Toys & Family Entertainment, February 2011

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Table of contents

February 2011 volume 6, no. 2

features 34 Where Play gets serious: Upbeat Mood characterizes 37th Hong Kong Toys & games Fair

by Christopher Byrne

36 Target Heats Up its Destination strategy

by Christopher Byrne

38 FungoPlay: Active Play is rewarded online

by Nancy Lombardi

40 introducing Power rangers samurai

by Chris Adams

42 Disney consumer Products’ cars 2

by Laurie Leahey

44 WbcP’s green Lantern

by Laurie Leahey

46 Marvel studios’ captain America

by Laurie Leahey

48 blue Planet software & Tetris Holdings’ Tetris

by Paul Narula

50 A Look at the state of specialty Toy retail

by Chris Adams

56 Toy Fair 2011 compiled by Laurie Leahey and Paul Narula

126 Specialty Emporium: Folkmanis

by Paul Narula

departments 6 observations & opinions 8 sizzlers 10 specialty sizzlers 12 The Ticker 22 entertainment Marketplace: I Spy 24 industry Forum: TIA 26 industry Forum: ASTRA 28 industry Forum: Design Edge 30 industry Forum: Gameplan Europe 32 Merchandise Makers: Summit Toy 128 you’re Hired 129 calendar of events

on this page (left to right): Basic Fun’s Space Invaders carabiner handheld electronic game, Spin Master’s Liv Twist & Dance dolls, Scratch Art’s Scratchin’ Hot, Wild Planet’s Speed Slider, Sakar’s Monster High Headphones, Mattel’s Sweet Talkin’ Ken Doll, and the Target Bullseye logo cover by

Design eDge

ObservatiOns & OpiniOns

WWW.ANBMEDIA.COM

InterpretIng HolIday SaleS reSultS BY BOB GLASER

T

wo months into the new year and I’m still trying to determine if 2010 was a successful year in toys at retail.

Being a sports fan, I, like many other fans, become guilty of “paralysis by analysis.” Sports fans analyze every positive and negative aspect of their favorite team’s upcoming game, tune into experts for their opinions, and then determine who the winner will be before the game even takes place.

I see a similar “paralysis by analysis” prediction for holiday sales.

Most financial reports had 2010 holiday sales up 3.5 percent to 4 percent. However, it should be noted that the second half of 2010 was just the beginning of the economic recovery. In 2009 American consumers were scared to spend even a cent. Of course 2010 holiday sales had to be up compared to holiday 2009. If they weren’t, then the end would be near for all of us.

Delving a bit deeper into the retail reports shows that most retailers had stronger sales in the earlier part of the holiday season compared with later in the holiday season. The reason for this seems obvious—at least to me. The retailers’ strategy of discounting goods early motivated people to shop early. When you offer a “Black Friday” deal on November 1, it’s hard to get people to keep shopping through December 24.

Yet, no matter how you slice and dice the results, the bottom line is that sales were up for the all-important holiday season.

That is great news for everyone. There were a lot of great toys available, some of which sold out.

For me, the best barometer to determining the success of any sales period are the manufacturers and retailers that I communicate with on a constant basis. For the most part, everyone was very upbeat about holiday 2010 sales. And everyone is very optimistic as we move into the new year and begin the cycle again.

We wish everyone a successful Toy Fair!

PUBLISHED

BY ANB

MEDIA • Volume 6, Number 2

PUBLISHER BOB GLASER BOB@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER ANDY KRINNER ANDY@ANBMEDIA.COM ADVERTISING MANAGER DONNA MOORE DONNA@ANBMEDIA.COM CONTROLLER MARY GROGAN MARY@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR IN CHIEF JIM SILVER JIM@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITORIAL DIRECTOR NANCY LOMBARDI NANCY@ANBMEDIA.COM MANAGING EDITOR CHRIS ADAMS CHRISA@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR AT LARGE CHRISTOPHER BYRNE CHRISB@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSISTANT EDITORS LAURIE LEAHEY; LAURIE@ANBMEDIA.COM PAUL NARULA; PAUL@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB MASTER ERIK KIECKHAFER ERIK@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB CONTENT MANAGER BRENDAN SANABRIA BRENDAN@ANBMEDIA.COM CONTRIBUTORS ANDREW DOBBIE; KATHLEEN MCHUGH; MATT NUCCIO, MATT@DESIGNEDGE.NET; TIA STAFF PUBLIC RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE JOSSLYNNE WELCH LITZKY PUBLIC RELATIONS, 320 SINATRA DRIVE, HOBOKEN, N.J. 07030 (201) 222–9118 EXT. 13 • JWELCH@LITZKYPR.COM INTERESTED IN A SUBSCRIPTION? CONTACT SUBSCRIPTIONS@ANBMEDIA.COM ANB MEDIA, INC. 229 WEST 28TH STREET, SUITE 401, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10001 PHONE: (646) 763–8710 • FAX: (646) 763–8727 Toys & Family EnTErTainmEnT is published eight times per year by aNb Media. Copyright 2011 aNb Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. Toys & Family EnTErTainmEnT and spEcialTy Emporium are registered trademarks of aNb Media. Opinions and comments expressed in this publication by editors, contributing writers, or solicited or unsolicited documents are not necessarily those of management.

6 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Turn beads into a

glam , rock , friend with a twist! funky or wild Fold A to B

Š 2011 Spin Master Ltd. All rights reserved.

A

A

Fold

A to

B

beads with a twist!

SizzlerS

Sizzlers: What’s Moving Off Store Shelves?

What Are the Hottest Web Orders?

Here is an alphabetical listing of the hottest-selling items in the toy industry, based on a combined survey of both offline and online retailers, reflecting the previous month’s sales.

