August 2009 Notable Toys — Animal Figures

This hand-painted Turtle Caouanne is a 2009 addition to the Papo Sea Animals Collection. "The realism, poses, movement, detail and quality that Papo offers," set these figurines apart, Brian Shackelton, operations manager for Hotaling Imports, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2009.

The Papo Lioness with cub is created with detail and designed to authentically display how lionesses really carry around their cubs. "[The] Papo wildlife series is easily the best-quality figure for the price," Brian Shackelton, operations manager for Hotaling Imports, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 15, 2006.

Gentle Giraffe On The Go helps recreate sleep time routines by bringing familiar soothing sounds while away from home. Gentle Giraffe’s unique Serengeti sounds aim to take a child on a magical journey while effortlessly transforming unknown surroundings to a more familiar environment. It features four peaceful sounds, push-button sound selection with volume control, and two sleep-timer options, plus more, and may be used for all ages. Gentle Giraffe On The Go is part of the Cloud B Endangered Species Series, which helps bring awareness to animal friends who need our attention. A portion of every purchase goes to Conservation International. This product received a 2009 NAPPA Honors award, a 2009 iParenting Media Award for Outstanding Product in the Toy Category, a 2009 Creative Child Top Choice of the Year Award in the Travel-Soothing Sleep Aids for Kids Category, a 2009 Seal of Approval from the National Parenting Center, and a 2009 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Children's Product Award. Launch date: June 2009.

The Cats of Baseball is an original character series depicting teams of cats playing baseball and their ongoing stories in cartoons, figurines, games and trading cards. "No character series has ever featured stories about cats with baseball cards, playing team baseball. The Cats of Baseball collection is designed for a wide range of children's toys and apparel," Victoria Oldham, co-president of Trade Winds Advertising Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 10, 2009.

The soft, squeezable, 10"-round Norman PhartEphant produces eight different fart sounds with each gentle squeeze of his tail. "Norman PhartEphant appeals to all ages, and brings silly to any situation. He has become a gift of choice in hospital gift shops and even hit the corporate world as a gift to give the person that has everything. Really, who doesn't want a farting elephant?" Angela Larson, in sales at Fierce Fun Toys, told TDmonthly. This product has received the following awards: Great Dad Recommended: Seal of Approval - 2009; The Toy Man: Seal of Approval - 2009; and The Toy Man: Editors Choice Award - 2009. Launch date: June 2009.

This bright, polka-dot ruffle flower print shirt features a ladybug applique crafted from synthetic washable felt. It is available for both infant and toddler girls 6-12m up to 6T. The blouse showcases a "unique and original animal [and] fruit and street illustrations crafted in washable, synthetic felt!" Kimberly Murray, designer for decaf plush, toldTDmonthly. Launch date: March 2010.

Safari's Carnegie Collection is a line of detailed dinosaur models whose features have been authenticated by the paleontologists at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, which houses the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the world. Measuring almost a foot long, the finned Tylosaurus is hand painted and intended to come to life in the hands of a child, transporting him back to the age of the dinosaurs. 
― “Dinosaurs from Safari are good sellers,” said David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., during a July 2009 survey of top-selling action and play figures.
― Three of 49 retailers said in summer 2009 that dinosaur figurines are the most in-demand play figures in their stores.

Standing 3.5” tall and 1.75” long, Safari's Forest Raccoon is a realistic replica of this curious forest dweller. Beginning with detailed sculptures that are then hand painted, Safari's Wild Safari Forest series is designed for the hands of a smaller child. Whether roaming a back yard or more exotic flights of fancy, the Forest Raccoon is intended to be a long-time companion in pretend play.
― “We probably sell four to five a day, but it depends on the time of year. In fourth quarter we sell hundreds,” said Kenneth Young, owner of Fundamentals Creative Toys, who told TDmonthly in summer 2009 that Safari is a top-selling brand in his Mendina, Ohio, store.
― “Animals by Safari do very well,” said Jeanne McCullough, owner of Children’s Store in Boise, Idaho, of her best-selling action figure during a July 2009 survey.
― Of 49 retailers, seven listed Safari as a top-selling brand in their stores.

Intended to reflect nature on a smaller scale, Schleich's detailed model of an alert mother kangaroo carrying her new baby is molded in durable plastic and hand painted. The lifelike detail of her fur, the color variations in her coat, and both animals' faces will help enrich inventive play time. 
― “Schleich animals are a steady seller,” said Kathleen Tutone, owner of Treehouse Toys in Portsmouth, N.H., in July 2009.
― When asked about her best-selling action or play figures, Lesa Smith, owner of Whiz Kids in San Luis Obispo, told TDmonthly, “We really only do the animals, just from Schleich. We love Schleich.”
― Forty-seven percent of 49 retailers said in summer 2009 that Schleich is a top-selling brand in their stores.

