Fall Toy Preview:Layout 3
Transcription
Fall Toy Preview:Layout 3
= Fall Toy Preview 2009 = To y BOOk e X c l u s i v e Interactive Toy Hunting Alien Hunter T wo more toys in Interactive Toy Concepts’ Duck Hunter Series take to the skies. Hornet Hunter and Alien Hunter each provide an interactive infrared battle between toy and player. Launch the Hunter and try to shoot it down with the toy shooter as it flies freely in the air.Each Hunter provides free flights of 30 seconds, with realistic flapping wings. It takes three direct hits to bring down the Hornet or Alien, and a 10second charge for 30 seconds of free flight. To y BOOk e X c l u s i v e K’NEX Flies High with Flying Friends F or the littlest builders out there, KID K’NEX offers the Flying Friends Building Set and the Construction Crew Building Set, so kids can build fun, flying vehicles or trucks and machines straight from the construction site. Each set comes with chunky KID K’NEX rods, connectors, and blocks, plus personality parts such as eyes, wheels, and propellers. Each set has 23 pieces and is for ages 3 and up. Bike enthusiasts ages 7 and up might enjoy K’NEX’s officially licensed Orange County Choppers Building Sets. The Raptor Bike and T-Rex Bike are collectible, 1:10-scale models with stylized, chrome-colored parts. The After-Burner Bike and All-Star Bike Building Sets are 1:6 scale and offer stylized, chrome-colored parts, plus feature working headlights and instructions for two models. Moving from land to sea, the Pirates Adventure 20-Model Building Set lets kids build 20 different models with one set, including a daring pirate ship, a skull and crossbones, a pirate sword, and more. This kit, for ages 5 and up, is loaded with 350 parts, including a pirate K’NEXman complete with a hat and sword, and includes building instructions for 20 unique pirate-themed models. For the 9 and up crowd, thrill rides are big. The Motorized Thrill Rides Set lets kids build two thrill rides at once—a spinning Ferris Wheel and a twirling Swing-Ride. The kit includes more than 635 pieces and builds to more than two feet tall. The FireStorm Ferris Wheel is a new take on a K’NEX classic. Multi-colored lights spin freely inside the wheel to create a dazzling light show. The motorized, spinning wheel includes more than 525 pieces and builds to more than two feet tall. Construction Crew Building Set THE TOY BOOK 32 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = To y BOOk e X c l u s i v e To y BOOk e X c l u s i v e Hosung Love Bugs Are Eco-Friendly F.A.B. Wall Décor for Kids H F osung announces the miYim Love Bug Stroller Toy Collection for 2010. Fasten these whimsical characters to a stroller or car seat and take them anywhere you go for organic fun on the run. MiYim fabric is organically grown, and colored with all-natural, plant-based PureWaterWash, ensuring a safer playtime for children. Characters include Calvin the Caterpillar, Lola the Lady Bug, and Bailey the Bee. .A.B./Starpoint introduces Hello Kitty and Project Runway Wall Scrapperz. Wall Scrapperz is a new category of do-it-yourself toys that applies the scrapbooking concept to kids’ walls. The basic kit comes complete with a dry erase board, stickers, paper frames, and jewels. All of the items have a special adhesive that can safely be removed from the wall without damage. Additional squares and accessories can be purchased to expand the design. Alexander Doll Company Gets Fancy T Fancy Nancy Tea Party THE TOY BOOK he Fancy Nancy Tea Party 18-Inch Cloth Doll, from Alexander Doll Company, is sure to be the life of the party. The doll is based on the book, Fancy Nancy: Tea Parties, by Jane O’ Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser. In her most elegant attire, Fancy Nancy is clad in a pink tulle ruffled dress, a bright yellow and pink polka dot bow belt, and party gloves, complete with a crown upon her head and a teacup in her hand. The Fancy Nancy Explorer 18-Inch Cloth Doll is based on the book, Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire!, by Jane O’ Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser. Wearing a safari jacket made fancier by a purple tulle skirt, glamorous sunglasses, and a leopard-print scarf adorned with flowers and lucky clover, Nancy is ready for action. A ladybug headband adds an adventurous look to her red yarn hair. 34 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Manhattan Toy’s Got Kreepy Kreechers M Star Floyd and Mildred Kreecher anhattan Toy expands its Kreechers Klub with many new characters that stand out from the crowd. Newbies include Blanche, Hank, Herman, Stanley, Mildred, Eugene, Floyd, Walker, Beatrice, and Irene. Each Kreecher is for ages 3 and up and comes with its own unique look and personality. Willow Stables welcomes new horse friends, including Ellie Ann English Horse, Leah May Show Horse, and Brynn Rae Trail Horse. Each horse comes with her own hairbrush and unique saddle blanket, and is appropriate for ages 3 and up. New Fuzzy Nation Darn Cute Plush dogs include a Beagle named Atticus, a Yorkie named Peas, a Chihuahua named Paris Cita, a Frenchie named Petit Bunne, a Pit Bull named Bullit, a Pug named Ant (who is dressed as a rabbit), a Black Lab named Booda, a Pomeranian named Material Girl, and a Chinese Crested-in-Flambe named Betsey J. Each Darn Cute Plush dog comes with a different outfit and unique accessories. New Fuzzy Nation Teacup Purses include Boston-in-Boots Elvis, Scottie Quentin, Pug-in-Plaid Antlers Ant, Golden Juno, Yorkie-in-Vest Peas, Chihuahua in Pink Plaid Paris Cita, Chinese Crested Betsey J, Maltese Baby Dot, and Dachshund Doxanne. New Fuzzy Nation Wristlets coin purses include Plaidberry Chihuahua, Dandiecow Pug, Labrador, Tartan Scottie, Plaidberry Basset, Geisha Frenchie, Pinwheel Boston, and Houndstooth Schnauzer. Each purse and wristlet comes with a unique look, and is for ages 6 and up. Rubie’s Costume Co. Has Super Mario Style T he Children’s Mario from Super Mario Costume, from Rubie’s Costume Co., includes a blue jumpsuit, an inflatable belly, a hat, and a moustache. This costume is available in child sizes Toddler, Small, Medium, and Large. The Children’s Deluxe Luigi from Super Mario Costume also includes a blue jumpsuit, an inflatable belly, a hat, and a mustache. It is available in child sizes Toddler, Small, Medium, and Large. The Princess Fiona Costume includes a dress and a headpiece. Sizes available are Newborn (1-6 months) and Infant (6-12 months). A second Princess Fiona Costume includes a dress with detachable sleeves, a tiara, and tattoos. Sizes available are Toddler, Small, and Medium. The Shrek Costume includes a romper with under-leg snap closure and a headpiece. Sizes available are Newborn (1-6 months) and Infant (6-12 months). Techno Source Does the Rubik’s Slide T echno Source will introduce a line of electronic handheld and key chain LCD video games for spring 2010 to tie in to the release of Disney•Pixar’s summer 2010 film Toy Story 3. Appropriate for children ages 5 and up, the Toy Story 3 LCD Video Games will celebrate all three Toy Story films by allowing kids to play along with the Toy Story gang. Kids can help Buzz defeat the evil Emperor Zurg, bop the Little Green Men when they light up, help Woody round up a loose Barrel of Monkeys, and figure out which alien is not like the others. The games feature multiple levels, full color LCD screens, sound control, and music and sound effects directly from the movie. Kids can personalize the holidays by creating their own custom Printies Keepsake Ornaments. Six personalized ornaments can be created to display at home or give to a friend. In the online Printies design studio, choose the ornament shape and start designing with dozens of easy-to-use art tools. Choose the colors and patterns, write messages, and even add personal photos to the design. Then print the design on the Printies ornament fabric sheet. The pre-sewn sheets are made of 100 percent cotton but work just like paper in any ink jet printer. After printing out the design on the front and back, tear out the ornament, stuff it, and seal it shut. There’s no sewing, gluing, or cutting. The collection includes materials to make Snowmen, Santa Claus, a Candy Cane, a Stocking, Traditional Balls, and a Teardrop. Next fall, kids will be