LEGO Game

Monster High Assortment

Sing-a-Ma-Jigs

ZhuZhu Pets

Dance Star Mickey Fisher-Price

LooPz Mattel

LaLaLooPSy DoLL aSSortMent MGa entertainment

MonSter HiGH aSSortMent Mattel

LeaPSter exPLorer LeapFrog

nerF n-Strike StaMPeDe Hasbro

LeGo GaMeS aSSortMent LeGo

ScribbLe & write LeapFrog

LeGo Harry Potter HoGwartS LeGo

SinG-a-Ma-JiGS Mattel

8 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

SquinkieS blip toys V.reaDer Vtech zHuzHu PetS aSSortMent cepia zoobLeS Spin Master

Specialty SizzlerS

Specialty Sizzlers: What’s Moving Off Store Shelves in the Specialty Market?

This is an alphabetical listing of the hottest-selling items in the specialty segment of the toy industry, based on a survey of independent toy and gift retailers, reflecting the previous month’s sales.

6-IN-1 SOLAR KIT Elenco BANANAGRAMS Bananagrams CALIN AND TIDOO BABY DOLL ASSORTMENT Corolle Tidoo

Spot It!

DELUXE UNDERWATER CARDBOARD FLOOR PUZZLE Melissa & Doug MAGIC CASTLE PLAYSET: ROYAL NURSERY Playmobil MAGNETIC TABLETOP EASEL Alex POCKET ELVES Elf Magic

Magic Castle Playset: Royal Nursery

RECYCLED CARDBOARD DOLLHOUSE Creativity for Kids

Recycled Cardboard Dollhouse

SPOT IT! Blue Orange Games ZYCLONE Zing Toys Bananagrams

10 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

THE TICKER

A Recap of Industry Headlines For More News, Visit www.aNbMedia.com • Sign up to Receive FREE Weekly News Blasts

I

n June of 2010, Los Angeles-based private equity firm Transom Capital Group acquired Uncle Milton Industries, Inc. As we head into Toy Fair 2011, Russell Roenick, managing director of Transom Capital, and Frank Adler, president of Uncle Milton Industries, discuss what the acquisition means for the company’s future and demonstrate how they are moving forward with the growth strategy.

Toys & Family Entertainment: What does this acquisition mean for Uncle Milton’s future?

RUsseLL RoenICk: The acquisition means that Uncle Milton now has the resources to better support its customers through creative new products, enhanced marketing, and a renewed commitment to customer service. We genuinely feel like we are back in the driver’s seat when it comes to delivering on our customers’ expectations and we are out to prove it in 2011.

T&FE: How has the company evolved since the acquisition?

FRAnk AdLeR: since the acquisition, we have introduced more than 30 new products for 2011. We’ve also added new executives to our team to improve the company’s creative and operational direction. The company is focused on expanding its presence in the science and nature category through innovation and creativity, which will continue to distinguish Uncle Milton from the alltoo-typical copycats and “me-too” offerings from some manufacturers in this category.

12 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

T&FE: What does 2011 hold for Uncle Milton? What does Uncle Milton see as the top trend for the year?

F.A.: Uncle Milton’s 2011 product introductions underscore our commitment to the science toy market. our portfolio of new product introductions pushes the envelope on creativity and is designed to renew consumer interest in science and nature toys. our Fireworks Light show and some of our 3-d products have gotten a massive reception from our retail partners and should be major movers at retail this fall. We’ve already rolled out Tarantula Planet for spring, our line of sound-activated, speed-demon tarantulas, and they are doing great at retail.

T&FE: What does the Stupid Fun Club partnership mean for the company? How is Will Wright involved with the partnership?

R.R.: It is all about creativity and fresh ideas. As the creator of not just The sims but sim Ant, Will has a specific interest in one of our flagship brands—Ant Farm. As such, Will created Ant Farm Revolution in partnership with us, which offers a fresh new direction for Ant Farm as well as for the habitat product category in general.

T&FE: How do you keep the Ant Farm relevant for today’s tech-obsessed generation?

F.A.: Take a look at Ant Farm Revolution and you will find out. We are unveiling it at our booth at Toy Fair.

Frank Adler, president of Uncle Milton Industries, is on the left. Russell Roenick, managing director of Transom Capital, which purchased Uncle Milton in June 2010, is on the right.

T&FE: What do new licenses (such as Dinosaur Train and National Geographic) mean for the company?

R.R.: dinosaur Train allows us to access a category we call young science, for the 3–6 year old demographic—a category we are very excited about. As for national Geographic, we have almost 10 years of experience with the brand already, so reacquiring the license was a homecoming, so to speak. With Uncle Milton innovation and product development behind it once again, national Geographic will join other Uncle Milton brands, including star Wars science, Ant Farm, and In My Room, as one of the biggest and most well-respected brands in the science category by 2012.

THE TICKER

A Recap of Industry Headlines For More News, Visit www.aNbMedia.com • Sign up to Receive FREE Weekly News Blasts

Royaltie$ Launches Media Event aNb Media (that’s us!) announces its first Royaltie$ Brand Showcase media event, slated for July 26, 2011, at The Altman Building in New York City. The Q4 preview event will feature the latest consumer products in categories such as apparel, domestics, gifts, food, electronics, stationery, and much more. The media representation will focus on social media, online media, and long-lead publications. However, traditional press is also expected. aNb Media has now produced four hugely successful product showcases over the past three years in New York City under the TimetoPlayMag.com banner. The sold-out events were attended by the leading members of traditional media as well as key influencers in the social media sphere, arguably today’s most influential source of information for moms.

