Books, Toys, Etc

Monster Books for Kids - Oh, My!

2010-04-27T17:01:00.000-05:00

Last week for my monthly post on the group blog: INK Interesting Nonfiction for Kids, the topic that I chose to write about was on Monster Books for Kids.
Here's the article:

Monster Nonfiction for Kids - Oh, my!

One of my current super secret projects has a little something to do with monsters. (Oh, my!) In a quest to hunt out a vast array of curious creatures, I scurried over to my local library to find some fact-filled nonfiction books on the subject of monsters. While ravaging the bookshelves, I pondered a few things about monsters and books about them. (By the way, I didn't ravage the bookshelves --- just a little too into the theme.)

1. Are monsters fiction or nonfiction? If they can be found in the nonfiction shelves, does that make monsters real? At my library, I found one title shelved in fiction, and, in another library, the same book was shelved in nonfiction. One of my favorite monster books is Everything I Know About Monsters by Tom Lichtenheld. Tom writes "The most important thing I know about monsters is that there really are no such things!... But, monsters DO exist in our imaginations." Don't you just love our imaginations?

2. How scary is too scary for kids? I don't have an answer - just a thought. So, I'm wondering if this wise group of INK contributors and readers of this blog have some comments to share. From my experience, I think some of the nonfiction books about monsters would have scared the heck out of my daughter, now a graduating senior. Of course, the picture book that all three of my kids had to have read to them every night was The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone (author) and Michael Smollin (illustrator).
And, in writing this, I discovered that there's a new book:

Another Monster at the End of This Book
by Jon Stone (author) and Michael Smollin (illustrator)
(I think I found a great addition to add to my favorite "new baby" gift, aka basket full o' books.)

(Sorry, back to the subject at claw... I mean, hand.)

3. Where does a green-haired 1,000 pound three-eyed monster sleep?*

A few good general reference nonfiction books I found were:
Encyclopedia horrifica : the terrifying truth! about vampires, ghosts, monsters, and more
Scholastic 2007
by Joshua Gee
Monster hunt : the guide to cryptozoology
Sterling 2008
by Rory Storm
What a beast! : a look-it-up guide to the monsters and mutants of mythology!
Franklin Watts/ Scholastic 2010
by Sophia Kelly
Monsterology: The Complete Book of Monstrous Beasts
Candlewick 2009
by Dr. Ernest Drake
I found this book shelved in both fiction and nonfiction.

*Answer to question #3: Anywhere he wants to!

In writing this post, I think I answered my own questions. Adding humor to books about monsters might make them seem just a little less scary. But, you still might need some monster spray at night --- a spritz under the bed and a sprinkle into the closet should do the trick... at least it did in my house.

Avatar toys: Action figure line for girls

2010-01-22T20:39:00.000-06:00

New article on my National Children's Toys Examiner page:

Avatar toys: Action figure line for girls

Here's part of the article:
Like most of the nation, my family went to see Avatar the first week it opened. Per my fifteen-year-old’s “seeing Avatar was a life changing experience” recommendation, we pre-ordered tickets for the Imax theater. Even though, we tried to get to the theater early, only five seats in the third row were available. Not a big fan of 3D glasses or the third row, surprisingly, I was not uncomfortable for one second during the movie. Totally captivated by the movie experience, for over two and a half hours, I was lost in the world that James Cameron created. Only for one fleeting second. I thought outside that realm. My epiphany: Toys are a perfect pairing with the movie. Finally, a movie that isn’t made for a toy line. Avatar action figures and the ensuing play patterns are made for this movie.

James Cameron's Avatar Na'vi Neytiri Action Figure Currently the top selling Avatar action figure on Amazon.
James Cameron's Avatar Na'vi Leonopteryx Collectible Figure

James Cameron's Avatar Na'vi Dire Horse Creature

For the entire article go here:

Avatar toys: Action figure line for girls

Smithsonian Channel: Original Programming in HD and On Demand: All Dolled Up: Collectible Dolls

2010-01-22T11:56:00.000-06:00

Smithsonian Channel: Original Programming in HD and On Demand: All Dolled Up: Collectible Dolls

Can't wait for this!

