TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Puzzles & Skill Product Category

250 Piece Dinosaur Panorama Puzzle by SAFARI LTD.ฎ

This 250-piece puzzle features an exquisite and insightful image, and is perfect for the child who is not yet ready for 1,000 pieces. It makes a great gift and measures 39” in width. “The stunning painting created exclusively for Safari by the world renowned artist Haruo Takino is beautifully imprinted on the puzzle pieces,” Teresa Duddles of Safari Ltd. told TDmonthly. 2/19/2007 (Price: $13.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Nueve by NOTED CO

Designed to liberate players’ perception and challenge their creativity, Nueve’s set of handcrafted wooden blocks can be assembled in any combination to create billions of different patterns. It was created by newartifacts, a group of artists, designers and entrepreneurs from Uruguay who envision integrating art into daily life. 2/19/2007

MOZANIAC Picture Puzzle System – Male Artists Puzzle by PARADOXY PRODUCTS

The MOZANIAC Picture Puzzle System, in its simplest form, makes four consecutive pictures from the same six flat pieces. The system is expandable and will eventually offer more pieces and even more pictures from those pieces. In the Male Artists Puzzle, the six pieces on the left, printed front and back, make the four pictures on the right — Van Gogh, Cezanne, Matisse and Gaugin. Launch date: April 1, 2007.
— “MOZANIAC is a picture puzzle system based on interpenetrating modular pieces. It offers new visual, mental and physical challenges and will grow into a universe of puzzles over the next few hundred years. MOZANIAC requires [players] to both reveal and conceal visual material when they slide the pieces into each other, making it more challenging than a jigsaw puzzle, even with only six pieces,” Founder and Inventor-in-Chief Daniel Young of Paradoxy Products told TDmonthly. “When we begin to produce puzzles with even more pieces, puzzle aficionados will faint with delight.” 2/19/2007 (Price: $7.95)

Mini Tangoes by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC

This game includes seven durable plastic puzzle pieces and seven puzzle cards with solutions on the back side. The goal is to make the shape on each card using all seven puzzle pieces. It makes a great travel companion. Launch date: March 15, 2007. 2/19/2007 (Price: $4.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Official Channel by PIATNIK OF AMERICA

The high-quality European jigsaw puzzle consists of 1,000 pieces. 2/8/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rousseau Tiger by PIATNIK OF AMERICA

High Quality European Jigsaw Puzzle – 1,000 pieces 2/8/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Vintage Posters by PIATNIK OF AMERICA

High Quality European Jigsaw Puzzle – 1,000 pieces 2/8/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The World Almanac for Kids Puzzler Deck: U.S. History & Geography! by CHRONICLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

This is just one title in Lynn Brunelle’s “The World Almanac for Kids Puzzler Deck” portable series, which also includes Reading! (ages 5 to 7), Math! (7 to 9), and World History & Geography! (11 to 13). The No. 1-selling kids’ almanac becomes a fun educational tool in these decks that include 75 curriculum-based activities to encourage subject-specific comprehension. They feature all-new games, puzzles, riddles and fascinating facts. This product won a 2006 NAPPA Toy Award, Gold Honor. Launch date: May 2007. 1/29/2007 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bamboo Pallina by HAPE

Colored sticks are threaded through the basket which serves as the game board and coordinating balls are placed inside. The object of the game is to carefully remove the colored sticks so only the colored balls of your opponent fall through. Made from eco-friendly bamboo and nontoxic paints. 1/24/2007 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Guernica 2000-Piece Puzzle by TIDE-MARK RICORDI PUZZLES

The image of Guernica remains as visually striking as it was when Picasso painted it in 1937. For the first time, it’s available as part of the most unusual series of puzzles ever created by Editions Ricordi. The 34 puzzles in the line boast unique piece designs and come in three sizes: 1,000-piece, 2,000-piece and 1,000-piece panorama. The titles will challenge devoted puzzlers with pieces that never repeat. Ricordi President Davide Gariboldi said the new puzzle design will deliver challenge and satisfaction in equal measure among buyers who love fine-art puzzles. Launch date: Spring 2007. 1/5/2007 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cover Your Tracks™ by THINKFUN

In this high-stakes spatial-development game, kids must cover their tracks on a journey through mud, sand, snow and cement. First, kids select one of 20 challenge cards. Then they must place all four pieces on the game tray to cover their tracks. As this single-player game gets more challenging, players will put their spatial-development skills to the test on this journey across different terrains. Launch date: February 2007. ( Watch Video) 12/14/2006 (Price: $17.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Great Big Sneaky Puzzles: A Day at the Zoo by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

This 46-piece great big puzzle is actually two puzzles in one. One side features a family of tigers, and the other has a zoo scene. In addition to being fun for children as young as 3, the puzzle also has educational value. The letters of the alphabet and the numbers 0 to 9 are hidden in the scenery, which is what makes the puzzle sneaky. Launch date: June 2006. 12/14/2006 (Price: $10.00)

LEGO City Puzzles – Fire Brigade by RAVENSBURGER

This 60-piece puzzle portrays a city scene with fire trucks to the rescue, and even comes with a toy LEGO figurine. A Police Duty version is also available. The puzzles received the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award for 2007.
— Eighth place for top sales at G. Willikers in Portsmouth, N.H., goes to puzzles. Owner Bob Breneman told TDmonthly that traditional jigsaw puzzles have grown tremendously, and Ravensburger has grown in sales across the board. He indicated that the Ravensburger puzzle with Lego toys is a particularly popular item. 12/7/2006 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Egyptology Puzzle by MUDPUPPY PRESS

