June 2012 Notable Toys — All

The young girl in this story may live in the city, but outside her window there's a river full of mallard ducks! She hears them as soon as she wakes up, and on the way to school she sees them upside down bobbing for food. Interspersed with fun facts, her enthusiastic commentary about her feathered neighbors - what they look like, how they behave, where they nest, where they sleep - pairs swimmingly with cheerful watercolor illustrations. Illustrated by Salvatore Rubbino. Launch date: March 3, 2012.

A day at the park. A ride on Daddy's back. Run, Daddy! Faster! Faster! How fast can Daddy go? Faster than a dog? A horse? How about a cheetah? Must his feet even touch the ground? Leslie Patricelli reprises the duo from Higher! Higher! in another humorous riff on a favorite pastime - a laugh-out-loud-funny tale of few words about doting dads and high-energy kids whose imaginations know no bounds.

With touch and feels for little paws. Noodle loves to eat all sorts of things. With bumpy peas and shiny cheese, this is sure to encourage even the fussiest of eaters. 10 pages. Illustated by Marion Billet.

A small papery bundle hangs under a leaf by a silken thread. Can you guess what it will be one day? Butterflies, polar bears, turtles, frogs, birds - they all have a fascinating life journey to follow. Peek under each large flap and look at colorful spreads to find out how each animal develops. A final spread invites readers to match each full grown creature with its beginning stage. Illustrated by Marc Boutavant. 24 pages.

A bunny is furry and breathes air. Who else is like that - a pigeon, a fish, a chameleon, or a fox? Some animals have fins to swim with, some have feathers and a beak, some have skin that is scaly, or smooth and wet. But whatever features a creature has, someone else has them, too. Can you guess who? Big flaps and a matching spread at the end make animal classification fun. Illustrated by Marc Boutavant. 24 pages.

How do you feel? Sometimes you feel happy, sometimes sad. At times you feel curious, but that may be followed by feeling...surprised. And of course you feel bored or lonely once in a while as well. With spare words and simple, graphic illustrations, quintessential chimp renderer Anthony Browne draws on insight and humor to reassure children with an exploration of the varied emotions they experience. What better feeling than opening a new book from Anthony Browne? A simple look at familiar emotions for the very young. 32 pages.

Tallulah is having a sleepover, and Maisy is invited. So is Tallulah's new friend, Ella. Every moment is packed with fun as the friends talk, dance, giggle, and play together. After a tasty supper and lots of games, all three get ready for bed, and Maisy reads a story. Is everyone finally tired? With this anything-but-sleepy storybook, children new to sleepovers and seasoned pros alike can enjoy an overnight visit with Maisy and her pals. Good night, Maisy. Good night, everyone. Join Maisy on her very first sleepover. Friends and games, yummy food and funny dancing - it's hard to feel anything but wide awake.

The MLS Light Up Soccer Goal and Ball Set encourages active play even when the sun goes down. This complete soccer set features a goal with glowing edges, and a red light up soccer ball. Now, kids can play their favorite sport with excitement day or night. Includes stakes to hold the goal securely in the ground, light up goal, light up ball, and 1 3V battery. 6 AAA batteries also required, not included. Goal measures 37.5 inches x 24 inches.

KAOS Nemesis reinvents the traditional water balloon fight by taking it to a whole new dynamic level of “getting soaked.” Kids and adults can kick-up the level of insanity with an extreme water balloon fight. Each KAOS Nemesis launcher is designed to comfortably launch water balloons up to 100ft with a simple flick of the wrist. The KAOS Nemesis has a large scoop top for quick reloads and comes with 25 Balloons.

These LEDs mount directly on the spokes of a bike, flashing as the wheels spin to create more than a dozen different images, including a working speedometer.

Yet another Razor improvement on the classic three-wheeler of the 1970s, the FlashRider 360 turns and drifts on dual inclined caster wheels but adds a Spark Bar. Now kids can spin and spark. Based on Razor’s awarding winner caster trike, the RipRider 360. The FlashRider 360 features a new spark bar lever that engages the sparks to fly. Uses the same compatible spark cartridge that is also found in the Spark scooters and the eSpark. Other features include a large hi-impact front wheel with flat-free tire for easy pedaling and complete control and to dual inclined caster rear wheels. The casters allow resistance-free drifting and spinning action. MLS Light Up Soccer Goal and Ball Set (Franklin Sports) – this soccer set encourages active play even when the sun goes down. Features a goal with glowing edges and a red light-up soccer ball. For kids up to 160 lbs.
— As of 04/30/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews on Amazon.com.