2010-01-12T10:05:00.002-06:00

Great new books out this week!
Check 'em out!

Children’s Book Reviews: 1/11/2010
New picture books this week from Ashley Bryan, Cynthia Lord and Derek Anderson, Bob Shea, and Jonah Winter and Red Nose Studio. Plus: fiction from Caroline B. Cooney, Walter Dean Myers, Francisco X. Stork, Melina Marchetta, and more.

CL!CK: A LEGO Short Film

2010-01-12T09:38:00.001-06:00

Fantastic new video from LEGO in conjunction with their new community: LEGO CLICK

Very creative!

Let the New Year's Eve games begin!

2009-12-31T14:02:00.001-06:00

Let the New Year's Eve games begin!

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Zhu Zhu pets hot for wish lists

2009-10-03T18:10:00.000-05:00

From my National Children's Toys Examiner page:

When Toys “R” Us announced their 2009 Hot Holiday Toy List last week, one toy on the list was not a surprise. Zhu Zhu Pets by Cepia (formerly called Go Go Pets) were first released this past May with a launch in Phoenix AZ. I loved the video. I loved the idea. I wanted a Zhu Zhu Pet Hamster!

From a mom’s perspective, Zhu Zhu hamsters are great because:

Zhu Zhu’s don’t bite. One story that will go down in Lewis family history is the year #1 son had to have a hamster. Begging, pleading, crying ensued for months. “I promise to take care of the hamster.” “It will show how responsible I can be.” Thinking back, I remember that the obsession started when son became fascinated by a hamster named Hamtaro. He had Hamtaro children’s books and loved the Hamtaro TV show. Who wouldn’t want a little friend to play with? But the first time my son took his new best friend out of his cage, “Butterfinger” bit him.
Zhu Zhu hamsters don’t need to have their cages cleaned out. Yes, because “Butterfinger” was a biter, he didn’t get his cage cleaned out on a regular basis. Which led to the next reason Zhu Zhu’s are great.
Zhu Zhu hamsters don’t die. Within three months, Butterfinger got tail rot or wet tail and eventually died. The average life span of a hamster is two years.
Zhu Zhu hamsters are not too expensive.

From a toy inventor’s perspective, Zhu Zhu hamsters are great because:

They appeal to both girls and boys.
They have a long age span appeal. I see four year olds and 14 year olds loving this toy.
They have a wide-open play pattern for creative play.

AT THIS MOMENT (10 am October 3, 2009)
Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters hold all but one the top 15 spots on the Amazon Toys & Games Sales Rank. That’s amazing!
#1 Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Pipsqueek - Yellow
#2 Zu Zhu Pets Hamster Mr. Squiggles - Light Brown
#3 Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster NumNums
#4 Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Chunk - White
#5 Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Funhouse
#6 Zhu Zhu Pets Adventure Ball
#7 Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster 2 Pack
#8 Zhu Zhu Pets Add On Garage
#9 Zhu Zhu Pets Add On Hamster Wheel
#11 Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Accessory Kit Carrier & Blanket
#12 Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster 2 Pack
#13 Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Deluxe Accessory Kit Surfboard & Sleep Dome
#14 Zhu Zhu Pets Add On Ramp and Slide
#15 Zhu Zhu Ppets Hamster Blanket & Bed
Curious which toy is the only non-Zhu Zhu toy on the top 15 list?
#10 Bananagrams
I love Bananagrams!

The word on the street is that many stores are sold out of this toy and there are long lines at stores as the delivery truck pulls up. Looks like a few children won’t be getting Zhu Zhu Hamsters for Christmas.

For the rest of this article, go to my National Children's Toys Examiner page.

2009-08-01T22:47:00.001-05:00

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A Very Hungry Caterpillar Celebration

2009-06-30T15:21:00.005-05:00

This year we celebrate two fantastic events around the award-winning classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. First, on June 24th was Eric Carle’s 80th birthday! Lori Calabrese, the fabulous Children’s Book Examiner, wrote the perfect article last week all about the celebration, complete with links on how to wish Mr. Carle a great birthday. Second, The Very Hungry Caterpillar celebrates 40 years since it was first published!

There are several The Very Hungry Caterpillar celebrations around the world this year. The wonderful Eric Carle website is full of everything you would want to know - with loads of fun things for kids to do, too!