This 100-piece puzzle is based on the book “Egyptology: Search for the Tomb of Osiris” and features King Tutankhamen’s gold funeral mask, hieroglyphics, archaeologists, pyramids, the hook and flail of Upper and Lower Egypt, papyrus, the eye of Hora, and a map. It received the 2007 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award and the 2005 iParenting Greatest Products Award. 12/7/2006 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Counting With Thomas Puzzle by RAVENSBURGER

This 10-piece wooden puzzle has pegs and finishes out to 11 ½” by 8 ¼”. Ravensburger “quality standards are much higher than any of the competition and it shows in the final product. The puzzle contributes to a child’s educational development by helping them learn to count while having fun playing with Thomas,” Phil Aberbach, vice president of sales at Ravensburger, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2003. 12/5/2006 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rubik's Jr. by WINNING MOVES GAMES

Now young minds have a Rubik's Cube they can master. Although ideal for introducing a child to the concept invented by Rubik, Rubik's Jr. can be tried by anyone who finds the more traditional version too difficult to tackle.
— Kevin Tjaden, owner for 25 years of Scientific Wizardry in Boise, Idaho, was glad he’d stocked Rubik’s Cube, since it was featured in the holiday hit “The Pursuit of Happyness” starring Will Smith.
— Mary Walsh, owner of The Magical Child in Greenfield, Mass., wished she’d stocked more of the “old, standard Rubik’s Cube.”
— A 25th anniversary edition of Rubik’s Cube is also available. 11/28/2006 (Price: $6.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Animals of the World: 48 piece Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle by THE LEARNING JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL

This puzzle has won both the 2006 Dr. Toy 10 Best Active Products Award and the 2006 Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products Award. The puzzle features animals of the world in gloss finish illustrations. It is simple to put together and manageable for small hands. Young learners will develop motor skills, self-confidence and shape recognition. The puzzle measures 16” by 12”. 11/22/2006 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Idol Quest — NEW by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC

In the middle of a jungle lake, a priceless Idol sits atop an ancient tower. Can your Explorer build a 3D path across the lake, seize the Idol and escape to a waiting boat before another player beats him to it, or “buries” the Explorer under stone blocks? “Idol Quest: the Strategy Game of Capture and Escape” incorporates visual perception, problem solving and creative thinking skills. Two to four players take turns drawing cards and strategically placing blocks around the board. Action Cards can quickly change the dynamics of the game. Launch date: February 2007. ( Watch Video) 11/20/2006 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

THE SCREAM - Munch by TIDE-MARK RICORDI PUZZLES

This puzzle by Ricordi contains 1000 Pieces. 11/20/2006 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

NUIT ETOILEE - Van Gogh by TIDE-MARK RICORDI PUZZLES

Also known as Starry Night, this Ricordi puzzle is available in 1,000 pieces and 1,500 pieces. The 1,000-piece version retails for $19.95 and the 1,500-piece version retails for $23.95. 11/20/2006 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LA GIOCONDA - Da Vinci by TIDE-MARK RICORDI PUZZLES

Commonly known as the portrait of Mona Lisa, this Ricordi puzzle contains 1,000 pieces. 11/20/2006 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

CREAZIONE - Michelangelo by TIDE-MARK RICORDI PUZZLES

Also known as Creation, this puzzle by Ricordi contains 1,000 pieces. 11/20/2006 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rush Hour Deluxe Edition by THINKFUN

A winner of 20 awards, Rush Hour continues to be one of ThinkFun’s most popular and renowned mind-challenging games. In honor of Rush Hour’s 10 years of success, ThinkFun is celebrating with a Deluxe Edition that is guaranteed to delight seasoned Rush Hour fans and newcomers alike. Just like the traditional game, the object is to put problem-solving skills in gear to help the red car escape the traffic jam. But Rush Hour Deluxe Edition has been revved-up for maximum performance, featuring 60 of ThinkFun’s best challenges and an exciting new level of play. It comes complete with a modern design, 15 bright metallic cars and a collector’s gift box for easy travel. Launch date: Summer 2006.
— When surveyed about his best-selling puzzles in a Summer 2011 survey, Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., said he sells between 5 and 7 Rush Hours puzzles each month.
— As of 7/12/2011 this product had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 19 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Helps build problem solving skills; great for travel or quiet time. Cons: Two reviewers said that the Deluxe Edition was disappointing, as it actually has less features than the original game.
— Kids caught in traffic love to pull out this game and find their way out of the crunch. Rush Hour makes a great travel toy, specialty retailers have told TDmonthly, and it's been a top seller in their stores for more than 10 years. For these reasons, we gave it our TDmonthly Classic Toy 2007 award. ( Watch Video) 11/20/2006 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BePuzzled Eric Carle Puzzle – The Very Hungry Caterpillar by UNIVERSITY GAMES

Based on the books by beloved children's author and illustrator Eric Carle, this collection features vibrant colors and images from the best-selling book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” A “Butterfly” puzzle is also available, and each measures 11½" by 15". Launch date: 2006. 11/17/2006 (Price: $9.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BePuzzled Dr. Seuss Puzzle – Green Eggs and Ham by UNIVERSITY GAMES

Based on the beloved books of family favorite Dr. Seuss, these 24-piece puzzles bring children's favorite Dr. Seuss moments to life. Children will love putting the puzzles together and seeing their favorite Dr. Seuss characters appear. Each puzzle measures 11½" by 15". A “Happy Birthday to You” variety is also available. Launch date: 2006. 11/17/2006 (Price: $9.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]