August 2009 Notable Toys — Licensed Products

In true DK Publishing style, the Visual Dictionary is designed to elucidate, illuminate, and excite even the most discerning LEGO, Star Wars, and minifigure fans around the world. Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Yoda, Luke Skywalker and others are brought to life with dozens of little-known facts and hundreds of photos, as are accessories, vehicles, weapons, and even the Death Star. Kids and adults can learn about the history, manufacture and construction of the minifigures of the Star Wars Universe, and come away a Lego Jedi Master. "LEGO and Star Wars are two of the world's most well-recognized and successful franchises, and have been collaborating since the 1998 release of the first LEGO Star Wars minifigures," Jenna Banks, director of sales for EE Distribution, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 31, 2009.
— "LEGO Star Wars — we just blew out of those," Bill Sartain, co-owner of Tutoring Toy in Salt Lake City, told TDmonthly, citing sales of about 50 of these books a month in late 2009. Two of 44 specialty retailers named this title when discussing best-selling books.

The right size for a school lunch or a few essential treasures, this tin keepsake box features Curious George, the charmingly precocious monkey, flying along on a blue bicycle complete with the wide grin to tell what a good time he's having. The bright yellow box has a plastic handle and a metal latch to hold it closed in transit.
— Two of 49 retailers surveyed in April 2009 said Curious George is their top-selling licensed toy.

Everybody's favorite beagle keeps his chick buddy, Woodstock, warm with a striped muffler.

Hello Kitty is so healthy, she's transformed herself into a yummy-looking 4" fruit. She's also helpful -- use the padded slot on her head to hide jewelry, cell phones or mini erasers. She comes in a variety of flavors, including green pear (pictured).

Girls can create airbrush artwork to customize T-shirts, tote bags, sneakers, hoodies and more with the Project Runway Airbrush Design Studio Set. The airbrush tool is designed to be easy to use and works with the specially designed fabric markers. The style guide has ideas to get the creativity started, then girls can design their own one-of-a-kind looks for themselves and friends. The kit also includes stencils, making it simple to create runway worthy-clothing and accessories. "The airbrush tool is so easy to use (plus the stencils has 100+ cool, modern designs to choose from) — you can decorate any surface — so girls can really think outside the box," Sarah Koth, PR manager for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Girls can customize T-shirts, tote bags, hoodies and more with this silk screen set that makes it safe and easy to create their own one-of-a-kind designer looks for themselves and friends. The style guide offers inspiration and instructions on how to use the machine, stencils and paints to create runway-worthy clothing and accessories. "Silk screening is such an easy process — you can just purchase plain clothes and make one-of-a-kind creations that no one else will have," Sarah Koth, PR manager for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

George stands 12" tall in his striped pajamas. Like any little boy, he needs his own teddy to get a good night's sleep.