February 2010 Notable Toys — Books

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.

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. "This is a novelty bookmark that's not sold everywhere," pointed out Lisa Goldman of Five Star Publications. "It's a real specialty item." Launch date: October 15, 2009.

When Marge Graziano met the "Lost Lady" of the Honeymoon Cottage, her life's course took an unexpected twist of fate. Committed to saving a piece of Jerome's remarkable history, Marge enlisted the help of her family and newfound friends to restore the home to its original grandeur. Little did she realize what treasures she'd find as she dug through the past to save a fading Arizona landmark. Her courage undaunted, Marge pressed forward through astounding odds to bring the "Lady" renewed hopes and dreams for the future. Today, the Honeymoon Cottage shines forth in unabashed splendor, the elegant "Jewel of Jerome." Launch date: June 15, 2009.

"Dave Pratt, Behind the Mic: 30 Years in Radio" is the life story of a small-town boy who beat the odds to become the most prolific name in the history of Arizona radio. Over three decades, The Morning Mayor has been honored with more than 100 awards, sold-out arena and stadium concerts, topped ratings in three different formats, become one of the highest paid radio personalities in the nation, defeated cancer, and has raised millions of dollars for charity. More important, Dave has never forfeited his personal beliefs and has never sacrificed his personal character. The loyalty of his listeners and the love of his family have continued to be his driving force. Refreshingly, Dave Pratt has proven that an incredibly successful career and a deep love for family can find balance in one of entertainment's most turbulent industries. Enjoy this sometimes tear-jerking, sometimes humorous, but always sincere ride with one of radio's legendary performers. Launch date: November 1, 2008.

Jam-packed with emotional conflict, trials and tribulations, romance, and humor, "The Attitude Girl" follows outspoken, materialistic 17-year-old Vicky on her rocky road to becoming an adult as she struggles with bullying, financial setbacks, idealism, loss and forgiveness. Her attitude is her rock! Author Ludmila “Mila” Bernadkin draws on her experience as a teacher, mother and advanced graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature to create this compelling, award-winning story, which unveils the tremulous world of confusing emotions and mixed messages of “maturity” today’s teens live in as they feel their way through the process of becoming young adults. Awards: 1st Place Winner in the Arizona Authors Association Literary Awards Contest.

"Legends in the Kitchen" is designed with delicious recipes to make it possible for chefs and novice cooks alike to impress friends and family with the same dishes celebrities prepare for their guests. Imagine the conversation around the table when diners discover they are noshing on the Beef Stew with Walnuts that Betty Ford makes for former President Gerald Ford, Victoria Principal’s Jade Empress Chicken or Dick Clark’s Cajun Corn Chowder. A portion of the book’s sales supports the Motion Picture & Television Fund. Launch date: January 2010.

"It’s Not Leap Year this Year" is a story about a boy named Miles who was born on Feb. 29. There is just one problem: Feb. 29 does not come this year. What would you do if you were told that you could pick any day you want to celebrate your birthday? That’s exactly what Miles’ mom told him he could do. What day does Miles pick? "It’s Not Leap Year this Year" is the second book in her leap year series and is arriving just in time for 2010, which is not a leap year. The first book, "It’s My Birthday Finally" is also available. "Although there are other books written about leap year, this is the second in the leap year year series I've written," author Michelle Winfrey told TDmonthly. "This one is about what 'leapers' may do when it is not a leap year." Launch date: November 16, 2009.

Meet Skiff, a playful Sheltie. 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. "As a former research biologist, Pierard-Deviche hopes to trigger reflection in children and inspire them to conduct their own research on things that interest them," said Lisa Goldman of Five Star Publications. "The Little Skiff books are the perfect blend of fiction and nonfiction. They are simultaneously instructional and entertaining." Launch date: January 15, 2010.

Nichols Oldland’s “Big Bear Hug” tells the story of a gregarious black bear that hugs everything in the forest. Humorous illustrations show how nothing, be it moose, snake, rabbit, or tree, can escape the bear’s displays of affection.
— Parents praise the book because it teaches children the importance of making good decisions and showing compassion. A confrontation with a human looking for lumber adds minor tension and provides the book with a subtle yet important environmental message, making it green-friendly as well.
— It received an average of 4.5 of 5 stars from three reviews on Amazon.com, and an average of 4.26 out of 5 stars from 39 reviews on Goodreads.com, as of November 2009.

Centered on basic math skills and beginning reading, this workbook includes activities with color illustrations that allow kids to practice for reaching first-grade goals while strengthening their critical thinking.
— Seven of 40 specialty retailers referenced books or study guides of some sort when asked about best-selling educational toys and school supplies in fall 2009.
— Annie’s Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., sells about 18 School Zone books per month. “Tourists grab them and use to keep the kids thinking on breaks,” Owner Teresa Derry told TDmonthly in late 2009.

This 18" posable doll comes packaged with two outfits, several accessories and a hardcover book titled "The Mystery of the Vanishing Coin." There are six dolls in the collection, including Eva, all of which have new face sculpts. They are available at Target. Launch date: Fall 2009.