Each exhibitor will receive a seven-foot-by-seven-foot footprint, which will allow for enhanced product displays and demonstrations. Due to the floor plan, space will be limited. This is a turn-key event with no hidden costs. There is minimum set-up and teardown. Participants find our showcase events to be an extremely efficient and cost-effective strategy for meeting with media before the start of the all-important Q4 selling season.

If you would like more information and pricing, please contact one of the following: Andy Krinner: andy@anbmedia.com; Jim Silver: jim@anbmedia.com; Bob Glaser: bob@anbmedia.com; or Donna Moore: donna@anbmedia.com.

Mattel Appoints Stockton as COO, Announces Friedman’s Retirement Mattel announced the appointment of Bryan Stockton, previously Mattel’s president of international, to the new position of COO, effective immediately. This action further aligns Mattel’s senior leadership team with the company’s global strategic initiative to be the largest, most profitable, and fastest-growing toy company. Stockton will report to Robert A. Eckert, chairman and CEO of Mattel, as will Mattel’s finance, legal, and human resources functions.

As COO, Stockton will have responsibility for day-to-day operations of the company, which include overseeing the design, development, marketing, and sale of all Mattel toy brands globally, as well as licensed entertainment properties; the Mattel Digital Network; and other operating functions including operations and corporate responsibility. Stockton joined Mattel in November 2000 as executive vice-president of business planning and development.

The company also announced that Neil Friedman, president of Mattel Brands, will be leaving the company in March 2011. “I would like to thank Neil for his many years of service to Mattel and in particular for his contributions to the company’s strong performance in recent years,” said Eckert in a statement. “Neil has been recognized by the toy industry in many ways over the years, including inductions into both the Toy Industry and the Licensing halls of fame. Neil has spent more than 35 years ensuring play is magical for children, building strong relationships in business, and paving the way for the next generation of Mattel leadership.”

ASTRA Announces Speakers for 2011 Marketplace & Academy The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) announced that entertaining customer service coach Graham David and mommy marketing maven Maria Bailey will headline ASTRA’s 2011 Marketplace & Academy. This event, the largest annual gathering of the specialty toy industry, will take place June 19–22, 2011, in Anaheim, Calif.

18 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

THE TICKER

A Recap of Industry Headlines For More News, Visit www.aNbMedia.com • Sign up to Receive FREE Weekly News Blasts

LEGO Introduces Ninjago LEGO Systems, Inc., announced Ninjago, its newest original property that the company says combines the best of LEGO construction play, action-based competitive play, and virtual gaming, all centered on a story inspired by martial arts lore, written by Hollywood heavyweights, Dan and Kevin Hageman.

Ninjago delivers a story-driven universe where traditional LEGO building sets are a backdrop for an innovative buildable spinner that puts LEGO minifigures at the center of a new social competitive game concept. The property reinforces character and story while also engaging children who are more drawn to social action play than to construction. Virtual gaming at ninjago.com, in a new content zone of LEGO Universe, and through a Nintendo DS game furthers engagement and unlocks information and skills that further the physical play. An extensive product line will be available from LEGO. A licensing program is in development.

20 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

ENTERTAINMENT MARKETPLACE

ScholaStic

BY LAURIE LEAHEY

T

he instructions to I Spy: A Book of Picture Riddles, written by Jean Marzollo with photographs by Walter Wick, are fairly simple: “Use your mind, use your eye; Read the rhymes and play I Spy!” As an editor of Let’s Find Out, Scholastic’s kindergarten magazine, Marzollo received a promotional photograph from Wick in the mail. (The photo was of hardware store objects.) The magazine began working with Wick to create posters of objects familiar to children, which eventually lead Scholastic’s book division to suggest a children’s book.

With I Spy: A Book of Picture Riddles, and the many other I Spy books that followed, children read a rhyming riddle that

22 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

helps them find different objects in a picture. Scholastic was so excited about the product that it rushed the first book to bookstores in 1991, a year in advance of its original timeline.

And Scholastic continues to be excited about I Spy as the brand enters its 20th year this year. There are more than 36 million I Spy books in print worldwide, all featuring Marzollo’s rhyming riddles and Wick’s colorful photographs. The books, which appeal to both boys and girls, have been honored as a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, an American Book Seller Pick of the List, and a Parents Magazine Best Book.

This global “seek-and-find” franchise has also succeeded beyond books.

There is a TV series on HBO Family that airs daily, video games and apps from Scholastic Interactive, and board games and puzzles from Briarpatch, which has been an I Spy licensee for more than 17 years.

Scholastic Media, a division of Scholastic, Inc., and I Spy’s global licensor, will celebrate the brand’s 20th anniversary this year with a variety of 20th anniversary product. Scholastic will publish I Spy Spectacular in April with more new book releases planned for 2012. With other licensees such as Kellogg’s, Tara Toy, HBO Home Video, Venture Products, and Scholastic Interactive on board, consumers will spy lots of new product on store shelves.

Need

to

KNow

• The I Spy TV show on HBO Family won an Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Animation.

• The I Spy apps for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch have cracked the top 10 for Top Paid Kids Games and Top Paid Puzzle Games on the iTunes app store.

• I Spy interactive games have won more than 90 awards, including the SIIA CODiE Award, which recognizes excellence in the business software, digital content, and education technology industries.

hBo home video

BriarPaTch

There are four I Spy DVDs and one DVD collection featuring episodes of the TV show available from HBO Home Video. Each DVD includes a Spanish and French language track, a message for parents, and games.

Scholastic Media expanded its grant of rights to Briarpatch for worldwide distribution of I Spy games and puzzles. Briarpatch will release five new I Spy SKUs, including I Spy Spectacular: The 20th Anniversary Edition to coincide with Scholastic’s new book of the same name.

