March 2009 Notable Toys — Books

AmeriTales uses fantasy-adventure stories to introduce children to American history. In this tale, the legendary story of young Amelia Earhart building her own roller coaster is depicted. The spunky Amelia battles prairie winds and outdated traditions for girls to make her roller coaster dream come true. This childhood misadventure shows kids how Amelia grew up to become a famous aviator. Launch date: July 2008.

Step into an adventure of a little girl who turns green from her head to her toes and learns that doing her part for the environment really shows. "I'm Turning Green" teaches young readers tips for conservation of energy, water and natural resources. It is made from 100-percent recycled papers and offer a 100-percent eco-friendly product at a reasonable price. Launch date: November 24, 2008.

The following Camp Rock Stationery Products are available: Camp Rock PY Diary - Pink Mitchie & Shane, Camp Rock PY Diary - Grey Group Shot, Camp Rock PY Planner and Camp Rock Super Stickers - two sheets. MSRP ranges from $ 0.99 SRP (stickers) to $5.99. The "products feature the lead actor and favorite characters, Mitchie — Demi Lovato, and the Jonas Brothers," Trish Sarlan, assistant to the VP of sales and marketing for Monogram International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 4, 2009.

A Dr. Seuss classic from 1971, “The Lorax” is a brightly illustrated book filled with lyric verse about a timely theme. The Lorax is a strange creature that watches over a forest filled with marvelous trees. As the forest is cut down to make things for the growing community, the trees and the habitats of the various creatures that live there disappear until there’s almost nothing left. Dr. Seuss’s simple, clever and powerful message about environmentalism will stick with young readers.
— “The Dr. Seuss always sells out,” said Elizabeth Ryan, owner of Tales & Toys in Venice, Calif.
— “Dr. Seuss is always popular,” agreed Pat Cooley, owner of Cooleykatz Toys in Livermore, Calif., in November 2008.

Third in the popular “Inheritance” series by Christopher Paolini, which begins with “Eragon,” “Brisingr” continues to chronicle the dragon rider Eragon’s journey and training as he undertakes a heroic quest to help rescue his cousin’s betrothed. Roran and Eragon undergo primarily separate journeys, having to face many tests and overcome great odds. The story is themed in the classic high-fantasy genre, filled with magic, dragons, elves, dwarves, and sword fighting, as well as the value of friendship, family and courage. Launch date: September 20, 2008.
— “The new Christopher Paolini book, “Brisingr.” [We sell] over 100 per month,” said Jessica Wood, buyer for Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, Vt.
— Two of 52 retailers named “Brisingr” as a best seller in November 2008.

Part of Usborne’s series of books introducing young children to unfamiliar experiences, this short, 8” x 8” soft-cover book is an illustrated account of the first day of school. The friendly, colorful pictures are designed to be talked about so that little ones will have an easier time externalizing possible anxieties about a change in routine. The series covers many first experiences, from the introduction of a new baby sibling to a hospital visit or travel on an airplane.
— Eight percent of 52 retailers told TDmonthly in November 2008 that Usborne is their top-selling supplier of books.

Jane Dyer’s rich illustrations and an allegory about making chocolate chip cookies present simple but solid anecdotes about some of life’s most important issues in Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s whimsical instruction manual for manners and morals. Accompanying each colorful picture, a single concept is defined by a related phrase that captures the essence of the abstract, such as kindness or respect. For example, Rosenthal defines cooperation: “How about you add the chips while I stir?” Launch date: May 2, 2006.
— “‘Cookies’ is very popular,” Erin Dedmon, owner of The Wee Loft in Dana Point, Calif., told TDmonthly in November 2008.
— “‘Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons.’ [It’s] for children and adults, about kindness, patience. Great book,” said Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper for Kids in Springfield, Va., who sells about 15 per month.

More than 60 years old, Margaret Wise Brown’s “Goodnight Moon” continues to lull children to sleep with its gently colored illustrations by Clement Hurd and simple, soothing message. The baby bunny in the story goes to bed, bidding goodnight to all of the things in the bedroom and the familiar view outside the window. 
— “My classics like ‘Goodnight Moon’” are top sellers in the book category, said Elizabeth Ryan, owner of Tales & Toys in Venice, Calif.
— Three of 52 retailers told TDmonthly in November 2008 that “Goodnight Moon” is a best-selling book for them.
— As of 8.12.10, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 65 reviews on ToysRUs.com and was listed No. 7 in best-selling toys and games. PROS: Vivid illustrations, stimulates imagination, entertains while teaching values.

This board book, one of several in the Precious Pals series, is sturdy enough to handle the babies it draws in with its whimsical illustrations and touch-and-feel textures inside. Babies and young children will enjoy both the visual and tactile stimulation presented by the book, which is made infant-friendly by its padded cover, heavy-duty board pages and rounded corners. 
— “Our board books are popular,” said Rosie Morris, manager of Whiz Kids in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
— “The board books … have been really popular,” Genevieve Collogne, manager of Wooden Horse in Los Gatos, Calif., told TDmonthly.
— Eight percent of 52 retailers said in November 2008 that board books comprise their best-selling books.

