July 2011 Notable Toys — All

The Baby Einstein Around the World Play Gym introduces baby to animals, sights and sounds from 5 different regions of the world. The large, 34" mat features crisp, real-life imagery and animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, South America and the Polar Regions to offer a whole world for baby to discover. The mat also has sewn-in loops for attaching extra toys. Additional toys baby can play with include a panda rattle toy, a soft parrot with crinkle, a large baby-safe mirror, a spinning globe rattle ball, animal discovery cards and an igloo-shaped teether.
— As of 05/18/2011 this product had 3.9 out of 5 stars from 59 customer reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Great pictures on the mat; "wonderful songs;" the toys that hook on to the mat can be moved around; easy to store. Cons: One reviewer said their baby rolled the mat over itself like a taco; the fabric stuck to one child's mouth and nose while she was crying.

Suddy is a very busy girl with a lot going on. She’s got no time for slow pokes and doesn’t want to wait around for laggards. If you want to keep up with her, you’ll have to live life in the fast lane. That means waking up in the morning and going to bed having lived your life to the fullest! But what does that mean? It means she loves you and also candy. Uglydoll Suddy is approx. 12" tall.
— Dean Smith, Co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J. told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that as far as action figures go, "We don't sell a lot of those." Plush Uglydolls are as close as they come, and JaZams sells 15-18 each month.
— Powell Phillips, owner of Phillip's Toy Mart in Nashville, Tenn., and Kim Emigh, manager of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., both told TDmonthly in an October 2011 survey that Ugly Dolls were their best-selling tween item, though they both said that tweens are not a big presence in their store.

The Laugh & Learn Learning Puppy from Fisher-Price invites baby to learn through singing and playing; encourages baby to express love and friendship, enhancing a sense of security;
introduces baby to the alphabet, colors and counting; and helps baby understand the connections between words and actions. The puppy teaches parts of the body, ABCs/123s, colors, and features ten sing-along songs.
— As of 05/12/2011 this product had 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 526 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Too sensitive- slight motion can cause it to switch modes too easily; voice is annoying for parents; parents complained that it turned on by itself at night.

Beginning T-ball set includes an easy-to-use oversize bat, 2 oversize baseballs and Tee. Adjustable height “T” adapts to a child’s developing skills. Special “hang-on-the-wall” design for easy small-space storage. Helps improve batting skills, motor skills and coordination.
— As of 05/12/2011 this product was #1 in the Toy Sports category on Amazon.com and had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 50 reviews. Cons: One reviewer said that though the minimum age is listed at 2 years, her two year old had trouble with it; the base isn't very heavy so on the grass it's not very steady; the height only adjusts by about an inch.

It is too hot to sleep indoors, and Ricky wants to sleep outside, in a tent. His parents ask if he is brave enough, and Ricky says "I'm not afraid at all!" But is he really brave enough? This hardcover book follows Ricky on his adventure sleeping outside for the first time. He busies himself with fun activities, but when his flashlight batteries die, he begins to second guess himself. This reassuring story has a silly ending that emphasizes the bond between parent and child, and encourages children to face their fears.

Nina has bad manners. She is rude and talks back to her mother. But one day when she is outside, she discovers the Thankyouplease circus inside a knot on a tree trunk, and everything changes. Using this whimsical story, the author clearly emphasizes the importance of good manners. This hardcover book features detailed, painted illustrations that bring to life the contrast between Nina's humble forest home and the fantastic circus she attends.

Lily and Milo, a bunny and mouse, get ready to go to the beach in this hardcover book, which features thick, toddler-safe pages. Kids follow the pair as they choose what to bring- from bathing suits to food, sun lotion to juice. But by the time they collect everything, will they still want to go to the beach? This book is for children 24 mos. and up, with a focus on the child's world.

This hardcover book with toddler-friendly, thick pages, follows Lily and Milo on their day at the zoo. With a rhyming refrain and detailed, colorful illustrations, there is plenty to keep a toddler's interest while they learn about all the different animals at the zoo.

This board book, ideal for children 24 mos. and up who have a new sibling on the way, focuses on babies across the animal world. From naked baby rodents in a warm nest, to a lamb born with all of its curly hair, the charming paintings illustrate the story John's mom tells him about babies in nature. Eventually, John ends up with a new baby to lean about- his little brother.