able to express themselves with smileys in bigger and better ways with Smiley Central Studio Series 2 Plush. Series 2 will include all new seven-inch plush and three-inch plush key chain characters. Just like the original series, each plush doll will include a secret code to unlock exclusive smiley features and accessories for creating smileys online at www.SmileyCentralStudio.com. It started a Revolution, then it went Touch, and in fall 2010 Rubik’s Cube will Slide. The Rubik’s Slide is a brand new challenge that combines casual gaming with the speed and strategy of classic cubing. Children’s Mario from Super Mario Costume THE TOY BOOK 36 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 37 PlaSmart Has Yummy Fun RMS Is inMOTION and Headed to the U.S. P laSmart introduces Perplexus, a portable maze game of tracks and barriers. Players maneuver a marble inside a clear sphere on colorful tracks and around obstacles. To guide the marble smoothly through the maze, players must carefully move and shift the globe as they race one another or try to beat the clock. Perplexus is great for casual fun, but also doubles as exercise for motor skills and dexterity. Kids love messing about with squishy, garishly colored modeling clay almost as much as they love eating the stuff. Yummy Dough allows kids to have their fun and eat it, too—safely. The delicious and 100 percent safe Yummy Dough can be shaped, baked, and eaten. Simply add water, mix it, knead it, and then model it into whatever shape you like. Once kids are happy with their creation, put it in the oven for 15-30 minutes and presto––colorful biscuits are ready to eat. Yummy Dough contains vegetable-based coloring agents only. Each Yummy Dough pack comes with four dough sachets in four different colors (red, blue, green, and yellow), and just like regular playable dough, they can be mixed up to create new colors. A molding tool is included for intricate details and a leaflet is packed in to give kids design ideas. R MS International, with operations in the UK, mainland Europe, and Hong Kong, brings its Grafix value-priced brand of kids’ art, craft, toy, stationery, and activity lines to U.S. mass and specialty chain retailers for 2010. The company’s seasonal line, The Christmas Factory, will also be offered into the U.S. market. The InMOTION Games Console is a wireless interactive console that comes with 42 games, including sports, Olympic, and classic arcade games. The console comes with two wireless controllers and an AC adapter. The stationery-filled Giant Crayon includes a huge assortment of stationery, 10 sheets of A4 paper, colored paper, 12 colored pencils, 20 felt tips, 12 crayons, two neon gel pens, two pastel gel pens, and can also be used to store money. Who’s Got the Winning Moves? C Colors and Music from Mary Meyer M ary Meyer introduces new plush items from its Taggies Colours line. The 10inch Taggies Colours Doll and Taggies Colours Octopus feature facial expressions and embroidered details. The Taggies looped ribbons are found all over the toys so babies can seek and find them from any position or angle. Mary Meyer presents the new Little Princess boutique of coordinated baby items. This new line of seven baby toys in pastel pink features a new wind-up musical doll. The 10-inch Little Princess doll plays the lullaby “Hush Little Baby.” 38 Taggies Colours Doll SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 ir*Kis, by Winning Moves Games, is a strategic board game of completing circles and stars for ages 8 years and older. Although there is only one rule (players must place their piece next to the last piece played) the game takes planning and strategy to outwit opponents. Players try to complete as many shapes as possible to score points and block opponents from scoring. Good anticipation can score players a free turn, and the first one to score 40 points wins the game. The game comes with scoring tracks and corner compartments so everyone will always know who is in the lead. Four sets of 20 playing pieces, four scoring pegs, and illustrated instructions are also included. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 39 Briarpatch Partners for WordGirl, I Spy B riarpatch has partnered with Scholastic Media to announce new 2010 product releases. I Spy products include the Quest Adventure Hunt Game, card games, 100-piece children’s puzzles, Little Wheel and Animals starter puzzles (four puzzles in one box), and Grab N Go Games in draw-string bags. New WordGirl products include Word Up Game, Grab N Go Spelly Deli Game, Precocious Card Game, and a 100-piece jigsaw puzzle. Puzzles Galore from Lafayette Puzzle Factory T he Crayola Chalkboard Puzzles from Lafayette Puzzle Factory are easy to clean and have a wipeable surface for fun use inside and out. The two-foot by three-foot set includes Crayola sidewalk chalk and is safe for kids ages 4 and older. The company also introduces new Crayola educational products including flash cards and lapboards that have an exclusive chalkboard finish. Each lapboard and flash card pack comes with Crayola chalk. Chris Flisher Mandala Puzzles feature six of the artist’s most popular and colorful circular mandalas. The 500-piece round format puzzle is unique and challenging because of its shape. Once the puzzle is solved, the pieces can be glued together, using the included paste, to showcase the finished product at home. Each image featured on the puzzle was painted by Flisher and includes a description behind the meaning of the art. View popular tourist attractions with Fodors Places to Visit Puzzle Books. This new line of puzzles features special image packaging of popular world destinations that look and feel like a hardcover book. With each puzzle comes a 16-page book of travel tips and facts for the destinations. Puzzle artist Howard Robinson releases ColorView 3D Puzzles, a line of puzzles that come to life with the included ChromoColor 3-D glasses. Without the glasses, the images are still viewable with bright, sharp, colorful pictures. The Cupcake 500 Piece Puzzle features photos of delectable cupcakes in elegant settings. Each puzzle includes a simple cupcake recipe by a wellknown chef. 40 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 Hidden City Expands Bella Sara’s World E ach season of Bella Sara Collector Tins, from Hidden City Games, features two enchanting designs from the latest card release and includes an assortment of trading cards for real-world play with an online extension. Inside each collectible tin are four Card Packs, including one from the latest series, and secret codes that unlock Bella Sara Adventures at www.BellaSara.com. The fun continues both online and offline with never-ending game play and captivating stories. Two new sets of velvety Miniatures horses await kids’ discovery. Kids can collect all 20 new horses as they embark on new quests and discover the magical world of North of North, activating adventures online that include their miniature horses. Emma’s search comes to an end in Bella Sara Tales DVD: Search for the Lost Herds, as she discovers all three lost herds throughout the year. The DVD is narrated by a favorite character, Penny Inkwell, and is loaded with secret codes, trading cards, and a collectible poster. Kids can watch as the herds are unveiled before their eyes. Hidden City has also announced the release of three new trading card sets for 2010. With Sunflowers, your adventure with Emma begins. Legend says that once upon a time, three noble sisters traveled to distant lands and became the patrons of their own herds of horses. The first of these were the flower, tree, and plant horses rooted in the magic of nature. Join Emma as she searches the Jasmine forest for the horses of herd Sunflower. The Sunflowers set will be released on March 2. With Moonfairies, seek the enchanted herd of the fairy horse realm. Adventure with Emma, Colm, and Deru to carry on their search for the three noble herds. This time, they will be traveling to the far-off Emeraldian Wilds to find the second of the sisters and the fairy, dryad, and sprite horses. The enchanted lands of the fairy horse kingdom will be revealed for the first time as Emma discovers the horses of herd Moonfairies. Moonfairies will be released on June 1. With Starlights, one quest ends and another begins. The most mysterious herd of all will be revealed when Emma searches for the horses of herd Starlight. But how will Emma and her friends find a herd of horses that are from the stars? All of Emma’s travels will finally come to an end as she discovers the last of the three sisters and the bright star horses born of magic and wishes. Starlights will be available October 5. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 41 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Cardinal’s Got Game C ardinal Industries, with more than 65 years of experience manufacturing games, is now embarking on a new division—puzzles. With a variety of licenses, Cardinal is making traditional puzzles as well as unique new concepts. Cardinal is also introducing new licenses in the large games division. In 2010, Cardinal will offer a large selection of games for Penguins of Madagascar, the hit television show on Nickelodeon. Cardinal will also introduce innovative games and packaging concepts for its range of games for Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3, as well as new games for Disney’s classic characters. A new line of games based on the Marvel superheroes gives strength to Cardinal’s line of classic and innovative games, while Dora the Explorer’s 10th anniversary and SpongeBob SquarePants will be a part of some new products. Sesame Street will continue appealing to the younger set with games featuring the show’s much-loved monsters. Lastly, Cardinal continues the Twilight Saga with its New Moon The Movie Board Game. Portable Play from Playmobil ALEX Makes the Daily News P reschoolers can feel grown up by reading their own full-size crinkly newspaper. My Daily News, by ALEX, is a four-page activity newspaper featuring things you would read about in a real daily paper. From the weather forecast to sports highlights to fashion trends, kids can get the scoop on the latest news, even adding their own photo to personalize the paper. ALEX’s Baby Builder is baby’s first construction set. Snap, pop, twist, and pull. The set includes 26 pieces in eight shapes and six bright colors. THE TOY BOOK K ids can journey to fantasy lands with four new carrying cases from Playmobil. The take-along playsets, for kids ages 4 and older, are themed in dragons, princesses, ponies, and pirates. The Dragonland Carrying Case includes two knight figurines, a horse equipped with armor, a crossbow cannon, and other accessories. The Princess Carrying Case includes a princess figurine, a vanity, and animals such as a peacock and a unicorn. The Pony Farm Carrying Case features two ponies, a wheelbarrow, and two figurines, while the Pirate Carrying Case includes two figurines, a rowboat that floats on water, a working cannon, and a treasure chest. 42 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Silverlit Speeds into Action S ilverlit Toys introduces two new speedy car collections featuring popular superheroes. The Super Hero Squad Team Mini I/R Series are pint-sized vehicles equipped with turbo speed. The remote control, as small as a cell phone, uses infrared technology to help the vehicles zip around and make precise turns. The series is available in 12 superhero character designs, such as the Hulk, Wolverine, and Iron Man, with working headlights. The Marvel Universe R/C Whip-It Series are swiveling R/C vehicles that can turn sharply and swing left and right. The body of the vehicles feature lights that illuminate the top and sides, and the vehicles, available in Iron Man, Wolverine, and Captain America styles, include sound effects. Scientific Toys Wins the Race S cientific Toys’ Green Racer is a fully functional infrared R/C car that can move forward, stop, reverse, and turn left and right. Kids turn the crank to charge both the car and the remote controller. This car never needs batteries. The Solar-Power Rechargeable Car—Ford Mustang GT500 has the same functions as the green racer, but with a solar-powered twist. This eco-friendly vehicle can be charged by sunlight or batteries, and comes with a solar-powered rotating display stand/platform. DuneCraft Adds Science Kits C onduct captivating experiments with DuneCraft’s newest inventions. The company’s new boxed science kits will provide hours of educational enjoyment. Simply add water and start experimenting. Each kit comes with an activity guide. These new kits include the Outer Space Explorer and Slimy Squishy Polymer Fun. Slimy Squishy Polymer Fun contains four polymers to be mesmerized by, including GobbledyGoop, Slippery Spheres, Silly Square, and Jelly Stones. DuneCraft unveils two new science activity sets featuring Curious George. Kids can grow, build, wiggle, and jiggle with Wiggly Jiggly Silly Squares. Place the squares in a bowl of water and watch the product grow up to 100 times larger into a squirmy state. Then kids can use the stacker to build a tower with their silly squares, or experiment with the included five different colors in color blending. The squares are reusable for more fun later. Kids can create their own winter wonderland any time of the year with DuneCraft’s Arctic Wonderland. Plant the pine tree seed and add the easy-to-make Super Snow to grow a winter scene. All materials needed are included and the toy is safe for toddlers 3 years and older. Green Racer THE TOY BOOK 44 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Thinkway Tells a Toy Story T hinkway’s 2010 Toy Story Collection pays homage to the newest Disney•Pixar creation, Toy Story 3. The Buzz Lightyear figure is fully poseable, with points of articulation including fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, waist, ankles, knees, and legs. Push the red oval chest button for classic Buzz phrases, or push the blue oval chest button to hear Buzz respond as “Space Ranger” Buzz with moving head action. Talk to Buzz and he’ll respond to your voice in Talk Back Mode. Other features include Flying Mode with pop-out wing action and flying and landing sound effects, laser light-up and sound effects, an opening and closing helmet, glow-in-the-dark green trim, and more. Buzz says 65 phrases and is 12 inches tall. The Woody the Sheriff figure says 50 classic phrases from the movie when you pull his string, and responds back to children as Andy’s Room Woody. Woody figure is 16 inches tall and comes with a Sheriff star display stand. The RC Remote Control Car has a playful personality that is revealed with bouncing action, horn honking, free motion eyes, multiple expressions, and driving sound effects. Move RC forward, in reverse, or spin 360° in either direction using the wireless remote control. In Follow Mode, Call RC and he’ll detect your location and come to you. In Explore Mode, press the Explore button on the remote and RC will cruise around on his own without remote guidance. Built-in sensors help RC avoid obstacles in his path. Turn the tail on Rex the Roaring Dinosaur to activate his talking/roaring feature with motorized arms and head. Or, talk to Rex and he’ll respond with voice and movement. Rex has poseable arms, tail, legs, and neck, plus ratchet joints in his hips for balance. The Bucket O Soldiers is a reusable storage bucket that holds 72 Soldiers, including two with parachutes. Other soldiers have a variety of poses and weaponry. Each space alien in the Space Alien 3 Pack is made of soft plastic and has a unique facial expression. Each item in the Toy Story Collection comes with a certificate of authenticity. Wham-O Makes a Comeback A fter many years of operating under the radar, Wham-O is poised to introduce itself to a new generation of kids with some of the classic toys that their parents and grandparents once enjoyed, along with a range of new products. Wham-O has a new management team and a new business strategy. The company best known for classic toys that became pop culture crazes, such as the Hula Hoop, Frisbee, and Slip ’N Slide, will launch a reinvigorated lineup of products across its portfolio of toys, sporting goods, and recreational products. WHAM-O’s fall 2010 line includes new offerings in several categories, such as preschool, dolls and figures, outdoor winter games, and back-to-school. The company is also planning a major program for spring 2011 with fresh takes on the company’s core brands including Slip ’N