Tara Toy Tara Toy has renewed its license to create I Spy-branded party favors. The I Spy Kit Cases with Magnifying Glasses each come with 10 I Spy games. They are for ages 3 and up.

scholasTic inTeracTive There are more than 20 interactive titles available from Scholastic Interactive, including the new I Spy Spooky Mansion game for the Nintendo Wii.

venTure ProducTs Venture Products produces I Spy-branded puzzle playmats. There are three different playmats available. The School Days mat includes 56 search and find dots. It is for ages 3 and up.

Kellogg’s Kellogg’s introduced I Spy-branded fruit snacks. The I Spy Little Numbers package includes an I Spy-inspired rhyme. The fruit snacks are available at supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and convenience/drug stores.

FEBRUARY 2011 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 23

Industry Forum STAY

THE TOY INDUSTRY COMES TOGETHER BY

TOY FAIR 2011

TOY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION STAFF

A

s the sole representative of the broad-based North American toy industry, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) works year-round to ensure that the industry is a strong and effective entity. And Toy Fair, which is by far TIA’s largest networking event, presents vast opportunities

IN THE

AT

TOY FAIR LOOP

Real Time—Real Fast—On Your Phone Toy Fair Mobile gives attendees real-time access to the most up-to-date information on what’s happening at Toy Fair. Use it to find products, companies, and seminars during the show.

Visit http://m.myiwf.com/acg to upload the application on your mobile phone.

for toy companies and industry stakeholders to connect with each other under one roof.

Not only does Toy Fair open its doors to the world, TIA is looking at how it can open its doors and remodel its membership base

Have extra inventory?

to better reflect the toy industry as a whole.

During the annual business meeting, which is scheduled to be held during Toy Fair on Monday, February 14 from 8:00 –9:00 A.M. in the Special Events Hall (1D), TIA will consider a revision to the association’s bylaws that will position TIA to become a bigger tent. If approved, TIA will welcome the full spectrum of companies and stakeholders in the toy business. In addition to manufacturers and importers, full membership will soon be available to retailers, licensors, distributors, inventors, sales reps, and overseas factories. The industry will be stronger and more effective when all voices are eligible to be heard.

“All companies affected by issues important to the toy industry deserve to have a voice in the development of the association’s policies and strategies,” says TIA president Carter Keithley. “TIA can be more

Donate it to K.I.D.S.

24 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Your excess product can put smiles on faces!

effective in representing the interests of the toy industry if it is able to speak for the full scope of companies in the industry.

Challenges are best addressed collectively.”

All Toy Fair attendees are invited to attend the meeting. In addition, remain upto-speed on everything happening throughout the week using Toy Fair Mobile as well as these social media tools. The Toy Fair Blog (ToyFairBlog.com) provides up-tothe-minute information on everything related to Toy Fair—from real-time details about “Play Happens,” the new virtual and social “board” game, to any special announcements regarding Toy Fair seminars and events. Remember to network with other attendees online—by “liking” Toy Fair on Facebook and following @ToyFairNY (official hashtag #TF11) on Twitter.

For more information, visit www.toy-tia.org.

Poverty is a disaster that happens every day, but K.I.D.S. brings hope to 4.5 million children and their families every year. Donating your excess apparel, shoes, toys, books and juvenile products can provide your company with a generous tax deduction and replace despair with dignity.

Fill out the donation form online at www.KIDSdonations.org or call 1-800-266-3314.

Industry Forum

Making the Most of Trade Shows

E

veryone knows manufacturers make big investments to have a presence at toy industry shows.

But what about the legions of toy retailers who attend and place the orders that determine the success of the event? Even with low registration fees, there are still travel expenses and the cost of the additional staff you need to run your store while you are away. As a retailer, you need to see a payoff for the time and dollars it costs you to attend.

Here are a few tips for maximizing your time at Toy Fair as well as the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) Marketplace & Academy to be held June 19–22, in Anaheim, Calif.

SET OBJECTIVES It’s important to come to a show with clearly established objectives. This will keep you on track and productive.

ASTRA retailers report that they have different objectives for trade shows depending on the time of year and the type of show.

February’s Toy Fair is early in the year, so it is a great place to solidify your business focus for the year. Several days of immersion in all things toys and the vast array of products on display make it nearly impossible to think about anything other than business while you are there. (Did you know that the Javits Convention Center occupies a space that is five blocks long and covers 22 acres?) Toy Fair is also a time for reconnecting with retailing friends and colleagues during the evening’s social events.

By the time ASTRA’s Marketplace &

26 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

BY

KATHLEEN MCHUGH, ASTRA

Academy rolls around in June, the year is well underway and the product choices for the holiday season are more concrete. Many ASTRA members report that this is the time when they are ready to place orders for the fourth quarter. ASTRA’s extensive educational sessions are a prime source for fresh business ideas and catching up with the year’s trends, and, of course, the collegiality of the smaller event makes it both fun and an important place to build industry relationships.

catch-up on the past year, talk about the coming year, and make sure that your store is firmly fixed on their radar screen.

ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy, given its smaller size and carefully selected vendors, is known as the show for building deeper relationships with manufacturers.

Yes, you can do some things by email and phone but it’s far more effective to create trust and mutual cooperation if you have spent eyeball-to-eyeball time.

PRIORITIZE YOUR TIME

TAKE ADVANTAGE

The trade show equivalent of drive-bys will not help manufacturers understand your business better. Spending focused quality time with each of your most important vendors will have a much greater impact than trying to see all exhibitors. Experienced show attendees suggest this strategy: break your time on the floor into 15-minute increments and “schedule” your most important vendors first. Next, schedule vendors that have strengths in categories where you are weak. Finally, schedule visits to the top manufacturers in categories you are not carrying to start building relationships that will help you diversify. Don’t forget that ASTRA puts together a “Share the Fair” list of don’t-miss products and deals that member retailers have discovered at Toy Fair. This list becomes available to members at noon on Tuesday at ASTRA’s booth (No. 6336). You can use it as a tool to help prioritize your time during the last two days at Toy Fair.

