TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Books Product Category

The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus, Book 3) by Rick Riordan by HYPERION BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven? The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophecy remains a mystery... With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.
— As of 12/4/2012 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,072 reviews on Amazon.com.
— Melissa Pennille, co-owner of Teaching Toys & Books in Tacoma, Wash., told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that they sell 8 copies of this book each month, making it a best seller in their store. 12/4/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen by CANDLEWICK PRESS

From the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling and award-winning I Want My Hat Back comes a second wry tale. When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So it’s a good thing that enormous fish won’t wake up. And even if he does, it’s not like he’ll ever know what happened...Visual humor swims to the fore as the best-selling Jon Klassen follows his breakout debut with another deadpan-funny tale. Launch date: October 2012.
— In a Winter 2012 survey, Jessica Wood from Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, Vt., told TDmonthly that This is Not My Hat is a recent bestseller. 12/4/2012 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Olivia by Ian Falconer by ATHENEUM BOOKS

Have fun with Olivia...dressing up, singing songs, building sand castles, napping (maybe), dancing, painting on walls and — whew! — going to sleep at last.
— Jessica Wood from Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, Vt., told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that Olivia books are perennial bestsellers. 12/4/2012 (Price: $17.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems by HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS

Once upon a time, there were three hungry Dinosaurs: Papa Dinosaur, Mama Dinosaur...and a Dinosaur who happened to be visiting from Norway. One day—for no particular reason—they decided to tidy up their house, make the beds, and prepare pudding of varying temperatures. And then—for no particular reason—they decided to go...someplace else. They were definitely not setting a trap for some succulent, unsupervised little girl. Definitely not! This new take on a fairy-tale classic is so funny and so original—it could only come from the brilliant mind of Mo Willems.
— As of 12/4/2012 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews on Amazon.com.
— Pat Siegfried, co-owner of Black Forest Books & Toys in Charlotte, N.C., told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that this is one of their best selling books. 12/4/2012 (Price: $17.99)

My Nursery Rhymes Collection by SCHOOL ZONE PUBLISHING CO

This delightfully illustrated nursery rhymes book offers parents and children the joy of reading all the best-loved rhymes, as well as discovering some of the less familiar ones. My Nursery Rhymes Collection is divided into 12 themes, such as farm animals, numbers, and action rhymes — creating shorter sections to suit the attention span of young readers. Settle back together and enjoy all the merry old souls. 184 pages with beautiful, full-color illustrations. Elegant gilded spine and cover highlights. Themed sections for easy reference. Padded hardcover edition.
— In a Winter 2012 survey, Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly that they sell 20 of this item each month. 12/4/2012

Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man by Michael Chabon by HARPERCOLLINS PUBLISHERS

Awesome Man can shoot positronic rays out of his eyeballs, fly as straight as an arrow, and hug mutant Jell-O! Even villains like Professor Von Evil and the Flaming Eyeball are no match for this caped crusader. But Awesome Man also has a secret...Can you guess what it is? The first picture book from Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Michael Chabon perfectly captures the fantasy life of young superhero fans. Launch date: September 6, 2011.
— Pat Siegfried, co-owner of Black Forest Books & Toys in Charlotte, N.C., told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that this books sells well and is on "constant reorder." 12/4/2012 (Price: $17.99)

Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael Kaplan by PENGUIN GROUP USA

When Betty Bunny eats chocolate cake for the first time, she declares, "I am going to marry chocolate cake." She loves it so much that she takes a piece to school with her in her pocket and refuses to eat anything else. Mommy tells Betty that she has to eat healthy food first, and have patience because cake is for dessert, not pockets. But Betty doesn't want to have patience; she wants to have chocolate cake. In this hilarious and spot-on tribute to the chocolate lover (and picky eater) in all of us, a new kindred spirit to Olivia, Eloise, and Ladybug Girl makes her stand.
— As of 12/4/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 20 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In a Winter 2012 survey, Pat Siegfried, co-owner of Black Forest Books & Toys in Charlotte, N.C., told TDmonthly that they sell 25-30 copies of this book each month. 12/4/2012 (Price: $16.99)

