February 2011 Notable Toys — Books

“Meet Einstein” introduces young minds to what scientists do, helping kids make connections in things they see and experience, and teaching them that science is all around them. With colorful, playful illustrations, the book portrays Einstein as a likeable, approachable character.

Meet Mrs. Pinkelmeyer, Silliest, Warmest Know-It-All™ and her lovable dog Moopus McGlinden. Follow their adventures in the Pinkelmeyer book series, dance along with their music or snuggle up with their plush, singing doll as they inspire self-esteem in children through love, warmth and silliness.

Between a Roc and a Hard Place is the story of a young dragon named Tephra, who is abandoned as an egg and is subsequently adopted and raised by a family of giant birds (Rocs). Through trial and error, Tephra and her family members learn along the way what being a family really means. The story explores intricacies of adoption, especially interracial adoptions, all without ever mentioning the word ‘adoption.’ Author Danny Birt has an MA degree in music therapy, and has worked with children who have special needs.
Awards: 2010 National Parenting Center Children's Books award

This compilation by Susan Magasmen uses a developmental skills model called the 6Cs™ that was created by Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Golinkoff to help parents and teachers see the immediate links between learning and play.  The stories come from families and educators at Goddard Schools around the nation.

Ben KaChoo's story Sink or Swim captures kids attention through the silly humor of sneezing, then offers suspense and intrigue as relationships build. Living in the zoo’s swamp is the last thing a bright-eyed young hippo like Ben KaChoo needs. You see, Ben has allergies. After accidentally sneeze-jetting into a crocodile named Arrow, the two start an unexpected friendship. But will their families be uncomfortable with this as each animal usually stays with their own species? Will the animals adapt? "Characters make the same sounds as children, which engages the kids immediately," Angela Larson, Chief Story Teller of Fierce Fun Toys, LLC, told TDmonthly.

Written by Nora Gaydos and illustrated by Akemi Gutierre, these two companion books are sure to help both parents and new siblings face the challenges and changes that come with having a new baby brother or sister. The text is simple and straightforward and the illustrations are whimsical and endearing. This is the perfect book for the sibling with a new baby brother or sister.
Awards:  2010 NAPPA Honors Award.

Ten chunky little books, each with a very short rhyming story about the featured creature. These are non-fiction books for babies--young science books with each of the animals shown in their habitat. Illustrations show a parent and baby pair. The set includes a mini book about an alligator, elephant, giraffe, kangaroo, koala, lion, monkey, panda, penguin, or turtle. Made of recycled materials they have a craft brown eco look that goes along with the subject matter. Each small book will easily fit in a little hand and their thick pages are easy to turn for solo ‘reading.’ The sturdy tall box has a handle so toddlers can carry their library from room to room. Their Little Learning Books tower is also nice and includes small books about colors, shapes, opposites, and other basics. Good for talking as well as independent reading.
Awards:  2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal.

There are four different storybooks and four matching plush animals in this series. Each storybook tells a story about the featured animal -- where it lives and how.  These are little science books told in simple fashion with clear illustrations. Each is packaged with a small huggable plush animal that fits in a little hand. There's one about Little Gorilla, Little Polar Bear, Little Elephant, and Little Panda. You can't go wrong with any of them.
Awards:  2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal.

This guide to the guts-and-glory of G.I. Joe identifies every figure with all its weapons and gear, every vehicle with all the easy-to-lose pieces and every accessory related to Hasbro's stellar team of soldiers. Use it to expand your knowledge about Joe and the team, or Cobra and his cronies, and to identify and assess the value of any of the series' 350 action figures and 240 vehicles and accessories.

Filled with super rad toys and bodacious memories, Totally Tubular '80s Toys is a righteous ride back in time when Madonna ruled and Spinal Tap amplifiers went to 11. You'll find everything from He-Man to Cabbage Patch Kids, Trivial Pursuit to Rubik's Cube, Transformers to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Pac-Man to Mario Bros Donkey Kong-as well as lots of fun and smiles.  Featuring color photos featuring more than 500 fabulous toys and period shots of the people who made the decade gnarly, and lists of the top 10 TV shoes, movies, and music for each year.