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

One of the purposes for attending trade shows, of course, is to take advantage of show-only discounts. At Toy Fair, ASTRA members should stop at the ASTRA booth to learn about deals that are available to them thanks to their membership.

Marketplace is a great place to save money on products, shipping, and terms because most exhibitors offer hefty and valuable show-only discounts for ASTRA members.

Trade shows are an indispensable tool for growing your business. They give you a chance to survey products, get great deals, and learn business strategies to go straight to your bottom line. For many, the question is not whether they can afford to attend, but rather can they afford not to attend.

“It is worth crossing the country to see the newest toys coming onto the marketplace and to bring new products home to my customers,” says Linda Hays, owner of Hopscotch Toys & Games in McMinnville, Ore. “It’s an invaluable investment in my business.”

Chances are you’ll see all your key vendors at both leading shows. Toy Fair is a great time to check in with them, do a quick

Kathleen McHugh is president of ASTRA. Visit www.astratoy.org for more information.

OF

DEALS

Industry Forum

TOUGH TIMES LEADS TO FUN, BACK-TO-BASICS APPROACH

T

BY

MATT NUCCIO, DESIGN EDGE

he current fads of the toy market speak volumes about

slim self has finally opened up to inno-

the state of our economy and the state of the industry.

vation on a basic level. We now appre-

It’s no secret that everyone in the world is penny-

ciate toy lines as playthings for the

pinching these days. Today’s toy fads are low-price

imagination. They no longer need to be pricey battery-powered

point items such as Silly Bandz and Squinkies. Gone

stimulants for the eyes and ears only. You have to admit, Silly

is yesterday’s Furreal Friends Butterscotch Pony and Amazing

Bandz would have never happened five years ago, and Squinkies

Amy. The toy industry is now on a diet—and a much needed one

would have to have had a motion sensor, sound chip, and the

at that. Let’s face it, we let our industry get really fat and lazy. We

SpongeBob license to even get a buyer to look at it initially. Let’s

relied on a recipe of licensing and showboating electronics to sell

enjoy this newfound self image and try to not get fat again.

everything while we sat on our collective ass. Now we’re slimming down with a much needed back-to-basics approach. The good news is that we’ve adapted and learned to enjoy our new body. Hopefully we’ll continue to take care of ourself once things pick up. Our new

28 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Design Edge is a New York-based graphic design and research development studio. Matt Nuccio can be reached at (516) 377–0500 or email matt@designedge.net.

Industry Forum

NAVIGATING CULTURAL MINEFIELDS BY

IN INTERNATIONAL

MARKETING

ANDREW DOBBIE, GAMEPLAN EUROPE

T

he U.S. and the UK speak the

ten language, because the pictograms are the

rejected by consumers. The thought is they

same language—at least in theo-

same in all Chinese provinces, only the spo-

are being cheated. It is also thought of as

ry. But things can go horribly

ken language changes greatly.

being environmentally unsound.

wrong if a marketing campaign

Other issues that often arise between cul-

In Saudi Arabia, marketers of dolls have to

is not checked for local colloqui-

tures are the different use of gestures. It is

be sensitive to the cultural and religious atti-

alisms, customs, or idiomatic expressions. A

highly disconcerting for Westerners to see

tudes toward women. Fashion dolls must not

few years ago, I saw an American ad for Audi

someone from the Indian subcontinent shaking

have clothing that is too revealing. Religious

that offered consumers a free “fanny pack.”

their head to mean “yes” when to a Western it

police might raid a store and confiscate the

Now, in the U.S. a fanny pack is simply a

looks like a “no.” Gestures vary greatly

offending merchandise. The lifestyle of some

small bag that is worn around the user’s waist.

between countries and must be considered in

popular Western fashion doll brands could be

It is not the most fashionable of acces-

advertising so as not to offend or to communi-

perceived as undermining the restrictions

sories but a harmless word nonethe-

cate an unintended meaning. In some Arab

imposed on women in Saudi Arabia and other

less. However, in the UK the term has

countries men greet each other with a kiss on

Islamic countries. However, Western fashion

such an embarrassing meaning that it

the cheek and even hold hands. However, it

dolls are popular with consumers in Saudi

cannot even be explained here.

does not mean what it would in the U.S.

Arabia. Locally designed dolls, which con-

Local language is important to use

I recently came across a cultural difference

form to the strict Islamic clothing traditions,

in both marketing and advertising in

with regard to tattoos. In my hotel in Tokyo

are purchased more by tourists out of fascination than by local people.

order to engage the target consumers,

there was a sign prohibiting people with tattoos

especially younger people. The problem that

from entering the sports center. The reason is

At Tokyo Toy Fair I have seen video games

could be encountered here is that some com-

men that have tattoos in Japan are usually

that are so bloodthirsty they nearly made me

mon words have their meanings changed by

members of criminal gangs. This is changing,

sick. Most of them would certainly not be per-

the young generation. For example, words

of course, as young Japanese embrace Western

mitted in most countries. Yet to counter any

such as “wicked” or “bad” have been used by

culture. They see, for example, the world

readers’ xenophobic prejudices, which a reve-

kids in some English-speaking countries to

famous soccer star David Beckham covered in

lation like this might fuel, it is worth noting

mean “excellent.” Those writing advertising

tattoos. Clearly, if a company wishes to use tat-

that the level of violent crime in Japan is much

copy have the difficult task of staying on top

tooed actors in a commercial to be seen as

lower than in most Western countries. The

of street slang for their target group.

