November 2008 Notable Toys — General Games

Based on the best-selling Great States game, this junior version is a fun way of introducing youth to the U.S. map. Kids will have a blast searching the game board as they travel along the colored game path. Even pre-readers can play by matching cards to the pictures on the board. "This game teaches children at a very young age about geography, history and state facts. Since even children who cannot read yet are able to play, this game presents a fun way for social studies facts to reach developing minds," Nicole Tiedemann, PR coordinator for R&J Public Relations, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007.

This "cruise edition" of the quick-play, easy-to-learn strategy game Pentago is ideal for portability and travel. Launch date: 2007.
Awards: May 2012 TDmonthly Top Toy Award. Why it won: Not only is this game a proven best seller; it also earned a high rating from TDmonthly's panel of reviewers, as well as users on Amazon.com.
— Brooke Andrews, owner of Millers Toy Store in Mamoroneck, N.Y., told TDmonthly in late fall 2009 that her store sells about 12 Pentago games per week. Erika Evers, owner of Dancing Bear Toys in Hendersonville, N.C., estimated sales of about 8 to 12 units per month.
— As of 4/12/2012 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 24 reviews on Amazon.com.

A nostalgic playing card deck featuring railroad cards and locomotives from the early trains of the world. The cards were created with the artwork and original descriptions from vintage insert cards from the early 1900s. The 54-card deck, perfect for train buffs, is suitable for most card games.

This squeezable ball has 32 panels and is one of five new designs for 2008. It is 4" in diameter.

A classic game originally released in 1979. In this game, players start with a hand full of fleas. But dogs should have fleas - not kids, so players try to get rid of their fleas by giving them to "ITCHY" the dog. The trouble is when he wags his tail some of them jump off. The first player to get all of his/her fleas to stay on Itchy's back wins the game! For 2 - 4 players, the game comes with 1 Itchy the dog and 16 fleas. Launch Date: 9/22/08.

Skittle Pool represents the most challenging variation to pool since this game was invented. It is relatively easy for beginners, yet requires a high degree of skill for advanced players. Position the swivel pointer to aim the cue ball. Pull back and release the swinging ball to hit the stationary ball, the impact is passed to the cue ball to pocket the ball you were aiming for.  Follow the same rules as standard pool.  You can play 8 ball, solids and stripes and straight pool. Skittle Pool includes real billiard balls, rack, two A frames, 2 chains and 2 swivel pointers. Measures approximately 23 ½” square by 4” high.  For ages 5+. Black  plastic.  Made in China. Safety Tested and Approved.

This game includes a handheld light that reveals clues to the types of tokens needed to win the game. Launch date: September 2008.