September 2009 Notable Toys — Preschool

Mother Mouse is watching over Little Mouse, snuggly tight in his bed, when Mole appears. "Mother Mouse!" Mole says. "You can't leave your baby there! The farmer is coming to plow the field. That bed is not safe." By the light of the moon, Mother Mouse searches for the perfect new nest for Little Mouse. Her woodland friends offer many ideas, but nothing is quite right. Then Mother Mouse remembers something. Set against a spectacular sky of glittery stars and a flocked full moon, this inviting story will lull children to sleep as they appreciate the coziness of their own beds. By Sheridan Cain, illustrated by Gaby Hansen. 32 Pages.

This 12” doll with sleeping eyes is suitable for 18 months and up. She has a cuddly beanbag-body, allowing her to be in a little girl's embrace, or to be posed to sit up for more engaging pretend play. Calin dolls are machine washable, making care of this favorite plaything easy and confident. 
— “Corolle is our top selling doll,” said Theresa Oppenheim, owner of Toy World in Wayanta, Minn., in response to a May 2009 survey of best selling dolls. 
— “Corolle is outstanding and that's what we stay with,” Jane Beck, owner of B J Beck's Toys in Cedarburg, Wis., told TDmonthly in spring 2009.
— “Those are the best dolls on the market,” Lori Hershman said of Corolle in her Hamden, Conn., toy store, Evan's Toy Shoppe. Hershman was among 26 of 43 storeowners who named Corolle as their best-selling doll line in May 2009.

Featuring the main character from the Caillou television series, this board book showcases the ABC Train, which has removable puzzle pieces designed to help kids learn the letters of the alphabet. The pieces can be connected outside of the book to create a lengthy train puzzle.

This polyester backpack is outfitted with two side pockets, a BPA-free plastic drink bottle, and two front pockets — one open and one zipped. It has padded straps and a padded back, and measures 10" W x 13" H x 4.5" L at the base. The backpack is available in three other designs.