This detailed night light includes a 4-watt bulb and swivel plug. Launch date: July 15, 2009.

One night, a big storm hits the farm. High winds and rain sweep through the tree where a mother and father owl are caring for their babies. During the storm, the mother owl disappears. The father owl doesn’t know what to do. Can Farmer Samuel and his wife save them? Launch date: September 2009.

Farmer Samuel’s nephew Mossy discovers a dirty, smelly, and very sick puppy hidden in a box of rags. There is no time to spare. Will they be able to save him? They have to act fast! This tale is part of a four-book series of real stories from a California pet sanctuary, in which author Samuel Lopez records the rescue and restoration of unwanted animals. Launch date: September 2009.

Farmer Samuel can hear a little kitten calling for help. He searches everywhere but he can’t find him. Just when he’s about given up hope of finding the kitten, here comes his dog Stinky Little Scroungy. Scroungy has something gray and furry in his mouth. Is it the kitten? This story is one in a series of real-life tales from a northern California pet sanctuary. Launch date: September 2009.

A kitten flies out of the window of a speeding car and bounces across the road. The kitten is badly injured. Can Farmer Samuel find her in time? Even if he does, would the little kitten let him help her? "In these four inspiring, real-life stories from a pet sanctuary in northern California, young readers will achieve a deeper understanding of the need to care for and about all animals. Author Samuel Lopez writes about taking in unwanted and abandoned animals, restoring them to health and finding them new homes," Sue Defabis, project manager for Five Star Publications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.

This hippo is handcrafted out of hardwood and features non-toxic, watercolor paints and a clear watercolor sealant.

Designed by David Weeks and made from sustainably harvested beech wood, Hanno features a sturdy hardwood frame and measures 12" x 6.5" x 3.5". He has elastic-band "muscles" and is named after the Greek voyager who found gorillas 2,500 years ago.

Organic Sleepy Bear wears a baby bear on its belly in a baby carrier. The adult bear, baby bear and baby carrier are made out of 100-percent organic cotton. There are no loose parts considered a choking hazard. Sleepy bear is cream-colored and the baby bear carrier comes in khaki. "The new organic teddy bear is made from the softest organic cotton produced in accordance with the requirements of the Organic Exchange 100 Standard and contains no pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, chemical fertilizers or any other chemicals. It is perfect for baby’s first friend or children of all ages," Ria Romano, PR manager for NAP, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009.

This collection of little animals on wheels includes the following designs constructed from various American hardwoods: anaconda, alligator, bear, chimpanzee, cow, elephant, giraffe, horse, kangaroo and rabbit. They are finished with non-toxic mineral oil. Each measures approximately 3" x 2" x 1.5".

Instinct and survival, the final moments play out...Sideshow Collectibles is proud to bring you the premier piece in the Sideshow's Dinosauria collectible line, the Tyrannosaurus Rex VS Triceratops Diorama. This dynamic diorama captures the primordial duel as these ancient animals of the Cretaceous Period clash, hunter and prey. Designed with the insight of renowned paleoartists, each diorama is cast in high-quality polystone, hand finished and hand painted to exacting standards. The Tyrannosaurus Rex VS Triceratops Diorama is an impressive museum quality piece, an outstanding addition to any display. Product measures 12" H (304.8mm) x 8" W (203.2mm) x 12" L (304.8mm) and weighs 8 pounds.

Steiff's update on the classic rocking horse, Leo Riding Lion, is made of high-quality woven fur and solid beech. With a handmade inner frame of stainless steel that can hold up to 300 lbs., this handcrafted rocker stands 28" tall and is surface washable. With a soft, full mane and loving face, Leo is marked with Steiff's signature "Button in Ear," representative of the company's trademark commitment to ultimate quality and workmanship. Launch date: September 2009.

This 17 x 9 cm replica of the fiercest prehistoric predator is handpainted.

This recently discovered dinosaur is reproduced in a 1:20 scale. It measures 32 x 11.5 cm.

This Brachiosaurus replica is handpainted. It includes a to-scale human figure and an educational pamphlet.

The allosaurus is a predecessor of the T Rex. Watch out for his claws! This meticulously hand-painted replica comes with an educational hangtag in five languages.