September 2012 Notable Toys — All

Children love to make up stories, and these 40 creative projects and activities encourage them to free their storytelling instincts. Younger children will love making story stones and a storytelling jar, and then will love using them to create stories of their own, while older kids will enjoy word grab bags, story walks, and journaling exercises. For everyone ages 5 to 12, whatever their reading level, this book has everything needed to spark an infinite number of child-created stories. 144 pages. Launch date: September 2012.

Bright, colorful, 100% natural crayon wedges that last. 12 colors, kids will love using these multi-surfaced crayons for all of their coloring activities. Each crayon has 4 writing points and multiple surfaces to use for different width lines. Makes coloring large areas a snap. Easy to hold for artists with small hands.
— As of 09/05/2012 this product had 3 out of 5 stars from 1 review on AbesMarket.com. Pros: "Nice packaging. The bright, rich colors remind me of chalk or pastels, not run-of-the-mill crayons;" Cons: "Greasy-feeling crayons leave pigment on hands as hands and crayons warm up. As one colors an area, some of the crayon comes off in clumps and curls."

In Empire Express, players create competing railroad empires by drawing railroad tracks with crayons upon an erasable board. Players win if they utilize their network of rail lines to acquire and deliver goods efficiently to accumulate the largest personal fortune. The base game provides pre-programed routes on a board depicting a north eastern portion of the US with demand cards providing players with an easy way to learn the system through play. Players start with the bare bones of a railroad: an empty train and track connecting some cities. Each turn players take turns building track, operating trains, and delivering loads. The bank will pay players for each delivered load. With the starting route guided by the board, only two loads per card and a visual pick-up and delivery guide on every card the learning curve is greatly shortened. For 2-4 players, 90+ minute game time.

When Cora and her younger sister, Mimi, are sent to stay with their elderly aunt in the isolated village of Byers Guerdon, they receive a less-than-warm welcome. Auntie Ida is eccentric and rigid, and the girls are desperate to go back to London. But what they don't know is that their aunt's life was devastated the last time two young sisters were at Guerdon Hall, and she is determined to protect her nieces from an evil that has lain hidden for years. Along with Roger and Peter, two village boys, Cora must uncover the horrifying truth that has held Bryers Guerdon in its dark grip for centuries - before it's too late for little Mimi. Riveting and intensely atmospheric, this stunning debut will hold readers in its spell long after the last page is turned. In an exquisitely chilling debut novel, four children unravel the mystery of a family curse - and a ghostly creature known in folklore as Long Lankin. Launch date: July 2012.

It's a rainy day, so Posy decides to stay at home and do some baking. With the cupcakes safely in the oven, she settles down to lick the bowl when a large, blue, furry paw appears at her window. A moment later, a monster walks in- oh, no! But something about the monster looks familiar...Pip and Posy are friends (most of the time!) in the newest title in this series about the dramas of toddler life. Launch date: July 2012.

Maisy and her friends love everything to do with Halloween - painting faces on pumpkins, dressing up in costumes, bobbing for apples, and especially going out to trick-or-treat. But they can't do any of these things unless their little fans join the festivities by completing each scene with colorful stickers. Launch date: July 10, 2012.

In Tsuro of the Seas players will sail the treacherous waters of the Mystic Seas in an engaging game of adventure and suspense. As the captain of one of the Emperor’s mighty Red Seal ships, players navigate the seas by placing Tsuro wake tiles to direct their vessel. Players must take great caution to avoid opponents’ ships...and those mysteries lurking on the horizon and under the sea. The last captain sailing to survive the mystic seas wins. For 2 to 8 players ages 8 and up; plays in 20-40 minutes. Launch date: August 2012.

The Wet-Erase coloring kit comes with 3 stone paper coloring scenes and a set of patented wet-erase crayons that wipe off with a damp cloth for multiple use. Launch date: 2012.

Make a seed blossom into a beautiful flower. This set includes all the tools kids need to build a flower: seed, soil, watering can, shovel, garden shears, stackable stems, 2 leaves, and 4 interchangeable flower petals. Launch date: August 2012.

Gone fishin'. This set includes 6 colorful fish, pond-blue fabric, and 2 fishing rods. Rods can be adjusted from beginner to advanced.

This dollhouse features a balcony, sliding doors, and space to create four roooms. Made of eco-friendly PlanWood and solid rubber wood. Launch date: August 2012.

This dollhouse features two units which can be arranged in various ways. Also includes a huge skylight and one movable staircase. Five rooms of furniture are included. Made of eco-friendly PlanWood and solid rubber wood.

These classic pull string tops are made of wood and painted with multicolored stripes. $24 for bucket of 12. Launch date: 2012.

This bucket features and assortment of painted cars and trucks, including police cars, fire engines, taxis, and ambulances. $39 for bucket of 12. Launch date: 2012.