Slide, Frisbee, Hacky Sack, SuperBall, Morey, BZ, and Boogie Board. THE TOY BOOK 46 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Fundex Rolls the Dice F undex introduces four new games, including two new dice games. Players help Fred collect neighborhood animals and pickles, his favorite food, in the Fred May Day Dice Game, to earn points. But, be careful, don’t get caught stalking Judy, Fred’s crush, or you can lose it all. The game comes with dice, a travel case, and a score pad. The hoops&yoyo Gimme Donuts Dice and Card Game, for kids ages 8 and older, stars Hallmark characters hoops, yoyo, and their friend piddles. The game, packaged in a portable tin, features donut cards that have images of the characters in crazy positions. Up to four players roll the dice to recreate the poses and score donuts. The player with the most donuts wins. In Jungle Grapevine: Race to the Watering Hole, players draw cards to move their animal playing pieces through the jungle, aiming to get to the watering hole first. As players journey down the rugged path to find fresh water, unexpected surprises and obstacles get in the way, slowing down some in the race. The game is targeted to kids ages 3 and older and up to six players can play at a time. Dominos get creative in Alex Beard: Face to Face. Based on the Beard’s oil on canvas, the game’s objective is to match up the eyes, noses, and mouths strategically and artistically. ToyQuest Gets Squishy & Stretchy S quish ’em, squeeze ’em, stretch ’em—ToyQuest announces that Stretch Screamers will return in fall 2010 to celebrate their 10th anniversary. Popping eyeballs and screams of terror make this year’s line more disgusting, spooky, and kooky than ever before. These 14-inch figures can stand alone, and are constructed with super-stretchy material. Expanding the NFL Probot action figure line, the National Basketball Association joins the program in spring 2010. Like their football counterparts, these NBA robots also feature a unique head-flipping capaStretch Screamers bility. With a simple push of a button, the head will change from the face of the player to his helmeted robot alter ego. Measuring six inches tall, each of these fully articulated figures carries a magnetic basketball accessory. Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Shaquille O’Neal will be among six other top NBA players in the lineup. THE TOY BOOK 48 Kids Only Signs with Crayola K ids Only recently signed with Crayola to launch a collection of Crayola-branded metal indoor and outdoor activity furniture. The products will incorporate Crayola’s vibrant color story and allow children to personalize their spaces. The line is anticipated to launch in early 2010. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Sakar Says, “Ni Hao, Nickelodeon” T his fall, Sakar International is releasing new lines of Nickelodeon-branded electronics, including Dora the Explorer and Ni Hao, Kai-Lan items for preschool children. The lines will include digital cameras, walkie talkies, alarm clocks, and more. One of the hottest items in the Dora the Explorer line is the Mood Camera. This easyto-use camera is perfect for any little explorer to capture images of their daily adventures. Plus, it has fun phrases that Dora is known to say and interactive software so kids can create picture books, stories, and more. For Ni Hao, Kai-Lan, the Walkie Talkies make it easy for little ones to communicate with their best friend. These items and more will be available at Toys “R” Us this fall. Wal-Mart Welcomes Baby Genius P laying off the growing success of the Baby Genius discover, and express themselves. DVDs and CDs and the upcoming 2009 release of The collection will include the All-In-One Musical the Baby Animals DVD, a Baby Genius toy line will Band, a seven-piece musical set sized just right for little launch at Wal-Mart stores nationwide in the fall. The 2009 musicians. The Musical Vacuum features cool music, licensing program also includes a series of Baby Genius back and forth motion, light up notes, and spinning board books, which are currently distributed action perfect for mommy’s little helper. through Simon and Schuster. For 2010 and Tempo’s Musical Broom features a beyond, The Joester Loria Group plans to purpopular Baby Genius character, fun sue additional categories, including juvenile phrases, realistic sweeping sounds, products, feeding accessories, infant and and Tempo’s own “Broom Song.” toddler apparel, party supplies, bedding, DJ’s Sing-a-Long Keyboard lets and electronic learning aids. little DJs listen to sing-along songs, Battat Toys has been named the play musical instruments, hear giggly tentpole toy licensee. Baby Genius laughter, and even record their own toys will launch at Wal-Mart with masterpieces. The Pet Care Center seven feet of dedicated space in the comes complete with Melody the puppy for preschool aisle. The initial assortkids to take care of by listening to her heart All-In-One Musical Band ment will include preschool learning, activity, beat, trimming her nails, and giving her lots and roleplay toys and will incorporate the Baby Genius of love. With Old McVinko’s Musical Farm, kids can principles by featuring music as a core learning tool to roleplay farm activities such as feeding the animals and engage and encourage children to communicate, connect, milking the cow. THE TOY BOOK 50 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Neat-Oh Builds Partnership with LEGO Goldberger’s New Dolls N eat-Oh! International, LLC has announced the introduction of the latest product in its expanding line, the LEGO CITY ZipBin Toy Box & Playmat. Like all ZipBin products, it is a creative toy and both a storage and transport solution. LEGO CITY ZipBin Toy Box & Playmat joins 24 other products in NOI’s catalog, including ZipBin Classic products, ZipBin Minis, ZipBin Shapes, and ZipBin Playpacks. All ZipBin products unzip flat to a play mat surface. Unlike other toy storage containers, unzipping allows children to access toys inside without the usual dumping and scattering of toys. When play is done, the toys zip back inside ready to store and/or transport. All ZipBin products are collapsible, transportable, and feature wipe-clean surfaces. All products and packaging are eco-friendly as well. ZipBin Baskets are also new. These colorful ZipBin storage baskets unzip into playmats in four themes: T-Rex, Train Town, City, and Superstar Condo. ZipBin Ice Cream Shoppe includes an ice cream truck, ZipBin Tote, and activity mat, plus four colors of modeling dough and tools to make ice cream creations. Kids love to flip the Neat-Oh! 2-Sided Playmats to reveal two different colored play environments. The mats are available in two versions, Farm/Dino Land and Construction/Roadville. Each mat measures 28.5 by 22.5 inches, includes toys, and is ready to play. Additionally, Neat-Oh! Mini Playmats measure 17 inches by 12 inches and are available in three themes: Airplanes, Dino Land, and Safari. THE TOY BOOK 52 T he Goldberger Company introduces a new subbrand, Yum Yums, and also expands its Baby’s First, Basic Training, and Lavender Dreams lines in 2010. Like all Goldberger dolls, these new additions will be phthalate-compliant and will come with the Goldberger “Love It for Life” lifetime guarantee. Yum Yums Musical Lights Lolli is an extraexpressive and colorfully dressed doll. Turn her special knob and she will magically light up and play a sweet song. She can sip on her bottle or suck on her thumb. Lolli is for babies 18 months and older. The new Basic Training Molly Manners doll sings a song written by Tex Ritter that teaches kids good manners, such as saying “Please” and “Thank You.” Just press her tummy and sing along. Her batteries can be easily changed and she is machine washable. Molly Manners is for ages 1 and up. Baby’s First Plumpee is a soft doll with a soft vinyl face. Plumpee is machine-washable and is safe for newborns. The Lavender Dreams Heart Glow Baby softly drifts off to dreamland when you press her heart. This lavender-scented baby doll is dressed in her sleepy time outfit. Her scent will help little ones drift off to sleep too, as lavender is known to help soothe and calm fussy babies. Heart Glow Baby is for ages 18 months and up. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Hooga Loo Has FaceChipz 10Vox Puts the Pieces Together H ooga Loo aims to transform the way tweens communicate by encouraging face-to-face exchanges of collectible tokens that connect tweens online at FaceChipz.com. Available in 200 different colors and styles, FaceChipz tokens are decorated with colorful, quirky emoticons representing an emotion for any occasion. Tweens share the tokens with friends to cheer them up and show support, while also inviting each other to connect online. FaceChipz is designed to fill the void for tweens that have outgrown younger gaming sites but are not yet ready for the freedom and challenges of more mature destinations. After purchasing FaceChipz tokens, tweens log on to FaceChipz.com to create a personalized profile page. Each FaceChipz token is imprinted with a unique code that kids enter online. The FaceChipz tokens are then shared among friends. When the friend enters the code at FaceChipz.com the two are connected. As kids continue to give and receive FaceChipz, their collection and network grows. At FaceChipz.com, tweens have access to many activities and features, including ChipChat messaging, photo sharing, status updates, emoticon mood updates, favorite lists, secret message widgets, and much more. M yFunPuzzle.com is the latest introduction from 10Vox Entertainment. Integrating both an online, web-based interactive experience and a retail gift line for consumers, MyFunPuzzle.com is a revolutionary twist on a time-honored pastime. Customers purchase a traditional puzzle at their local retailer, either 1,000 pieces for adults or 100 pieces for children, and inside the box they will find a puzzle and a special access code. This code, when entered at MyFunPuzzle.com, will allow customers to “put together” their puzzle in a virtual world. Not only will they have access to the image they purchased, but they will also receive access to nine other puzzles based on the genre they purchased. Players will be able to re-cut their puzzle into varying numbers of virtual pieces, separate pieces by colors, separate the edges, and even compete for the best time on the Leader Board. Need to see the picture to complete the puzzle? Not a problem; the puzzle’s image can be “set up” for the player to view on the side or even laid out as a template for the pieces to go into. Want to invite a friend to help? Give them the “Guest Code” and they can log on and help out. Santa Kitty Puzzle THE TOY BOOK 54 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = C JAKKS Jumps into 2010 J AKKS Pacific has a lot to offer kids in 2010. Part of unlock items on clubpenguin.com. The Club Penguin Mix the Disney Fairies doll line, the Disney Fairies ’n Match Figures allow kids to continue to build their Club Magic Glow Fairies feature light-up, molded wings. Penguin collection. Each set includes two 2-inch Mix ’n Mode 1 features a fluttering light, Mode 2 Match figures and a mini accessory. Mix and match the has a rainbow effects light, and penguin parts to interchange the cosMode 3 has a color glow light. tumes and create unique figure variEach package contains a Pixie ations. The more figures kids collect, Pass to use as currency online at the more variations they can create, pixiehollow.com. The Magic and new figures will launch Glow Fairies are 4.5 inches tall. throughout the year. New for Hello Kitty, Hello Disney Channel’s Phineas Kitty World House Playsets and Ferb are going plush this allow children to build and play in spring. The Phineas and Ferb their Hello Kitty world with themed sets Slammer Plush with Sound Bytes may Club Penguin Mix ’n Match Figures including a dentist’s office, travel agency, look like any other toy, but when you and tanning salon. Each playset comes with a mini-figure throw your favorite characters, they jabber back phrases and accessories. from the show. Hear Phineas say, “Ferb, I know what we The new GX Racers Multi Pack Assortment is a line are going to do today,” or Dr. Doof say, “Ah, Perry the of 1:64-scale vehicles featuring interchangeable gyros Platypus, what an unexpected surprise.” Each character that race up to 600 scale MPH. The GX Multi-Pack says five different phrases. Assortment comes with two speed Get funky with Funky Town gyros, two cars, two rip cords, Alvin, based on Alvin and the and two track engines that can be Chipmunks. This plush sings and used to make the cars compatible dances to the “Funky Town” music. with other track sets. JAKKS is introducing Marvel The Bella Sara Bella’s Ball wind-up toys for boys ages 4 and Playset ties into the 2009 trading up. The toys come in three differcard series. Ball-themed accessories ent styles: Iron Man, Spider-Man, including jewelry and tiaras are and Wolverine. included so kids can dress up their New Smurfs toys include the horses in proper Ball attire. Smurf Wheel, which is a Smurf The Club Penguin online world wind-up figure on a skateboard is a snow-covered virtual island inside a wheel, and the Smurf Bella Sara Bella’s Ball Playset where kids can play games and Fortune Teller, featuring an allinteract in a virtual playground. Each Club Penguin prod- knowing Papa Smurf who will answer all of your quesuct includes a one-of-a-kind collectible coin with a code to tions in Smurf language. THE TOY BOOK 56 Delta Makes Furniture Fun SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 lean-up time becomes playtime with the Disney•Pixar Toy Story Toy Box from Delta Children’s Products. Featuring Buzz, Woody, and the Toy Story gang, the Toy Story Toy Box is a colorful addition to any room’s décor. The hinged safety lid prevents pinched fingers. Sayings adorning the Toy Box, including “In the Toy Chest,” and “Time for Fun,” encourage kids to organize their belongings while still having fun. This item meets all JPMA safety standards and complements other Toy Story items, sold separately. Some assembly is required. Delta has traveled all over the planet to bring the magic and wonder of the world’s baby animals home to the littlest explorers. With fun animal friends on the removable mobile and colorful animal designs on the mesh sides, the Fisher-Price Precious Planet Deluxe Playard lets your child play among his friends. Durable and portable, the playard frame folds compactly, and the sturdy carry bag lets you take it with you. It also serves as a bassinet and changing table, and includes plenty of storage for diapers and other baby essentials. = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = R Step2 Plays It Up T he PlayUp Toddler Swing & Slide is a multi-functional activity center from Step2, fit for a toddler to slide, swing, and play. Its sophisticated and fun look is part of the company’s new collection that will hit stores in 2010. The climber on the playset has sloped steps with handgrips to help toddlers step up and grab on to the slide, which promotes balance and hand-eye coordination. The swing seat includes a seat belt for a safe ride towards the sky. Go Haywire with New Learning Games T he Haywire Group has expanded its DICEcapades! line for 2010. New games include DICEcapades Kids Version! and DICEcapades! Word Pirates. For a twist on a classic story, Action Princesses is the game to have. These princesses may look dainty, but make no mistake, they can handle themselves and save a prince in distress while they’re at it. In this game, the princesses gather the tools they need to defeat the Evil King who is threatening the village and has captured Prince Charming. In Number Ninjas, players will have a great time on their mission to retrieve the Golden Dragon Box. Ninjas will need to solve math challenges, block their opponents, and avoid traps, all while being the first to reach the ancient temple where the treasure is hidden. THE TOY BOOK 58 Revell Flies High SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 evell’s Proto CX Ultra-Micro Radio-Control Helicopter is nearly 8.5-inches long, fully assembled, fully equipped, and outfitted with two powerful motors plus a high-capacity, LiPo flight battery. A heading hold gyro and counter-rotating rotor blades combine for a smooth, forgiving flight performance. With no experience, even brand-new pilots can climb, descend, hover, turn, and fly forward or in reverse. A 2.4GHz transmitter with LCD display combines the easy-to-grip comfort of a video game controller with R/C versatility. Dual rates allow skilled fliers to make their heli more responsive just by pressing the right stick. The transmitter also doubles as a charger for the Proto CX LiPo battery. Additionally, United Model and Revell have partnered with the Boy Scouts of America to produce a full line of official Pinewood Derby products—just in time to celebrate the Boy Scouts’ 100-year anniversary. Revell energizes the pinewood model category with new kits, invigorated packaging, and never-beforeavailable items such as a handy carrying case and economical paint set. The initial lineup has more than 30 different products: racers, building and customizing accessories, and a Tips and Tricks booklet. Original car designs—Luge, Dragster, Grand Prix, Skateboard, and Funny Car—come with pre-carved wood blocks and step-by-step, photo-illustrated instructions. Custommolded, colored pieces and full-color decals add realism. Revell tops off each kit with official, race-legal Pinewood Derby wheels. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Explore the Science of Hair I n Scientific Explorer’s Heavenly Hair kit, kids will find everything they need to become an expert stylist. They can make their own shampoo and conditioner and learn about the science that explains why each person’s hair looks the way it does—how it grows, what makes it curly or straight, why it’s a certain color, and more. There are also tips from the pros on how to choose the perfect cut and style for your face and hair type. This kit is for ages 8 and up and will be available in March. LEGO’s Got Game L EGO introduces LGS, a new line of LEGO games. In 2010 LEGO will bring 10 new games to the U.S., with five launching in March and five more to follow in August. The concept behind the games is build, play, change—it’s LEGO as you’ve never seen it before. With Lava Dragon, build the volcano according to the instructions, including the dice. Play with the aim to be the first to climb to the top of the erupting volcano and summon the dragon, but watch out for the molten lava. Change the rules by adding the “lava” tile then using the “lava” sword to push your opponent off the mountain and back to the beginning. In Monster 4, the goal is be the first to get four monsters in a row. Build the graveyard according to the instructions, then build the dice. Play by carefully getting four monsters in a row without falling into the path of the giant spider. Change the sides of the dice to add new blocking rules and devious spider-dodging moves. With Pirate Code, set a secret code in your treasure chest. Try to break your opponents’ code before they discover yours, and become the pirate captain. Build the dice THE TOY BOOK and the game using the building instructions. Play by first choosing a code and hiding it in your treasure chest. Collect and rearrange gems while guessing in turn until someone cracks a code. Change the game by adding the white tile to bring out the sinister skeleton. In Minotaurus, be the first to lead your heroes to the temple, avoiding the Minotaur, and win. Build the maze and dice using the building instructions. Play by getting one or all of your knights to the center of the maze. Just watch out—your opponents can block you as you travel through the maze, but you can send them home using the Minotaur. Change the number of spaces the Minotaur can move, the Monster 4 layout of the maze, and more. With Creationary, the objective is to build and guess. Roll the dice to select one of four categories: vehicles, buildings, nature, or things. There are three levels of difficulty, so pick the right level for you and build what’s on your card. Other players guess what you built. Play as individuals or as teams. This is a great game for family and friends to test imagination, creativity, building, and guessing skills. 60 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Scratch Art Makes Friendship Creative S cratch Art introduces the Scratch & Trade Friendship Card Album Set, a new twist on a creative trend. Artist trading cards are mini works of art made by and traded among artists worldwide. Kids of all ages and abilities can create their very own trading card mini-masterpieces, swap them with friends, and display their collections in the album. The set includes 14 Rainbow Black trading cards, a wood drawing stylus, more than 50 stickers to jump start the art, 14 colorful album pages inside a wire-bound hardcover album, and instructions. Scratch ’em, trade ’em, collect ’em. Aurora World Brings the Love A urora World, Inc. has announced its 2010 Additionally, The WannaBes, which feature YooHoo & Valentine’s merchandise. Topping the list is Friends dressed as other animals, encourage kids to play, YooHoo Greetings, which combines a pretend, and exercise their imaginations. plush toy and greeting card. YooHoo Greetings The snow-white colored I Wuv U Bear is Aurora’s pieces are available in four styles and are 3.5 featured Valentine’s teddy. Each is accented with a inches tall. pink nose and holds an embroidered candy-cane-colAurora offers a variety of Valentine’s ored heart that reads, “I Wuv U.” YooHoos, including a Pucker Up style, which Wrap the long arms and legs of the U Make Me features a smooch sound and heart that lights Wild Monkey around a package or around a vase up when squeezed, and purple and pink YooHoos full of flowers. U Make Me Wild Monkeys are silky holding an embroidered heart that reads “Luv soft and include embroidered features as well as a Me.” The YooHoo and Friends line is compleremovable heart-shaped bobble around the neck. mented by a free, interactive website, Finally, leading characters from the syndicated www.yoohoofriends.com, which features “Pearls Before Swine” comic strip are back with a new style YooHoo characters in a multitude of online and characteristic flare for Valentine’s Day. Fans will games and activities for children. appreciate Rat, Croc, and Zebra adorned with embroiAurora has four new characters joining the dered hearts that read “Love Bites,” “Be My Fud,” Pearls Before Swine Croc YooHoos & Friends line for 2010 (available in and “Peace,” respectively. The childlike but welltwo sizes—five and eight inches): Platypus, Scarlet Macaw, meaning Pig character dons a gold set of Cupid’s arrow and Iberian Lynx, and Barbary Lion. wings. Each character is eight inches in size. THE TOY BOOK 62 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Imperial Toy Is Super I mperial Toy’s Googly Frog and Spider are made of the same materials as the popular googly balls. Squish, toss, stretch, or pull the frog or spider and they still go back to their original shape. Googly Frog and Spider are available in an assortment of colors. Kids can act out their own superhero adventure with the Super Hero Squad Flashlight. The flashlight includes three slides which, when inserted, can be projected to create a superhero-sized scene. It also features a built-in stand for easy use. The Marvel Hero Fingerboards let kids perform hero tricks with their fingers, and are now available in a box set featuring favorite styles. International Playthings Goes Green I nternational Playthings’ portable Soccer- and GirlMr. Robot Head is a classic toy with a revolutionary themed FM radios never run out of juice. Each radio fea- new twist. Kids try to move the wand from one side to the tures push-button tuning and a headphone jack. Kids other without touching the wire. Flashing lights and use the crank on the back to power it. Additionally, the buzzing sounds alert kids when they touch the wire, telling crank-powered rechargeable energy can be used to charge them to start back at the beginning. Keep Mr. Robot Head’s cell phones, using the included mobile phone charging energy charged up by cranking the handle that stores cable and five adapters. neatly in the back of his head. Featuring four different animals, the squeezeKids will discover the abilities of worms, and powered, kid-sized Farm Flashlights are lighttheir importance in our ecosystem, through a ing the way with kid-generated energy. Using series of safe and humane experiences using the side lever that stores inside the body, kids can real worms in the Worm Farm. This kit allows chilrelease and squeeze to charge up the