Usborne Wipe Clean Activity Books by USBORNE PUBLISHING

These reusable books introduce the alphabet, letters and first writing skills.   Wipe-clean pages and pen offer lots of opportunities for practice.
— In a Winter 2012 survey, Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly that they sell 20 of this item each month.
— Mike Snyder, owner and manager of Cville's Hobbies, Games and Toys in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly in a December 2013 survey that this is one of their best-selling books.
— Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Usborne books are a year-round best-seller in the educational category. 12/4/2012 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Merry Orchestra by AZ BOOKS LLC

Kids will meet friendly animals in their home environments: farm, pond, forest and yard. Each book introduces readers to other animals that the main character meets along the way. The pages are filled with sounds, lively text and beautiful illustrations. 11/29/2012 (Price: $10.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Pets by AZ BOOKS LLC

With their amusing movements and realistic sounds, the lively animals in this series will easily keep kids engaged. Books also include riddles to solve and fun information about adorable animals that live on the farm, in the forest, in the pond, and at the zoo. 11/29/2012 (Price: $5.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sam the Builder by AZ BOOKS LLC

This series is great for little readers who love to build and repair things. Sam is not only a skillful builder, but also a good teacher. In these books he shows kids how to repair a car or build something special. Each book include the sounds of tools, amusing melodies, and colorful pictures. 11/29/2012 (Price: $10.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Living Book of Dinosaurs by AZ BOOKS LLC

This exciting series introduces kids to the wonders and dangers of many worlds: underwater, forest, jungle, savanna, and the land of dinosaurs. 3D pictures and realistic sounds bring to life the atmosphere of nature in all its wildness. Detailed pull-out cards provide lots of information about each creature. 11/29/2012 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Amazing Space by AZ BOOKS LLC

These encyclopedias are designed to stir kids' imaginations and drive their desire to explore new things. Each book presents fascinating facts, bright, colorful pictures, and a special feature: pages contain well-hidden flaps that contain even more information underneath them. Look closely to find them. Eye-catching illustrations broaden horizons. Action-oriented hidden flaps encourage kids to learn more. 11/21/2012 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Colors & Shapes by AZ BOOKS LLC

This series helps children learn to think logically, count, and distinguish among different shapes, colors, fruits, and vegetables by flipping through the cards and matching pairs. Kids will be easily entertained playing this colorful matching game. 11/21/2012 (Price: $4.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cinderella by AZ BOOKS LLC

Classic fairy tales given a modern twist with pop-up pictures and magical sounds! These books unlock the enchantment of the past and keep children eager for the next turn of events as they read one page after another. They'll want to read these classic stories over and over again. 11/21/2012 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Gotcha Gadgets by KLUTZ

This set of customizable gizmos includes a book of games, pranks, and jokes that make the most of them. The 16 different sound-and-gizmo combinations offer limitless opportunities for immature humor. Follow simple instructions to wire a door alarm, motion sensor, light sensor, or push-button device; then program it with one of four funny sounds. Comes With: circuit board, speaker, LED, battery clip, photoresistor, switches, project wires, alligator clip, gadget dock, gadget case, 4 gadget covers, 2 doorbell hangers and 2 door alarm hangers. Launch date: September 1, 2012. 11/20/2012 (Price: $24.99)

Cleopatra Queen of Egypt by CANDLEWICK PRESS

The story of Cleopatra’s life has captured the imagination of countless writers and artists for centuries. As one of history’s most enduring figures, much lore has obscured the real woman behind the myth. Was she a beautiful and heartless schemer who stopped at nothing to get what she wanted? Or was Cleopatra a tragic victim of her own heart? This next volume in the acclaimed Notebook series offers a fascinating look into the world of one of Egypt’s most notorious leaders. Featuring a fictional journal that invites us into Cleopatra’s inner world, this is an exquisite guide bursting with gorgeous illustrations and packed with fun interactive extras such as flaps featuring historical facts and pop culture references.This is a riveting volume rife with battles, passion, and even murderous intrigue — an exclusive look into the legendary queen’s dramatic life. Launch date: October 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 11/20/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Who Lives Here? by CANDLEWICK PRESS