These iPhone cases are completely customizable, using any Shains component. Eco-friendly and versatile, Shains is a sustainable accessories line is composed of letters, numbers, and icons that can be mixed and matched. All items are made from recycled and recyclable content, including the packaging. Launch date: Fall 2012.

Four (bulldozer, fire truck, school bus, train engine) new shaped puzzles made from 1/8" hardwood plywood. They are approximately 11" high and 12" long. Each colorful puzzle has 11 to 12 interlocking pieces. Each puzzle is printed with durable, bright non-toxic inks. Puzzles come shrink wrapped and have a drawstring pouch for each storage. "Our product is made here in the USA," Barbara Rainville, marketing manager for Maple Landmark Woodcraft told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2012.

The eco-friendly, handcrafted SIXKID ROCKING HORSE is a modern and natural version of the traditional children’s piece, appealing to any generation. It's design is based on classic forms with a unique, modern twist. With no loose pieces and ergonomically shaped saddle it makes riding safe and enjoyable for little ones.  Made of sustainable European beech with a walnut saddle, the rocking horse is finished with oils and waxes and are not treated with paint, chemicals, or lead. The fine joinery requires only four screws for assembly. Two sizes are available: one for 18 months and older and one for 3 years and older. They meet all US safety standards. Imported and distributed by Beck To Nature. Made in Hungary, EU. Launch date: November 2011.

This vibrant, wooden, bear stacker has 5 colorful discs and a playful bear head topped with embedded magnets for easy stacking and is suitable for kids 9 months and up. Stacker is painted with a non-toxic finish, and also features a wobble base for an added element of fun. Launch date: 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Tiny Love’s new Soothe ‘n Groove Mobile will calm and entertain a child from birth through the toddler years. As a crib mobile, the Soothe ‘n Groove Mobile offers several innovations that parents will appreciate. Three brightly colored, friendly faced animals hang from the rotating mobile and the music box has the widest range of music currently available in any crib mobile. Eighteen different soothing tunes play 40 minutes of non-repetitive music from two high-quality built-in speakers. In addition to traditional nursery classics by Mozart and Bach, melodies from additional music categories can be played, including classical, world music and jazz, among others. Additional features include music shuffle mode, nature and “white” sounds, a calming night light, baby activation button and varied volume control.  As a baby grows, parents can detach the mobile arm and the music box can remain attached to the crib. The music box also has a carry handle for baby to use outside of the crib, and can also sit on a table top, which is convenience while traveling. Includes "eighteen different soothing tunes play 40 minutes of non-repetitive music from two high-quality built-in speakers," Audrey DeSimone, Executive Director of Public Relations at Tiny Love, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.

Say Hello to Twitch, the adorable curly horned Monster of Frustration.Twitch tries hard to do everything right, but when something doesn't go his way he stomps, yells and quickly gives up. If only Twitch could see that giving up is not the answer. Maybe kids can offer Twitch some positive ways to deal with his frustration. Launch date: October 2012.

Goodness, are Owls scary. Fearsome terrors of the night, they strike with vicious precision at all things squeaky and crunchy in a wave of silent death...I'm not convincing anyone, am I?  All right, fact is, yes, Owls are extremely efficient hunters, but who cares when they're so gosh darn cute. Who wouldn't gladly sacrifice the occasional mouse for those huge eyes, those fluffy feathers, that permanently surprised expression that asks, "Who, me? What mouse? It was like that when I got here. Incidentally, pass the ketchup."  15 squishy inches of innocent bird, polyester fiber, ages 3 and up. Launch date: 2011.
— In a June 2014 survey, three out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Squishables were their best-selling plush toys.

These adorable "bunny ear" hand-made baby hats are super soft, very cute, and come in assorted striped colors. These children’s hats are made by women in Bolivia, many of whom have been abandoned by their husbands. To help support themselves and their children, they knit these hats in the high altitudes of the Andes. These hats are Fair Trade; purchase also helps someone in need. Launch date: August 2012.

Play with your favorite SpongeBob Squarepants™ characters in this 3in1 activity book. The activities include Magic Pen® Painting, Invisible Ink and Sticker Puzzles. The Special Pen reveals the invisibly printed pictures. The Special Pen also produces a rainbow of colors instantly. Unscramble the stickers to create a surprise picture. Each book includes 24 pages of fun, a special pen and 2 jumbled sticker puzzles.

Play and learn with your favorite Dora the Explorer™ characters. The activities include Magic Pen® Painting, Invisible Ink and Sticker Puzzles. The Special Pen reveals the invisibly printed pictures. The Special Pen also produces a rainbow of colors instantly. Unscramble the stickers to create a surprise picture.
Book 1: Each book includes 24 pages of fun and a special pen.
Book 2: Each book includes 24 pages of fun, a special pen and 2 jumbled sticker puzzles.