light. When dren to plant seeds and grow vegetation in soil strata switched on, each animal’s nose lights up. that is separated by colored sand horizons—great Using a hand crank to charge up the Eco for tracking worm activity. Rocket, kids will hear a countdown, watch The Ant-o-Sphere Starter Pod is built in launchers power up, and blast off with flashing 3-D. The space-age ant colony modules and lights and sounds. The Eco Rocket includes a connecting tubes are made in daylight and removable cockpit hatch, while the hand night colors. Each sphere features three crank stores neatly in the body. lenses to easily observe the ants: one clear, Ant-o-Sphere Kids become eco-pop stars with the one that magnifies, and a fisheye. crank-powered electronic Eco Mic microphone. Using four With eight pods, three bases, 18 supports, and everydifferent buttons to activate voice amplification, music to thing needed to gather and keep ants, kids can connect sing along to, and two different drum sounds, the Eco Mic is and customize their very own anti-gravity ant worlds with an all-in-one music band, with a color-changing light show. Ant-O-Sphere 8 Pods. THE TOY BOOK 64 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = MEGA Brands Builds Excitement T he Mega Bloks Halo Wars sets continue to feature detailed vehicles and figures, and realistic blocks with camouflage effect. The battle between the UNSC and the Covenant continues with the UNSC Gausshog vs. Covenant Locust construction set. This 375-piece set includes a Red UNSC Gausshog, Covenant Locust, Covenant Elite, Covenant Brute, two UNSC Spartans, and two Suicide Covenant Grunts. Continue to experience the turbo power with Battle Strikers Series 2, the kid-controlled spinning top battling system. Battle Strikers in Series 2 continue to be revved up through the new Turbo Launcher and are then released to execute battle. You have full control of the Strikers with the integrated controller, where you continue to drive your Striker into battle and knock opponents out of the game using the force of magnetism. With the Battle Strikers Starter Pack Series 2, power up your Battle Strikers Series 2 Turbo Launcher, load it up with a themed Series 2 Striker, and get ready to battle. Accelerate your Striker at more than 6,000 RPM. The Starter Pack Series 2 includes the Turbo Launcher, the Controller, and one exclusive Striker. Part of the Build ’N Discover World line, the Rocker Stacker allows toddlers to experience the wonders of balance and gravity by stacking 11 unique blocks on a special rocking container. This buildable set includes five shapes for sorting and stacking, a rattle block, and six extra Maxi blocks in the rocking storage bucket. Celebrate a decade of Dora with new Dora the Explorer building sets. In Dora’s Royal Adventure, join Dora and live life as a princess with Boots the Monkey as they explore the wonders of a royal castle. Help find her magic wand or create your very own castle adventures. This buildable set THE TOY BOOK 66 includes a Dora figure as a princess, a Boots the Monkey figure, a friendly bunny, magic wand blocks, flowers, banister blocks, a castle rook, and decorations. Buckle up and step into Streetz, a toy line where kids build and customize their own city, then bring it to life with technology-enhanced micro-scale vehicles. With the Streetz Raceway, race and chase your opponent through the strip, smash through the custom shop sign, and release the stunt action vehicles. The Raceway set comes with three stunt action vehicles, two vac-metalized stunt action vehicles, two speed boosters, and three stunt ramps. New to the Lil’ Vehicles line is the Lil’ Steamboat. This little boat really works on both land and water. Place your blocks and buddies in the boat and head out to sea for adventures anywhere the water may take you. The portable steamboat includes a detailed Block Buddy, Kai-Lan’s Garden open top feature, transparent storage bottom, and maxi bloks. Part of the new line of Ni Hao, Kai-Lan sets is Kai-Lan’s Garden. Kai-Lan and Rintoo need your help tending to her garden. This scenic buildable set includes Kai-Lan and Hoho figures in gardening outfits, a healthy green tree accessory, a wheelbarrow, a shed to store tools or vegetables, and special vegetable blocks. Celebrating its 65th anniversary, Thomas & Friends is now available through Mega Bloks. With Busy Day at the Quarry, help Thomas and Mavis transport rocks from the quarry to the dock. Use the storage bucket to climb and race Thomas and Mavis up and down the ramps, or use the real-working crane to help Thomas lift heavy rocks. This buildable, four-foot long set includes detailed Thomas and Mavis characters, a crane, coal, a coal chute, buildable blocks, and ramps. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = New Tailgating Game from Little Kids L ittle Kids’ Junk Ball Sports brand introduces Knockers, a new tailgating game. Knockers requires quickness and skill as players throw a flying disc aimed at knocking off the knocker while the opposing team tries to catch the knocker or the flying disc. Completely portable and easy to assemble, each set includes two stands that are placed 20 feet apart with a barrel-shaped knocker on top of each stand. Points are scored when teams knock the knocker off the stand by throwing the flying disc at it, and/or if the defense is unable to catch the flying disc. COntinUed on Pa g E 8 4 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Ride Along with Moose Mountain COntinUed fRoM Pa g E 6 8 K ids can take a ride with Farmer Jed and his animal friends on the Little People Build ’n Fun Farm Ride-On. The toy includes a Farmer Jed figure, under seat storage, a working windmill, farm sounds and tunes, and blocks that kids can build with and stack. Players can become ultimate athletes with Moose Mountain’s ESPN 3 in 1 Skills Challenge. Pitch strikes at the K-Zone, pass for touchdowns and kick for field goals, or jolt one straight into the soccer net to score a goal. The target of the game flips down to convert from baseball target and field goal to football target and soccer net. Baseballs, a football, and a soccer ball are included. Uncle Milton Explores the Stars C omplete your Jedi training by building your own Lightsaber with the Star Wars Science Mini Lightsaber Tech Lab, from Uncle Milton. Choose from four different colored crystals and customize your own miniature, 8.25inch version of the Lightsaber used by Anakin Skywalker. The Star Wars CT-5 Exploration Unit lets you survey your corner of the universe and document the fascinating creatures and specimens that live right in your backyard. Use the tools and earth sifter to find insects and other objects so you can do a close examination. There’s also a built-in flashlight so you can search at night for elusive nocturnal critters. Basic Fun Offers Carry Along Classics B asic Fun continues to roll out new series for its hottest brands, and Bakugan remains at the top of the list in Basic Fun’s line. Each Bakugan Battle Brawlers Mega Key Chain features the familiar Bakugan Battle Brawler ball, in a slightly oversized format. Each Battle Brawler springs open and morphs into one of six Bakugan fighters with the pull of a button. Series 4 and Series 5 are on the way. Based on Hasbro’s electronic game titles, Basic Fun will also introduce miniature working versions of Bop It, Simon, and Catch Phrase in carabiner format. Each game features the game play of the original, including lights and sound, while adding the takeeverywhere feature. As a follow-up to its Twister Take Along line, Basic Fun will apply its take along ingenuity to its new Connect 4. This adaptation features a takeeverywhere tube, which unfolds by unhooking a clasp and then becomes the playing grid. The removable end caps serve as the base or feet for the grid, and inside are the legs, checkers, and dump bar, all contained in a zip-sealed poly bag. Basic Fun will start out with Transformers Take Along Connect 4 and is working on finalizing deals for several other entertainment properties. Basic Fun’s Fisher-Price Classics line continues to grow as the classic TV Radio from 1963 makes its second debut 46 years later. This preschool radio features a wind-up knob and plays the familiar song “Farmer in the Dell” while