Fun facts about Eric Carle and The Very Hungry Caterpillar:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar has been translated into more than 47 languages and sold over 29 million copies, that’s one book every 30 seconds.
Carle graduated from the prestigious art school, the Akademie der bildenden Künste, in Stuttgart.
Carle’s first book was Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Carle has published more than 70 children’s books, so far.
Carle got the idea for The Very Hungry Caterpiller from a hole puncher.
"One day I was punching holes with a hole puncher into a stack of paper, and I thought of a bookworm and so I created a story called "A Week with Willi the Worm". Then my editor suggested a caterpillar instead and I said "Butterfly!" That's how it began," he said.
To celebrate the first day of spring 2009, Google changed it’s main page logo to a cool The Very Hungry Caterpillar logo. All the Google holiday-themed logos.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art was created in 2002 by Mr. Carle and his wife, Bobbie, and is located in Amhearst MA. The museum showcases the work of several national and international picture book artists. Check out their fun site for lots of information and resources.
Eric Carle products based on his books and art: Greeting cards, fabrics, stickers, games, dinnerware, activities, stationary, toys, plush, and many, many more products. The toy category includes bath toys, games, activities, plush, puppets, baby toys, blocks, puzzles, and more.

Ty’s Toy Box: (From the Eric Carle website)

An online shop for licensed Eric Carle merchandise including: books, stationery, plush, puppets, games, décor, and more. Shop for your favorite Eric Carle characters, such as Brown Bear, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Grouchy Lady Bug, and Panda Bear.

The perfect gift for a baby, toddler, or preschooler is a combination of classic children’s book paired with a toy. The connections made by the book with the toy increase the entire story experience. Also, the time shared by parent and child with the toy is priceless, and older siblings can also interact to make the experience an entire family affair.

Here are just a few of the many Eric Carle children’s toys available.

Eric Carle Stacking Ring

The World of Eric Carle Butterfly Pullstring Musical Crib Toy

Eric Carle Caterpillar Puppet

This article also appeared on my National Children's Toys Examiner page. More information can be located there.

Don't forget the beach toys

2009-07-09T22:04:00.005-05:00

In the crazed madness to pack for summer vacation, why is it that the one thing we forget to pack is the beach toys? There’s a reason why beachside restaurants sell the kiddie lunches in a pail with a shovel. Parents forgot to pack the beach toys and now have to collect all the buckets they can find.

So, let’s get inspired now before the last minute packing whirlwind begins.

Grandparent Hint: if you live near the beach, wouldn’t some of these beach toys make the perfect surprise for a grandchild after a long trip? Especially since they were probably accidently left behind.

From iPlay:

Beach Builder Create-A-Castle

Beach Builder Construct-A-Kingdom

Beach Builder Sculptor Set

Comes altogether in a nice handled bag. Easy to throw in car and tote down to the beach. All the tools you need to use your imagination in the sand.

Green Toys Sand Play Set
I love the design and quality of the entire line of Green Toys.
Made in the U.S.A. from recycled plastic milk containers.

Sandcastle In A Box (Hardcover)
by Ted Siebert
For serious castlebuilders:
Book explains how to build towers, windows, stairs, moats, and other classic sandcastle features-even a dragon! Kit includes skewer stick for detailed outlining, small shovel, window template, cylinder mold for tube shapes, palette knife with rounded tip, funnel for tower's top, turret flags, a brush and straw for whisking away loose sand, and a plastic tool bag.

Sandcastles Made Simple:

Step-by-Step Instructions, Tips, and Tricks for Building Sensational Sand Creations (Paperback)
by Lucinda Wierenga
Stewart, Tabori & Chang May 2009
If this doesn’t inspire, I don’t know what will.
I’ve been waiting for this book to come out in paperback!

Some websites for more information:
From Today’s Parent:
How to Make a Sandcastle
Essential skills for a summer of fun
Jeffrey Lee (adapted from his book "Catch a Fish, Throw a Ball, Fly a Kite: 21 Timeless Skills Every Child Should Know")

Kid’s Turn Central
Sand Castle Building Online for more links

And, of course, the first item packed is the sunscreen, so you’ll have plenty of protection on hand for fun in the sun!