Written by Geoff Johns, this series will bring back the original Flash, Barry Allen, as well as other key characters. Launch date: 2009.

After "Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich" (2006), he decides to get married and plan an elegant featuring his favorite monsters and best man Dracula. His bride, only recently dead and revived, must battle her parents' frustration with having to pay for her wedding just days after coughing up the cash for her funeral. In this lushly illustrated and imaginative picture book by Adam Rex, the monsters get to blog, rhyme, appear in classic cartoons, create mayhem and complain about the difficulties of life. And death. Launch date: 2008.

Caldecott Medalist Ed Young has created another visual masterpiece with "Wabi Sabi," a new picture book by debut author Mark Reibstein. Wabi sabi, a traditional Japanese concept, refers to the beauty found in simple, everyday things. Young's collage illustrations of man-made and natural materials are a masterful blend of color, texture and form that pefectl complements the text. Wabi Sabi, a cat, tries to learn the meaning of her name. As her journey unfolds in a mix of prose and haiku, Wabi Sabi and the readers come closer to understanding the tru meaning of her name. "Wabi Sabi" is a vertical book, bound at the top like a calendar. Hardcover, 40 pages. Launch date: October 2008.

Katsa's extreme skill or "Grace" is the skill of killing — something she's long been carrying out on behalf of her uncle. But meeting Prince Po brings a special friendship into her life, and she comes face to face with a truth about her own skill, as well as an awful secret that could bring destruction to the kingdoms. Launch date: October 2008.

Written by Laurie Krebs and illustrated by Aurelia Fronty, this picture book takes kids on an adventure across Lake Titicaca and through Machu Pichu to the city of cusco, where a wonderful festival is underway. The educational endnotes include facts about Peru's population and culture, the Andes Mountains and the Inty Raymi Festival. Launch: 2008.

A follow-up to R.D. Henham's "Red Dragon Codex," this novel explores ths story of Satia, a young thief, and the lies she tells to a young black dragon so he will spare her life. But the dragon's evil nature, and Satia's dishonesty, may be a bad combination. Will it lead to their doom? Launch date: 2008.

It's Saturday, and one small girl and her Dad do the shopping while Mom is working. When the little girl sneezes, it sets off a reaction that leads to her Dad being blamed for a supermarket calamity. After the daughter speaks up and takes responsibility, the mood changes. Written by Matt Harvey and illustrated by Miriam Latimer. Hardcover, color, 32 pages, 8.5" x 11". Launch date: September 2008.

In the midst of Rani's cousin's wedding plans to marry a wealthy widower named Frank, Rani starts to feel like the ghost of his first wife is haunting the house. Will a mystery message help Rani get rid of her? Launch date: August 2008.

Once called a "musical Dr. Seuss," Jim Copp recorded nine children's albums from 1958 to 1971. These critically acclaimed, clever rhyming stories told through song won Copp many passionate fans. Now his most popular characters — Kate Higgins, Miss Goggins and the gorilla, and Martha Matilda O'Toole — hop, stomp and skip to life on the pages of the "Jim Copp, Will You Tell Me a Story?" picture book illustrated by Lindsay DuPont.T he book comes with a CD featuring three of Jim Copp's original recordings. Hardcover, 56 pages, color. Launch date: September 2008.

This book written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Vlasta van Kampen captures the story of a group of hippos at their peak of boredom, and follows them on a journey to happiness, which they find wallowing in the mud. It combines simple text with colorful, expressive artwork. Launch date: April 30, 2008.

This book is filled with questions and fun quizzes, plus photos and information about Hannah Montana and her family and friends. It comes with What'cha Think device that let's the user see "text message" answers to yes or no questions from Hannah and her buddies.

This 98-page illustrated journal includes special spaces for photos and mementos, as well as an accordion file for the organization of important documents and a pull-out growth chart. It has an elastic cord and rivet closure and measures 9.25" square.

It's winter, and a lonely abandoned kitten is trying to survive in the woods. Each night, as he hunts for food, the warm glow of houses fills him with longing. While a family carries in its Christmas tree, the kitten slips into their house. Then—danger—a fierce dog lives there! The kitten has not found a haven after all. But it is Christmas Eve, a night when magical things can happen. Robin Pulver's gentle story and Layne Johnson's dramatic paintings evoke the wonder and joy of Christmas.

It's that wonderful time of year, when once more cows have come back to the family home, to be together around the Christmas tree. But while dancing the Cowpoke Polka, Moosha crashes through the floor! The whole family tries to pull her out. But Moosha stays stuck, right in the only place the tree can go. Will Christmas even come this year? Then a baby calf named Dale hangs a star on Moosha's tail, and these clever cows come up with a way to save Christmas and begin a fine cow tradition.

This beautiful retelling of the traditional Nativity story caputres all the drama and joy, beginning with the angel's amazing announcement to Mary. Giuliano Ferri, an award-winning Italian illustrator, illuminates the story with his watercolors.