This story is about the relationship between a child and his father. John plays with his Daddy, dangles from his arm, and listens to Daddy read a story. The charming illustrations feature lots of bright reds and yellows that give the board book a cozy feel. The book is for children 24 mos. and up and focuses on emotions.

This 12 page board book follows a little boy before, during, and after his bath time. Simple yet colorful illustrations and a focus on a daily activity are ideal for children 12 months and up. The book also introduces children to vocabulary words such as bathtub, clothes, and shampoo.

From drumming, to reading, to pushing along toy cars, this book follows one little boy during all of his play activities for the day. Brightly colored, painted illustrations on a stark white background help the cute illustrations stand out for young readers. The book also emphasizes appropriate vocabulary words such as car, blocks, and wagon.

In this novelization of the upcoming Judy Moody film, Judy and her friends decide to make their summer vacation the best summer ever. Then, her parents announce they are going away and leaving Judy and her brother, Stink, with their Aunt. Judy comes up with an elaborate "Thrill Points" system and a list of daring activities that she and her friends in the T.P. (Toad Pee) Club must accomplish in order to earn points. But Judy must pull out all the stops when she realizes that she's earned less points than her friends. The book, written by the author of the original series and co-author of the screenplay, stays true to the character of Judy and her brother Stink, and Judy's unique language and penchant for misadventure keep the story going through all 136 pages. The book includes an interview with "Judy," a glossary for readers who want to speak like Judy, and information on the author.

This pine bird feeder kit includes four paint pots, 5" brush and a chain for hanging. Birdseed not included. When kids have completed their creation, they can fill it with seed and set it outside for bird-watching fun.
— Michelle Bears, owner of The Toy Store in Highlands, N.C., told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011 that she sells 30 of these bird feeders each month.
— As of 05/20/2011 this product had 2 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com. Pros: Fun to paint. Cons: The opening at the bottom of the feeder is too large, so too much seed spills out of the tray.

LEGO Crazy Action Contraptions is a brand-new book of brand-new, high-performance projects. From the supercharged Speedster to the Squeezeclaw Grabber to the Wall Rocket Racer — all these contraptions spin, stretch, speed, or otherwise spring into action. And all of them are totally buildable thanks to super-clear instructions and step-by-step diagrams. Every single one of the 16 projects can be constructed using just the custom selection of LEGO® bricks that come with the book.
— As of 05/12/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Some contraptions run slowly; the included rubber bands wear out with time.
— "Klutz Lego contraptions is by far our biggest seller," Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Asburn, Va., told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011.
— Want this? As of 05/11/2011 this product was available at The Curiosity Zone.

No batteries, gears, or pedals - just a fun, encouraging and progressive start to bicycle riding. PlasmaBike’s unique design encourages balance, coordination and motor skill development while offering a fun ride. Children as young as 18 months can enjoy the freedom or riding without the added complication of training wheels or anxiety of having to hold their balance too long, too early. Wide wheels ensure that PlasmaBike doesn't tip over in a stopped or stationary position, giving children added confidence and promoting self-esteem. The wide wheels and limited steering range enhance balancing capabilities and provide a smoother transition to a conventional 2 wheel ride.
Awards: 2012 The Toy Insider – Top Summer Toys, 2012 The National Parenting Centre – Seal of Approval, 2012 Parenting Magazine – Recommended, 2012 Creative Child Awards – Preferred Choice Award, 2011 Parenting Best in Play – New York Toy Fair, 2011 Best Toys Guide

This is a set of 8 interlocking Cubes arranged in a 2x2x2 cube shape. The puzzle challenges the player to transform the arrangement of the 8 cubes from one shape to any other shape, without disengaging any of the Cubes from each other. Cubes must be shifted by sliding along their faces. The Cubes can shift in all three dimensions: X, Y and Z, but each face slides in only one direction. The 8 Cube set introduces the player to this innovative new toy. The ultimate goal is to be able to logically understand how to shift from one shape to another in the fewest number of moves.  Other games can be invented by disengaging the Cubes and re-engaging them with the colors "flipped" on one or some of the Cubes, creating a "marked" Cube. The challenge is then to shift the "marked" Cube or Cubes into a specific position in the arrangement.
Awards: Dr. Toy Best Vacation Product of 2011