Outdoor toys with Stephanie Oppenheim on Today Show

2009-06-09T12:24:00.001-05:00

Great toys, great show!
Let the summer begin!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Children's Toys Examiner: Raggedy Ann Museum to close

2009-06-08T11:47:00.001-05:00

Children's Toys Examiner: Raggedy Ann Museum to close

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Children's Toys Examiner: Barbie's 50th birthday party!

2009-05-11T19:53:00.001-05:00

Children's Toys Examiner: Barbie's 50th birthday party!

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Mitch Resnick DV

2009-04-05T21:14:00.001-05:00

VERY Hungry Caterpiller

2009-03-24T08:54:00.001-05:00

Great article!

Make Van Gogh’s Bed » AbbysDaddy.com

2009-03-23T10:15:00.002-05:00

Make Van Gogh’s Bed » AbbysDaddy.com

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Abby's reading:
Make Van Gogh's Bed
Julie Appel (author)
Amy Guglielmo (author)
Sterling October 2006

Sweet Abby will forever remember all these wonderful paintings. And, the memory will be extra special because it was quality time with her daddy.
So touching to see! Thanks, Abby's Dad!

Little People Turn 50!

2009-03-23T08:30:00.004-05:00

EAST AURORA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In 1959, Fisher-Price^®, the largest infant and preschool toy manufacturer and a subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NYSE:MAT), introduced the Safety School Bus and in turn gave birth to one of the longest running and most beloved iconic toy brands known today as the Little People^®brand. Since then, more than one and a half billion Little People figures have delighted millions of children worldwide and have evolved from wooden figures into poseable figures that can sit, stand and even hold things in their hands. On the eve of the brand’s 50^th birthday, officially marked on March 21, Fisher-Price is planning a year-long celebration including commemorative playsets, birthday parties, in-store demonstrations and even the first-ever traveling Little People^® Live musical show.

“Parents and children alike have been playing with Little People toys for half a century,” said Bruce Fox, Fisher-Price toy historian and author. “Toys with longevity that bridge the generational gap are rare these days. We’re very proud of the fact that the Little People brand has stood the test of time for 50 years and foresee that the brand will continue to inspire creative, imaginative play for generations to come.”

It all began in 1950 when two of Herm Fisher’s key toy designers created the Looky Fire Truck, with three little round-headed wooden firemen permanently attached to the toy. Nine years later, the little wooden figures gained their independence with the introduction of the Safety School Bus; thus the Little People figures that we know and love today were born.

Throughout the past five decades, Little People figures have helped preschoolers discover a whole world of imagination and fun in a world that’s “just their size” – from timeless playsets like the farm, house and garage to DVDs, CDs, books, games and more!

One of my very first toys I can remember is the Fisher-Price Circus.

Just looking at the giraffe or elephant brings back a flood of memories lying on the floor in my parents' house. Mr. Ringmaster, monkey, and pony were my friends. And, eventually, all the animals were Barbie's friends, too!
Thank you, Fisher-Price!

Dolls With Disabilties Selling Well (Yes!)

2009-03-23T08:02:00.003-05:00

New Dolls on the Block

By William Lee Adams Thursday, Mar. 19, 2009

Very interesting TIME article about Dolls with disabilities:
Link HERE.

News: Kids Make Parents Buy Stuff (Duh!)

2009-03-22T10:05:00.003-05:00

"Mum, buy me that chocolate, pleeeease!" New study shows the pervasive influence of children on their parents' in-store

The influence children wield over their parents' purchase decisions at the point of sale is grossly underestimated by parents. This was shown in a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Vienna, Austria. According to the study by consumer researchers Claus Ebster and Udo Wagner, twice as many purchases in supermarkets are triggered by children than their parents are aware of. The study was published in the internationally renowned Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services.

Oh, the power of the word ---- NO
Maybe there is no word for "No" in Austria?

Sesame Street Explains the Madoff Scandal

2009-03-22T09:59:00.001-05:00

This is GREAT!

Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (Chronicle Books)

2009-03-22T09:20:00.002-05:00

I love anything that Tom illustrates! (BTW he's a neighbor!)

