hardcover, 576 pages. Launch date: October 12, 2010.
— "We sold145 from 10/3 to 11/19," said Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barston's Child's Play in Baltimore.

This book about a lonely dinosaur was penned by Avery Monsen and Jory John. It covers the downside of being everything from a clown to a cassette tape to a zombie. Cute and dark all at once, this hilarious children's book for adults teaches valuable lessons about life while exploring each cartoon character's unique grievance and wide-eyed predicament. From the sock whose only friends have gone missing to the houseplant whose friends are being slowly killed by irresponsible plant owners (like you), All My Friends Are Dead presents a delightful primer for laughing at the inevitable. Hardcover, 96 pages.
— "We've sold 24 in half a month," said Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper for Kids in Springfield, Va. "It just came out and we can't keep it."

Comfort Me Books is a collection of recordable storybooks with a 3 minute re-recordable module allowing the child to record other books as well. The heart and sun embedded in the book light up during playback of the story.

"Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Burn the Rrrrump Rrrroast" is the first in the children's book series highlighting the adventures of Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and her lovable dog Moopus. A fresh and funny tale that's charmingly illustrated for parent and child. Available in paperback.