Ready, Set, Pogo - Jump high, fast and far. This Pogo Stick has soft grip handles, non-slip footrest and a wide rubber foot for extra stability. It has a padded frame for added comfort, too. Includes an encased metal spring for extra safety. Bounces up to 24 inches. Recommended weight is 44-99 lbs.
— Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books, Inc in Oklahoma City, Okla., told TDmonthly in a March 2014 survey that the pogo sticks were a best-selling outdoor toy.

The new Super Miracle Bubbles Bubble Turbine is guaranteed to provide kids and adults with the seamless ability to create humongous bubbles and a variety of spectacular bubble tricks. Includes Instructional Booklet and Super Miracle Bubbles Premium Plus Solution in 100% recyclable bottle.

Kids can create their own outdoor art, then view it in awesome 3D and Kaleidoscope effects. Dual-ended Crayola® 3D Kaleidoscope Giant Chalk makes it a cinch to create fabulous 3D art. Giant chalk lasts a full seven times longer than regular chalk sticks.

This outdoor game combines the fun of soccer, kickball, ying discs, and golf. The Kickin' Putt 2 player game is complete with 2 kick around golf balls and the ying scoring disc. Toss the scoring disc to set the hole, and get ready for a game of soccer meets golf. The scoring disc is made in the USA from wheat based plastic and the kick around golf balls are made from natural rubber.

Shoot for a Hole-in-One in the pool! Complete golf set for the pool or backyard. Includes One Extendable Splash Golf Club; Three Splash Golf Balls; Floating Splash Target.

The maxi kick Scooter is an award-winning, high performance, 3-wheel scooter for kids ages 6-11. Weight limit 120lbs. The Swiss-designed maxi, like its sibling the mini (for kids ages 3-5), has a lean-and-steer mechanism that makes it unique and fun, giving kids the feeling of surfing the sidewalks as they curve and carve. The maxi has an amazingly smooth, quiet ride, even on urban sidewalks and it's light weight, yet exceptionally durable construction is easy for kids and parents alike to see and appreciate.
Awards: 2009 Oppenheim Portfolio's Gold and Platinum Award Seals; Oppenheim SNAP award seal; Toy Report Best Scooter for Kids ages 6-11; NBC Today Show 'Best Toys for Summer 2009.
— Alexander McPherson, toy supervisor at Little Dickens in Lynchburg, Va., told TDmonthly in a March 2013 survey that Kickboards are their best selling ride on toy, especially during Summer and around the holidays.
— Joe Barardoni Jr., owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in a March 2014 survey that Kickboard scooters were best-selling ride-on toys.

The large steering wheel and real truck sounds create an exciting ride for kids who can imagine they are working on an important construction site. The CAT 3-in-1 Ride-On allows little construction workers to attach the toolbox to the back of the truck and carry their tools around to any important construction site. It can be transformed into 3 different forms: from a car to ride in, it easily turns into a walker that can be pushed from behind, to a vehicle that can be pulled along with the tools firmly attached. The 3-in-1 Ride-On includes 3 tools and 2 screws.
— As of 04/30/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews on Amazon.com.

Children's bloks can go anywhere with the pink Build’n Go Wagon. The Mega Bloks Wagon has a bin that loads and dumps blocks anywhere with ease, a secure handle for little hands with a block slide to transport blocks into the wagon, and four sturdy wheels. The wagon also comes with a removable building plate so children can bring their creations anywhere they want.
— As of 04/30/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Durable; easy to use.

The Sights N Sounds Splash Table is great entertainment for toddlers 18 months and older. Lights, sounds and plenty of action are in store on this light-weight table that lets kids scoop, strain and spin. This kids water table is great for warm summer days, or can be used inside as well.

1000 pc puzzle features artwork by Donald Zolan. A good family activity, or for older children to complete alone.

Soft, Light Pink Nail Polish. Piggy Paint Nail Pen has a felt tip for easy coverage and quick drying results. Piggy Paint Nail Pens are packaged as shown.

The all-in-one pillow, comforter and attached fleece blanket just for kids who take naps. Can be monogrammed.

Sets of essential art materials for on-the-go artists. High-quality Thin Markers, Colored Pencils, Watercolor Pencils, and Oil Pastels in clear durable cases. Inner trays neatly hold materials. Expandable handle and snap closure. Descriptive label. AP Non-Toxic. Launch date: January 2012.