Twitter Mosaic

2009-03-15T18:38:00.001-05:00

The ultimate in procrastination:

Are you here? Do you see yourself?

Get your twitter mosaic here.

Happy Birthday, Barbie!

2009-03-09T21:33:00.005-05:00

Barbie turns 50 years old today!
Wow! Doesn't she look mahvelous?

When I interviewed at Mattel in the '80s, I originally interviewed for a position in the Barbie Design department - Barbie Accessories. That fateful day, I also interviewed for the Girls R&D Department and that's where I landed. After a few years in Girl's Dolls and Plush, I made the decision to move to Infant/Preschool.

Today, there has been a lot of discussion about Barbie and her role in society. In another post, I will comment on many issues raised in a new book about Mattel. This post is about my own personal love of Barbie.

I grew up in the 60's and 70's - the days of one Barbie per child. My Barbie accessories were cardboard box beds, dishtowel comforters, and bathtub swimming pools. My bedroom or my best friend's bedroom was Barbie island and we pleaded with our parents to let us keep Barbie's "house" up until the next playdate.

In honor of Barbie's birthday, I paid her a visit in my china cabinet. Yes, I only have one Barbie left. My parents gave my Barbies, her clothing, and her storage case to my younger cousin. Years later, I pleaded with her to give me one of my Barbies.

I loved that outfit. Yes, the boots came with another outfit!
Barbie was not a sexy grown-up that I emulated. She was a catalyst for hours and hours of extremely creative play, by myself and with friends. For her, I created cars, houses, families, pets, horses, boats, swimming pools, dance studios, boyfriends, birthday parties, and environments IN MY HEAD!
When my mom taught me how to sew, I designed the most gorgeous outfits for Barbie (at least, in my imagination they were gorgeous).
And, sadly, I remember the day in sixth grade when I no longer wanted "to play" Barbie. I felt that same pain when my daughter felt she was "too old", but I understood. Scientist now say that children start to lose that creative thought in fourth grade.

This is my grandma's Barbie - not one of the very first ones manufactured. (Notice the "greening" on her ear from the earring?)
Grandma was in her thirties when Barbie came out and she bought this for herself. She cut off Barbie's feet, so she could stand. Then, Grandma painted on red fingernail polish for shoes. Also, Grandma cut off some of her own hair and glued it onto Barbie's private parts. Yup. This is how an adult saw Barbie - a grown-up mature woman. To me, Barbie was years of the best play imaginable. The creation of Barbie's life in my mind was priceless.

So, with that, I have to say thank you to Barbie - for five decades of creative play for all the little girls (and boys) in the world.
Have a wonderful Birthday! Here's to many, many more years!

Doll Design - From Suzanne Mills-Winkler

2009-03-05T16:57:00.003-06:00

Here's a fantastic article from Playthings-LINK.

Doll Design Done Right

10 tips to improve your chance for success

by Suzanne Mills-Winkler

Suzanne's office was near mine when I first started working at Mattel... years ago!

Lego Facts - Add #8 to My List

2009-03-05T15:56:00.005-06:00

Interesting article 3/2/09 by Martin Waller at the TimesOnLine - here.

Titled: The key to saving Lego was about breaking it apart and rebuilding it, brick by brick

Basically: Lego is making money.

Lego facts and fancies from the article-

Seven things you didn't know about Lego

1. There are 2,200 Lego elements, and they come in 55 colours There are 55 different Lego colors! Wow!

2. Seven Lego sets are sold around the world every second My 9YO just bought a big set from the Lego Store with his Christmas/Birthday money.

3. Lego is the world's fifth-largest toy manufacturer

4. The core age for users is between four and ten years old, although there is a programmable robot for the considerably older

5. The first patent for Lego bricks, as we know them, was filed on January 28, 1958, in Copenhagen

6. The Lego name comes from two Danish words, “leg godt”, meaning “play well”

7. In the early years, under the founder Ole Kirk Kristiansen, the Lego workshop burnt down twice

They forgot the eighth fact:

8. Lego wins the "Toy Most Likely to Step on in the Middle of the Night" Award and the "Toy Most Painful to Step On" Award.

Am I right parents???