“cool” they should do their homework as to the

availability of violent video games in Japan

cultural attitude regarding tattoos.

does not reflect a violent society. Perhaps the

In addition to being mindful of local language, it’s important to be mindful of cultur-

Cultural differences show up in things

al differences. Something that is perfectly

most people don’t even give a thought to—

These diverse examples demonstrate the

normal in one place is highly offensive some-

especially people that lump “Europe” togeth-

need to have an intimate and up-to-date knowl-

where else. In Japan, the number four is

er as one like-minded place. One example

edge of local customs where one plans to sell

unlucky because it is pronounced “shi,”

that comes to mind is product package size.

toys—or any other consumer product. It’s

which is the same sound as the word for

In Spain, large dolls are sold in oversized

important not only in order to have commer-

“death.” In China, the Cantonese dialect also

packages because consumers perceive a bet-

cial success but also to avoid potential political

pronounces four like “death,” and should be

ter value in a bigger box. There is even a

problems, and perhaps legal ones as well.

avoided in marketing. However, in Mandarin

Spanish saying “burro grande, ande o no

and other dialects, the pronunciation is differ-

ande,” which translates to “get a big donkey,

Andrew Dobbie is the founder and managing

ent and therefore not a problem. This would

whether or not it can walk!” In Germany, by

director of Gameplan Europe. He can be

affect speaking in TV ads but not in the writ-

contrast, oversized packaging is strongly

reached at andrew@gameplaneurope.com.

30 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

viewing of such material has a cathartic effect?

Merchandise Makers

More Than The Bug guys BY

PAUL NARULA

I

n 1995, Mike Searls decided that his children simply didn’t know enough about how to handle the allowance he was giving them. In an effort to get his kids interested in properly managing their finances, Searls created an allowance management kit that his children loved to use.

Seeing an opportunity and a gap in the marketplace, Searls morphed his at-home kit into a full-fledged product line and launched Summit Toy in 1995 with the Zillions line of finance-oriented products for children. The company has continued to develop the Zillions line and has also added the Backyard Safari line of science and education toys to its offerings.

“Everything that we make has an educational twist to it,” says Melvin Wells, executive vice-president of Summit Toy, “but we don’t want to be known as a scientific or educational company. First and foremost, we want kids to have a ball playing with our products.” To keep its products fan-factor in the forefront for children and consumers, much of the Zillions line for younger children is roleplay-focused with items such as working ATMs and similar products, with more saving and teaching items for older children. The company does the same thing for the Backyard Safari line, emphasizing the play aspect of the products rather than the educational factors. “If kids are actually having fun, then they will learn something at the same time,” says Wells.

In addition to keeping items appealing to children, in the past few years Summit has

32 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

made a few changes to its line to ensure that parents still wanted to make the purchase.

“We made a few price adjustments,” says Wells. “Parents are stretched thin this year, so we made sure we had a lot of items under $20.” This gave consumers an easy entry point to Summit’s toy lines, despite the economic downturn.

However, one of the major changes for Summit has been the rebranding of the

Summit’s Bird Watching Kit (above) and Expedition 2 Walking Stick Kit (left) both have suggested activities for children.

Backyard Safari line. The line has been renamed Backyard Safari Outfitters to emphasize the widening of its scope, as most of the line’s previous products were focused on helping children study bugs in the wild or catching them. “We were getting to be known as the bug guys,” says Wells, “but we realized there are a lot more categories to the outdoors than just bugs.” The line now includes outdoor gear, such as flashlights, cargo vests, and lanterns. The goal, according to Wells, is to establish the line as not only something children can play with in

their backyard but as something they can take to the park or the zoo and as something with a strong roleplay aspect to it.

In addition, Summit is adding a new aspect to the Backyard Safari program called the Patch Program. After completing the suggested activity, kids can go online and register their completed task at the Backyard Safari Outfitters website and print out a patch that can be attached to their cargo vest.

“Kids like to have a quantifiable way to measure their progress,” says Wells. “They like to ‘level up’ and compare themselves to their friends.” The company is also working to set up a more developed “Rangers’ Club” for the brand in the spring, though Wells was unable to go into specific details about what that would entail.

For Summit, the future holds myriad opportunities. According to Wells, the company is already working to add new licensed products to its brand lines, something it has never done before. In addition, the company is planning on introducing entirely new product lines in the next two years to compliment Backyard Safari Outfitters and Zillions. “You’re going to see a lot of new and different adventures, as well as play patterns that some people may have completely forgotten about,” says Wells. Though details could not be revealed just yet, it is clear that Summit Toy has hit 2011 at full speed and has no intention of slowing down.

Where Play Gets serious: Upbeat Mood Characterizes 37th Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair

BY

Pictured on the left is a photo of Hong Kong.

Pictured in the center is the opening of the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair. Shown above is Pleasant Goat, a popular homegrown Chinese animated property with an extensive slate of licensees.

CHRISTOPHER BYRNE

G

uarded optimism with pockets of exuberance was the mood as the 37th annual hong Kong toys & Games Fair opened last month. the weather may have been unseasonably chilly, but there was a lot of warmth in the halls that also encompassed the hong Kong Baby Products Fair, hong Kong international licensing show, and hong Kong international stationery Fair. More than 1,950 exhibitors filled the expanded space that opened for the first time last year, and all of them were hoping that the improving economic conditions that had driven stronger holiday sales in 2010 would hold and improve in the coming year.

