June 2012 Notable Toys — Preschool

Brand new Earth-friendly green start chunky wooden puzzles are made with wood from sustainable forests and packaged in a reusable carry-along storage case. Created with the help of child-development experts, these puzzles have chunky, raised pieces to support basic grasping skills, combined with slight gradations of cognitive challenge. A fun double-decker bus contains six square windows of the same size and shape that can fit into any of the spots but need to be rotated so the animals face right side up. Border of each piece matches color inside well. Launch date: April 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— In a February 2013 survey, two out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that puzzles were their best selling wooden toy.

Gloria is very sociable and loves being the center of attention. Norma loves playing in the snow with her brother and sister. Elijah loves to go swimming and dancing, especially tap dancing. Calico Critters are posable, with jointed arms and legs, and heads that turn. All Critters come with high quality clothing, that is removable.

Penelope loves being outside and riding her tricycle. Peter is a fantastic brother and is always looking after his sisters. Patricia can spend the whole day playing in the baby sandbox. Calico Critters are poseable, with jointed arms and legs, and heads that turn. All Critters come with high quality clothing, that is removable.

Where to buy:
NORTH WEST

This nine-block puzzle challenges kids to re-create six familiar animals. But it's not always a 3x3 square shape: the giraffe puzzle is tall; the alligator is long.

What could be better than a stack of pancakes for breakfast? Sliced strawberries and maple syrup add the finishing touches. "Combination of felt and wood with silk screen printed details on the strawberries. Nutrition facts on the back of the pancake box suggest playing with this Hape toy boosts the imagination," Robin Lehnert, Marketing Manager for Hape North America, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2012 Finalist for ASTRA Best Toys for Kids

Watch how quickly this bamboo forest grows. Kids take turns planting it by putting the colored bamboo rings on the shoots to connect four rings of the same color. They want to connect their rings, but they need to block their opponent at the same time. Quattro is a strategy game.

Our super friendly moose has shed his antlers. Players help him regrow new ones by adding one branch at a time. Be careful! If he tips over, they'll have to begin again. Super Moose is a building and balancing game that requires a steady hand. It can be played solo, by a group, or one-on-one.

Create a transportation-themed mosaic using magnetic geometric shapes. Arrange-and re-arrange-these vibrantly colored wooden pieces on the lap-sized magnetic board. A carrying handle specially sized for small hands makes it easy for kids to take this toy wherever they go.

Children can create animal themed mosaics using magnetic geometric shapes. Arrange-and re-arrange-these vibrantly colored wooden pieces on the lap-sized magnetic board. A carrying handle specially sized for small hands makes it easy for kids to take this toy wherever they go.

Create 3 pretty Princess collages. Peel, stick and reveal beautiful pictures perfect to hang and display. Young children create their designs by matching colors and textures in three simple steps. Launch date: March 2012.

Learn all about dinosaurs while creating 3 colorful collages. Peel, stick and reveal beautiful pictures perfect to hang and display. Young children create their designs by matching colors and textures in three simple steps. Launch date: March 2012.

Two kid-sized racquets featuring shell designs and a boing-y surface, team up with two brightly colored balls to make a great racquet set that will entice players of all ages to "come out of their shells." Improves hand-eye coordination and encourages physical activity.
— In a March 2012 survey, Donna Frederick, owner of The Play House Toy Store in Durham, N.C., told TDmonthly that this is one of her best selling outdoor toys for younger kids.

This garage-themed playhouse is made of soft, durable 100% Cotton Canvas. A carry bag is included. Flame retardant, meets CPAI-84 & ASTM F963 safety standards. Dimensions: 52.5” x 42” x 64.5”. Launch date: August 2012.