GreenLight has created a modern day homage for the third Bullitt Diorama.  2008 year models of the original cars are used to create the scene.  The original paint schemes and background image are both displayed. The Indy Pace Car diorama celebrates the centennial milestone of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). The Diorama shows the 2011 and 2010 Camaro SS Pace Cars, in their complementing paint schemes. GL Muscle displays two Mustangs with very contrasting body deco.  They are placed in a body shop scene where the 1966 year is raw metal and in the beginning stages of a restoration project and the 2010 year is painted and striped. It’s a real action scene for the Hot Pursuit diorama. The two cars are flying as the Monaco attempts to apprehend the Corvette.  As the scenery flashes by, we can almost feel the wind in our hair from the speed of these machines. 1:64th GreenLight Dioramas Series 5 Assortment includes: 1:64 Bullitt/Steve McQueen #3 – 2008 Ford Mustang GT Bullit & 2009 Dodge Charger SRT8;1:64 2010-11 Indianapolis 500 Pace Cars – 2010 Camaro SS (Indy 500) & 2011 Camaro SS (Indy 500); 1:64 GL Muscle – 2010 Ford Mustang GT & 1966 Ford Mustang; 1:64 Hot Pursuit – 1974 New York State Police Dodge Monaco & 1968 Chevy Corvette L-88. These replicas feature opening hoods, detailed engines, real rubber tires, metal body and chassis, detailed graphics, custom license plates and are officially licensed.  Each scene will vary in production quantities as some of dioramas will be solid packed in assortments. Launch date: May 2011

Slick Sand will not get wet. Slick sand is saturated with silicon vapors. Silicon is a very slippery substance and these vapors reverse the way Slick Sand interacts with water. When kids pour water on it, the water will stay on top and flow, instead of wetting the sand and sinking down as happens with ordinary play sand. Paired with the fun experiments, the science behind Slick Sand is explained.  Kids will be introduced or further versed to terms and concepts like hydrophobe, hydrophile, conservation of mass, the biological composition of sand, and surface tension. Non-toxic. Slick Sand Includes: 1lb each of Red, Yellow, Blue, Green & Purple Slick Sand; Instructions and Information on Slick Sand.

With these kits, kids can grow Fly Traps without soil. This complete kit comes with everything kids need to get started. A Hydro-Pump is included, which keeps the water fresh and the nutrients available to the roots of the growing plants. Each Complete Kit Includes: Sprouting and Growing Dome, Hydroponic Rack,Hydro-Pump, 4 Net Pots, 4 Rock-Wool Cubes, Fly Trap Seed Pack: 8mg, 3 Color Decals, 1 Bag Part A Nutrient: 1.5oz, 1 Bag Part B Nutrient: 1.5oz, 1 Nutrient Scoop, and Instructions.

The Oscar-winning creators of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep show off their all-new preschool play group, with adventures showcasing Timmy and his young friends. Fun, laughter and surprises take center stage when Timmy performs groovy dance moves, genuine acts of kindness, and also learns the true meaning of saying "I'm sorry." This DVD is 40 minutes long and features five episodes.
— As of 05/12/2012 this product had 4.2 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Recommended age may be too high; not as entertaining as other cartoons from the same creators.
Awards: Parents’ Choice Gold Award 2011

These reusable machine-washable crowns will last for many years. Just replace the right birthday number. Felt numbers 0 to 9 included. Organic Cotton fleece lining is soft and comfy for little heads and is free from harmful chemicals. Adjustable hook and loop closure fits most children. Can be also used for dress-up play or as a fashionable accessory. Any felt shape can be attached to the front.

Kbeau Mom has a baby in her womb who is ready to come out and play. Kids must find Kbeu Baby and help her be born. After, they need to cut her umbilical cord. Kbeu Mom can be fed colorful stones from the Silly Creature food bag. After a meal, kids can push the food through her stomach and guts, all the way to the rear end. Kids can help Kbeu Baby nurse from Kbeu Mom's teat. Kbeu Baby can also eat stones.

These helmets encourage kids to be safe while still expressing their individuality in a fun way. The helmets feature Molded Exotuff™ 3D helmet design; aerodynamic cooling vents, shock absorbing EPS inner shell, and adjustable straps.