Benjamin Chau, deputy executive director of the hong Kong trade Development Council (hKtDC), sponsor of the show, pointed to comebacks in traditional markets and strong year-end sales in emerging markets such as the Chinese mainland, russia, and Brazil, to name a few, as contributing to the greater optimism among exhibitors. the show also continued to expand with increased exhibitors from more than 41 coun-

tries and territories and attendance figures for the first two days were strong, though exact numbers were not available as of press time. still, even a casual visitor couldn’t miss the buzz of activity in the many halls and the broad international presence of buyers and trade visitors. at the opening press conference the first day of the fair, Chau gave the annual overview of the state of the hong Kong toy industry. he noted that in the first 11 months of 2010, hong Kong’s total exports grew 24 percent versus the prior year. exports were also up to hong Kong’s three major export countries—Chinese mainland (28 percent), Japan (17 percent), and the u.s. (17 percent). Chau also said that emerging countries posted strong numbers with exports to russia and Paraguay nearly doubling and exports to Poland rising 38 percent. exports expanded throughout the first three quarters of the year, falling off somewhat in Q4, but Chau predicted an overall 8 percent growth for 2011, slightly lower than the previous year but reflecting uncertainty in developed markets. this is the second year that the licensing show has been combined with the toy show, a move that

34 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

continues to get rave reviews from attendees and exhibitors alike. hong Kong is positioning itself as the licensing hub in asia for global as well as asian-developed characters and properties and targeting distribution in the Chinese mainland.

While Warner Bros. and Cartoon Network each had a major presence, so too did Pleasant Goat, a hugely popular homegrown Chinese animated property with an extensive slate of licensees. the licensing business is growing in asia as well, with licensed merchandise selling $17.2 billion for the year. of that 18 percent was sold in the Chinese mainland, double the previous year. at this year’s show, there were more than 500 properties on display and, in addition to trying to secure licensees, executives were looking to form partnerships that would enable them to enter the Chinese market. at a panel discussion sponsored by the hKtDC, Jay Foreman, president of the Bridge Direct, announced that his company was in partnership with Disney to create a property exclusively for that market. he noted that entry requires Chinese production for animation and, while he said that he would probably learn a lot in the process of getting this established, he is also

very excited about the opportunity offered.

For many American companies, the question of the relevance of the Hong Kong show to their businesses often arises. The show has long been invaluable for sourcing and finding new products, but what are the advantages to being at the show? It’s different for different companies, not surprisingly, as two examples illustrate.

Ronald Marx, president of Daron Worldwide Trading, has been at the Toys & Games Fair for nearly 10 years, and he said that this year will probably be his best at the show. He relocated his booth into the Brand Name Gallery section of the show, attracting more visitors and people who seemed serious about placing orders.

While Marx wishes that more people wrote orders at the show, he says that the number of people who convert from interested to customers is higher at the Hong Kong show than other shows he attends. Marx’s company makes

licensed products featuring planes from all the major airlines, 3-D puzzles, trucks, and a variety of other items. He calls his company a “diamond in the rough” because, while his toys are not the most high profile, they are steady sellers for his customers that include museum and airport shops and specialty stores. In summing up his experience at the Toys & Games Fair, he says, “This is one of the best shows with more serious buyers, a lot of interest, and the real opportunity to develop business.”

Commonwealth, another U.S. company, is a first-time exhibitor at the show and, according to Steven Greenfield, company chairman, it was part of an expanding global strategy for its licensed line of Angry Birds plush. “We took the booth at the last minute,” he says, “and we’re getting great feedback.” Greenfield added that the right mix of product and audience made exhibiting a strategic move for this

year, and he praised the HKTDC for the help and support it provided.

The HKTDC has long been committed to supporting the industry, and as part of that support, once again, it sponsored an extensive seminar program covering everything from product trends to safety. HKTDC also offers an extensive matching service that helps companies find suppliers, and there were ample resources available to visitors to the fair, whatever brought them there.

As the Hong Kong toy industry enters its seventh decade in modern times, visitors can’t help being drawn into the vibrancy, excitement, and increasing sophistication of the show and all it offers. By responding to changing times (There were more testing labs showing this year than ever before, for example.) and focusing on servicing exhibitors and visitors, the climate for the toy business in Hong Kong, despite the many global shifts in the industry, remains positive.

New Book Celebrates The Hong Kong Toy Industry Recording its history is not one of the things the toy industry does best. Perhaps it’s because the seasons move so fast, there’s little time to stop and reflect. Well, fortunately for anyone who loves or is interested in this business, there’s a new book out that’s a must-read.

Called Toy Town, it is a highly engaging and fascinating depiction of the past 60 years of the Hong Kong toy industry from its very humble beginnings to its current leading position in the world. Commissioned by the Toys Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, author Sarah Monks interviewed more than 100 toy veterans to capture what had previously been an oral history. Many of her interview subjects were in their 80s or 90s, and reading the book is like having an oral history come to life.

The book charts the industry from the end of World War II and details the instability of Hong Kong and the impact of the Korean War when embargoes against China nearly crippled manufacturers. It traces the migration of manufacturing up into China, the impact of the oil crisis in the 1970s, and the expansion in the 1980s and 1990s. In fact at a press conference launching the book at the Toys & Games Fair, Monks talked extensively about how the toy industry really led the way to the opening of China as a manufacturing and consumer culture.

From Alan Hassenfeld’s foreword through the profiles of some of the key players in the Hong Kong toy industry, this book is one that everyone new to the toy industry should read—and it will stimulate many memories for seasoned veterans.

The book is available in the U.S. through Amazon.com.

—by Christopher Byrne

FEBRUARY 2011 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 35

TARGET Heats Up Its Destination Strategy BY

CHRISTOPHER BYRNE

C

asey Carl, vice-president merchandise manager, toys and sporting goods for Target, is excited about the toy sector. Coming off what he says was a strong holiday 2010 season, he and the Target organization have set their sights even higher for the coming year.

