November 2008 Notable Toys — All

The rungs of this colorful ladder seem to all fall down when the top is tilted from side to side, but they remain attached, offering an intriguing visual time and time again.

This 4" mini version of Plunko, who's a businessman and owner of a car wash and tire store, is ideal for toting around on a purse or backpack.

Made of stretchy material, this 2" block of cheese is home to two mice that can be moved around to the different holes.

Perfect as a stocking stuffer or gift topper, this snowglobe-shaped treat features a cute little penguin in a blizzard.

This set of 10 stickers features glittery Santas packing up toys, surfing and more.

Each hand-painted Kooky Klicker features a distintive personality and fun design. The 5" characters have rubbery strands of hair and a metal clip.

Kids just pull back this 2.25" helicopter and watch it glide along the ground.

These non-toxic oil pastels come in ocean-themed packaging decorated with bright fish and other sea creatures.

Author Jane Yolen uses lyrical prose to not only reprise a well-known legend but also to tell the true story of apple tree-planting Johnny Appleseed, rather known as John Chapman, in this book illustrated by award-winning artist Jim Burke. Launch date: August 26, 2008.

KizPal is an original line of action figures that connect kids to the KizPlanet Virtual World. Each toy generates a digital avatar, letting kids explore the vast virtual ecosystem as their favorite Kiz Toys characters, safely interact with other kids, play exciting 3D adventure games and help defend KizPlanet from the maniacal Simon Welk and his army of Muck Men. KizPal features fully developed Kiz Toys characters and storylines, fun, user-friendly gameplay and safe interaction for kids of all ages. Launch Date: March, 2009

With stories tucked inside special pouches, these stuffed animals come to life with their very own stories by published authors. Children are encouraged to find the squeak, the crinkle and other special characteristics described in the story on the stuffed animal. The illustrated stories are printed on easy-to-read, soft, fabric story sheets. The adventures blend reading, storytelling and play into a stuffed animal. The large, 10" characters ($30) pair up with their own 5" friends attached via Velcro or magnets. The medium-sized, 8" characters ($15) each come with three adventure stories zipped inside a pocket. The small, 5" characters ($7) each come with one story written about them and tucked into a pocket. Launch date: March 2008.

Larni poses on a crystal base showing off her stylish, festive attire that looks perfect at Christmas and beyond. The beautifully crafted 8" character doll lights up a room and is a stylish accent for any home. She is made from the finest stone resin. Launch date: October 11, 2008.

The MICRO-TIGER indoor, digital proportional IR helicopter features a micro size fun with macro-scale performance. The MICRO-TIGER's blue LED light illuminates the cockpit for cool nighttime flying. The product is capable of precise and accurate control using the new digital proportional patent-pending Motion Auto Sensing Control (M.A.S.C.) Controller. A simple tilt of the wrist turns the helicopter in that direction. Beginners and experienced pilots will both enjoy the thrill and command of steering like a real pilot. The MICRO-TIGER comes fully assembled and ready to fly. It requires five AA alkaline batteries (not included). Launch date: June 2008.

With the VIPER Radio Control Airplane with a patent-pending M.A.S.C. Controller, the user can tilt his wrist to the right or left and the plane follows the hand and turns the appropriate direction. M.A.S.C. puts the user in the pilot's seat. The throttle is controlled by squeezing the variable speed trigger for more altitude. The powerful twin motors and aerodynamic design add to the fun of M.A.S.C. as VIPER climbs and dives across the sky. The Estes VIPER is easy and intuitive for a beginner pilot to learn to fly and also delivers better maneuvers and is more fun for an advanced pilot. It requires six AA alkaline batteries (not included). Launch date: June 2008.