The jungle is warm and steamy. What kind of animal might live there, a snow goose or a sloth? What about a still, cool pond -- could that be home for a howler monkey? Find out why meerkats like dry sunny grasslands (hint: they like to dig holes to hide in) or why clown fish feel right at home in a coral reef. Small flaps and a matching spread at the end make learning about habitats fun. Lift the flaps and learn about animal life with two new books in a fresh, fun-filled series for curious preschoolers. Launch date: November 2012. 11/20/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

What Happens Next? by CANDLEWICK PRESS

Here’s a hungry chameleon with a long, long tongue. And here’s a big juicy caterpillar. Can you guess what happens next? What if a honeybee comes upon a beautiful patch of flowers, but the members of her hive don’t know how to find her? Or if two chimps want to munch on termites that are out of reach deep inside a mound? Peek under large flaps to find out - and refresh your memory at the end! Lift the flaps and learn about animal life with two new books in a fresh, fun-filled series for curious preschoolers. Launch date: November 2012. 11/20/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Dog Days by ABRAMS BOOKS

It's summer vacation, the weather's great, and all the kids are having fun outside. So where's Greg Heffley? Inside his house, playing video games with the shades drawn. Greg, a self-confessed "indoor person," is living out his ultimate summer fantasy: no responsibilities and no rules. But Greg's mom has a different vision for an ideal summer..one packed with outdoor activities and "family togetherness." Whose vision will win out? Or will a new addition to the Heffley family change everything? Launch date: October 12, 2009. 11/19/2012 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Last Straw by ABRAMS BOOKS

Let's face it: Greg Heffley will never change his wimpy ways. Somebody just needs to explain that to Greg's father. You see, Frank Heffley actually thinks he can get his son to toughen up, and he enlists Greg in organized sports and other "manly"� endeavors. Of course, Greg is able to easily sidestep his father's efforts to change him. But when Greg's dad threatens to send him to military academy, Greg realizes he has to shape up...or get shipped out. Launch date: January 2009. 11/19/2012 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Third Wheel by ABRAMS BOOKS

Love is in the air—but what does that mean for Greg Heffley? A Valentine's Day dance at Greg's middle school has turned his world upside down. As Greg scrambles to find a date, he's worried he'll be left out in the cold on the big night. His best friend, Rowley, doesn't have any prospects either, but that's a small consolation. An unexpected twist gives Greg a partner for the dance and leaves Rowley the odd man out. But a lot can happen in one night, and in the end, you never know who's going to be lucky in love. Launch date: November 13, 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— As of 11/19/2012 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 241 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In a Winter 2012 survey, half of retailers surveyed by TDmonthly said that the Diary of a Wimpy Kids series were their bestselling books.

 11/19/2012 (Price: $13.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

About Dinosaurs by AZ BOOKS LLC

Kids have millions of questions. In these books real doctors, geologists, biologists, and other scientists provide answers. The series includes books on the human body, planet Earth, wildlife, and dinosaurs.  11/16/2012 (Price: $18.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Turtle and Me by SCHOLASTIC

An interactive light book based on the bestselling TWILIGHT TURTLE by Cloud B. Made in association with Cloud B, the baby sleep specialists. Follow a young child and his turtle as they do everything together. Includes a turtle-shaped night light visible on every page, just like the real thing. 10/30/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Yuko-chan and the Daruma Doll by TUTTLE PUBLISHING

Yuko-chan and the Daruma Doll, a gorgeous book by author/illustrator Sunny Seki, takes readers on a journey into ancient Japan and the story behind the famous Daruma Doll. Yuko-chan, an adventurous blind orphan, is able to do amazing things. She confronts a temple burglar in the dead of night, and crosses treacherous mountain passes to deliver food to hungry people. During her travels, Yuko-chan trips and tumbles down a snowy cliff. She discovers a strange thing as she waits for help: her tea gourd, regardless of how she drops it, always lands right-side-up. The tea has frozen in the bottom of the gourd. Inspired by this, she creates the famous Daruma doll toy, which rights itself when tipped—a true symbol of resilience. Thanks to Yuko-chan's invention, the villagers are able to earn a living and feed themselves by selling the dolls. Yuko-chan never gave up, no matter the obstacles she faced, and the Daruma doll is a charming reminder of the power of perseverance. 10/23/2012 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]