images from the nursery rhyme rotate in the small window. The outer case also features vintage graphics, complete with song lyrics, from the original nursery rhyme. Fisher-Price TV Radio THE TOY BOOK 84 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Fashion Angels Debuts Heavenly New Toys F ashion Angels recently introduced its spin on the collectible puzzle eraser trend with its CrazErasers line. There will be a new series of CrazErasers out every three months, adding to the collectability aspect of the line. In 2010, Fashion Angels will introduce several half-size versions of its Sketch Portfolios. Among the themes will be a Flower Power Sketch Portfolio to design Boho chic fashions and accessories and a Glitz and Glam Sketch Portfolio to draw the perfect collection for a night out on the town. Project Runway versions will also be available, with black packaging and a little more runway edge. There will also be a new addition to the Project Runway line—The Project Runway Light Box Fashion Design Set. Girls will use the mini light box to trace clothing outlines onto their model sketchpads. Then, using the included design guide, they can learn how to add color and embellishments to their sketches to make the ultimate dream wardrobe. MerchSource Offers Kid-Friendly Technology T he Discovery Kids Teach & Talk Laptop, from MerchSource, will function similarly to last year’s model, but will be rebranded for Discovery Kids and will be available with either blue or lavender trim. The new model will feature an updated IC with new and improved games. The Discovery Kids Digital Camera is a rugged digital camera that allows children to shoot pictures and video that they can review on the LCD screen or download to their computer for sharing. Two new models will be featured: one with blue handles and a bubble print and one with lavender handles and a flower print. The Discovery Kids Fish Lamp serves as a warm and soothing night-light for children’s rooms while allowing children to gaze into an “aquarium,” featuring fish that swim by a coral reef. The lamp comes with an over-sized fold-out poster that educates children about each of the fish featured. The Discovery Kids Digital MP3 Boombox is tough enough for kids to play with. The boombox features speakers for playing music aloud, eliminating parents’ concerns about hearing damage presented by headphones. The player comes pre-loaded with 20 kids’ songs, including originals written by child-friendly bands as well as standards and old-time favorites. The boombox can also be connected to a computer via USB to load additional music. The Time & Space Projection Clock is a rocket-shaped alarm clock available in either blue or pink. The clock projects the current time and NASA space images on the ceiling. The Fun2Save Kids ATM Bank presents a fun way to teach children about savings. It features an ATM card that children load to activate the machine, and accepts both bills and coins. In addition, children can set their own PIN to protect their savings. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 87 = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Brands Unlimited Debuts Delicious Product Line Wild Planet Debuts Spies, Aliens, Robots, and Cowboys U nlike ordinary handcuffs in which the fun is done when the cuffs click shut, Wild Planet’s Spy Handcuffs become more exciting once a prisoner is captured. In place of a lock, the Spy Handcuffs have a motion-activated alarm. Instead of tightening in response to tugging, the Spy Handcuffs pop open, setting off a siren to announce an attempted escape. The Split-Blaster is a double-barrel dart launcher in which the barrels pivot to launch darts simultaneously in different directions, up to 180 degrees. Spies can take down two enemy agents at once, even if they’re approaching from opposite sides. The Split-Blaster is six inches long and comes with four soft rubber-tipped darts; one in each adjustable barrel and two stored beneath for backup. Darts soar a distance of 25 feet or more in each direction, giving spies a 50foot barrier of protection. Squatz are a new line of compact collectibles with interchangeable heads. Each 1.5-inch figure is embedded in a solid tablet twice its size, wrapped, and labeled with a question mark. Kids can choose from robots, aliens, pirates, or ninjas, but the exact character hiding in their tablet is a mystery upon purchase. When a tablet is submerged Squatz in a bowl of warm water, it begins to fizz, building suspense as kids wait for the concealing case to dissolve and reveal their collectible Squatz. Each figure has the same distinct shape and a removable head that fits all other Squatz bodies. Kids can trade duplicate parts to build their own custom Squatz, mixing pirate skulls and alien bodies, or ninja heads and robot torsos. The options increase with each addition to their collection. Wild Planet’s newest active learning game will feature the stars of Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3. Woody’s Run-Around Roundup is set for release in late spring. The game promotes physical and mental exercise. It can be played indoors or out, solo or in teams, and does not require the use of a computer or television. Woody (atop his horse Bullseye) is the electronic handheld tagger and his Toy Story co-stars Buzz Lightyear, Jesse, Hamm, and Rex are targets. Players listen for Woody to call out clues about different characters, then run to and tag the corresponding targets. THE TOY BOOK 88 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 B rands Unlimited Inter national, LLC debuts a mouth-watering confection of fun and functional gadgets featuring the M&M’s brand candy characters. Designed and pr oduced by Brands Unlimited under license fr om Mars, Inc., each item in the intr oductory line is value priced at under $25. Beginning this season, 14 all-new M&M’s-branded SKUs will be made available to consumers at mass-market, drug, grocery, and specialty stores nationwide. A dozen additional M&M’s licensed products will be introduced in 2010. From desk lamps to shower radios, the 2009 M&M’s lineup is designed to make everyday activities a little sweeter. The new collection includes FM scan radios, LED desk lamps, computer lights, computer fans, computer hubs, mug warmers, goose neck lamps, AM/FM digital alarm clock radios, and AM/FM show- SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 89 THE TOY BOOK = Fall Toy Preview 2009 = Real Robotics from Robonica R obonica enters the world of artificial intelligence with Roboni-i Action Games, competitive gameplay with real robots and online entertainment. At the center of the games is Roboni-i, a two-wheeled robot that does tricks, turns at a moment’s notice, and reacts to obstacles and interferences. The robot is fully programmable and equipped with four processors, a speaker, and 16 sensors, including 11 infrared sensors, a radio sensor, and a touch sensor. Players can program the robot’s personality with command center software that can be downloaded on their computer. The robot connects to computers through a USB port, which players can also use to design and play their own games and schedule matches for competitions with other robots. Street Surfing’s Scooter with a Twist Douglas Has Awesome Owls & Cool Cats H oot Couture Owl and Purple Night Owl, from Douglas Co., are seven inch-wide and 11 inch-tall silhouettes of a majestic owl. Aqua Daisy Chain Cat and Rainbow Sherbet Cat are 11 inch-wide and nine inch-tall silhouettes of a perfect cat. Each bag is fashioned with citruscolored prints and patterned, soft cotton fabric. Stitch and corded details outline each bag. The chic shoulder strap style and "working purse" zipped closure are perfect for young fashionistas on the go. T he smooth ride of a scooter combines with a caster board’s ability to carve and drift in the Whiplash, by Street Surfing. With Whiplash, riders can gain enough momentum to self-propel, so much that their feet never need to touch the ground. The scooter-caster board hybrid features an extra wide, skateinspired, flexing deck, a webbed design, and an extra long lightweight handlebar that allows riders to move side to side. The folding handle also eases travel and storage. THE TOY BOOK 90 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009