Estes introduces the revolutionary XENOX Radio Control Airplane with the new Patent Pending M.A.S.C. Controller - a breakthrough in R/C technology. The user just tilts his wrist to the right and the plane follows the hand and turns right. Tilt wrist to the left and the plane turns left. M.A.S.C. puts the user in the pilot's seat. The throttle is controlled by squeezing the variable speed trigger for more altitude. XENOX R/C twin motors and aerodynamic wings add to the fun of flying with M.A.S.C. The XENOX Airplane is easy and intuitive for a beginner pilot to learn to fly and cruise the sky; plus it also delivers lots of fun for an experienced pilot. It requires 6 AA alkaline batteries (not included). Launch date: June 2008.

When kids talk to a playfully interactive Nintendogs Bark Back puppy, he takes action, barking, shaking his head and wagging his tail. There are four lovable breeds to choose from. "Nintendogs Bark Back Playful Pups are realistic puppies that simulate life-like movements which are based the best-selling, popular Nintendogs Nintendo DS video game," Phillip-Michael Lee, product manager for Commonwealth Toy & Novelty Co., told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

Inspired by her beloved King Charles, college student Elizabeth Rives created this fun-filled kit for kids and their pets while she was working part-time at Scientific Explorer. Pamper your Dog will have pets woofing with delight over yummy, nutritious dog cupcakes. Children can give their canine friend a healthy scrub with homemade shampoo, brush those long teeth with special doggie toothpaste, and learn the secrets of a great massage for their furry friend, as well as design a unique "dog tag" for an ID. Insights into canine thinking will turn kids into real dog psychologists. The kit "helps teach social responsibility in a fun way," Scientific Explorer's Vice President Susan Rives told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008.

Step back into the alluring world of the dinosaurs. The colorful and dramatic illustrations make this felt play board a fun and educational activity that will captivate the attention of young children for hours. This product will encourage expression, exploration and creativity through play. Launch date: November 2008.

UbiPetz Monkeyz plush come to life on a favorite Nintendo DS Petz video game. The soft characters come with a secret code that allows them to come alive right on a DS game screen. Kids can collect multiple characters and have them all interact on the Petz Monkeyz House game, plus name their exclusive characters on the Petz Website, print out their personal profile, and download free stuff. Launch date: October 15, 2008.

UbiPetz Catz are the only plush toys that can come to life on a favorite Nintendo DS Petz video game. These adorably soft characters come with a secret code that allows them to come alive right on a DS game screen. Kids can collect multiple characters and have them all interact on the Petz Catz Clan game. They can also name their exclusive characters on the Petz Website, print out their personal profile and download free stuff. Launch date: October 15, 2008.

UbiPetz Dogz are the only plush toys that can come to life on a favorite Nintendo DS Petz video game. Kids can take home one of these adorably soft characters that will allow you to unlock a secret code, and watch as your character comes alive right on the DS gamescreen. Children can collect multiple characters and have them all interact on the Petz Dogz Pack game, plus name their exclusive characters on the Petz Website, print out their personal profile and download free stuff. Launch date: October 15, 2008.

Each Mini Glee Variety Pack contains a convenient assortment of 21 Mini Glee Gum packets in kid-friendly flavors: Tangerine, Triple Berry and Bubblegum. The enclosed four-piece Mini Glee Gum packets are all natural, gluten-free, and made with sustainably harvested rainforest chicle. The new mini size makes them a great “green” option for parties, pinatas, Halloween and the holidays. Launch date: August 15, 2008.

Bunkies is a collectible action plush toy. Unique patterns and expressions make each Bunkie a unique character. Handmade from cotton with all embroidered features, Bunkies are a safe, creative toy that can spark any kid's imagination. Launch date: October 2008.

With hip-hop, reggae and R&B grooves, the CD gets everyone dancing and singing while counting, spelling and learning. Kids love the high-energy sound and educational messages, and parents will be surprised and engaged by the cool and unconventional songs. The CD has been applauded nationally by parenting publications, teachers and music critics. It received a 2008 Parents' Choice Award and a 2008 National Parenting Publications Award. "Alphabet Rockers provides educational hip-hop to the preK-1st grade market, which is more often saturated with folk and traditional children's music," Kaitlin McGaw, co-owner of School Time Music, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 23, 2007.