“We made the right choices for this past holiday season, and we need to do that again in 2011 because in this business, you’re only as good as your next holiday,” he says.

Carl adds that he wants moms thinking, “I’m going to Target for toys,” not just for holiday shopping but every week of the year. And, he adds, “We want her to find them. We had a great stance behind toys, and mom knows that she can complete her grocery trip, pick up that sweater, and find the toys that she wants.”

He adds, “From a toy perspective, we have the largest specialty toy section of any mass retailer and we have that 12 months of the year. One of our greatest benefits is that we’re a brand that moms love.”

Carl gives Target and his team high marks for the merchandising and promotion strategies they have implemented thus far. “Promotionally, it’s important to be disruptive and find new and meaningful ways to showcase value,” he says. For Target that has meant an expansion of direct-mail and mobile couponing. “We are always trying to find new and inventive ways to talk to our guests and in the way we talk to them,” he says.

Asked about the proliferation of shopping technologies that allow customers to scan barcodes and determine where they can get the best deals, Carl is enthusiastic about Target’s ability to compete in that sector. “As technology evolves, we’ll continue to invest in it to deliver value and communicate to our guests—and we’ll do it in a way that’s right for our brand.

That means continuing to look at the latest technology and determining what that means as an experience at Target and to the customer.”

Even so, the in-store experience is still critically important to driving sales. Carl says that the goal is to make “our entire toy experience more inspiring, engaging, and educational.” He says that Target has the ability to showcase an item such as Dance Star Mickey in ways that are compelling to consumers. He also cited the ability to showcase the entire Squinkies universe as part of point-of-sale displays as a major

36 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

advantage in merchandising. He noted that in many Target stores even when Squinkies were out of stock, girls still stood with their noses pressed against the display to see all the different characters that were available in the line.

All of which points to the perennial Casey Carl, dominance of product and selection in vice-president merchandise manager, driving success in the toy aisle, toys and sporting and looking forward into goods, Target 2011, Carl is optimistic. Of course he and his buying teams are already in the review and ordering process, but overall Carl says he sees “tons of innovation” in the year ahead. Even currently for such brands as LEGO, he notes that the spring buying season is a chance for kids and families to immerse themselves in brands, and Target is the ideal place to do that because, as he says with reference to moms, “She’s coming to Target because it’s her store of choice, and it gives her outstanding value.”

Carl also discussed the issue of exclusives—certainly one of the hot topics in merchandising going into 2011. He said that for Target exclusives are not just for Q4. In fact, he said, “We’ve got 250 exclusive toys year-round. We really pride ourselves on creating meaningful differentiation for our guests.” He noted that the Ultimate Disney Princess Collection—a collection of fashion dolls representing all the Disney Princesses—was a big seller for Target in 2010. Other Target exclusives included the Andy’s Toy Box gift set from Toy Story 3 and many items in the Nerf Clear line. What makes Target an attractive partner for exclusives he says, is the ongoing, regular relationship the store has with its customers and that “the guest clearly recognizes that you’ve got the newest, most innovative thing.”

In talking with him, it’s obvious that Carl believes that, well, more is more, and he’s very excited about what’s ahead for the year. The commitment to technology and merchandising means that Target will position itself more effectively to reach and market to its audience—while expanding it. “We’re going to continue to push the experience so it’s bigger— whether in merchandising or media—in 2011 and beyond,” he says.

FunGoPlay: active Play is RewaRded online BY

NANCY LOMBARDI Targeting children ages 6–11, FunGoPlay has signed EB Brands to create a line of sports gear. The line will be sold in sporting goods stores, as well as mass market stores, online and offline.

licensinG

F

unGoPlay.com is a new website launching this spring. A number of factors have come together to create the perfect storm for the launch of this site. The first has to do with the continued rise in the levels of childhood obesity. The next is the rapid transformation of society by technology. The third is the lack of an all-encompassing kids’ sports brand. Many children belong to Little League, watch ESPN, and follow major league sports.

But there is no brand that speaks to kids about going outside to play sports in the form of a “pick-up game,” which is an activity that was enjoyed by so many previous generations.

FunGoPlay.com is looking to fill these voids.

The site is being positioned as an online theme park that rewards kids for offline active play.

When a child arrives at the site they choose what sport they want to play. Using an avatar, they enter the locker room, get into uniform, get into the appropriate venue for the chosen sport, and encounter players to play with or compete against. A variety of sports will be available as

single or multiplayer games.

There is a range of approximately 15 characters (shown above), each with its own backstory and content, which provides a rich online experience for users. FunGoPlay will develop these characters into an intellectual property rather than licensing characters from Disney or Nickelodeon, for example.

Kids will then utilize FunGoPlay’s “connected sports gear” to play offline. As kids play with a ball or bat, for example, the gear will track what the users have accomplished and that information will be used to power up their avatar.

“Kids will be rewarded for the time spent playing [offline and outside],” says David Jacobs, one of the site’s founders. “It measures how hard you kicked it, or how far you kicked it, for example. The information goes from the item to the online gaming experience. Power up your character based on what you did offline to win more on the site.”

FunGoPlay will utilize a “freemium” subscription model offering kids site access at a variety of levels. Pricing has yet to be announced.

38 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

and

PRomotions

Over the long term, FunGoPlay may look to license its characters for apparel and shoes, among other categories. The company also plans to partner with national organizations supporting physical fitness or have cross promotions with consumer goods companies.

But for now, Jacobs says the first step is to focus on developing the site, along with the gear, while getting the message out to kids.

industRy veteRans In addition to David Jacobs (formerly of Sesame Workshop and HIT Entertainment) FunGoPlay was started by Steven Lerner, a music industry veteran and start-up expert, and Fabian Nicieza, writer and franchise director of kids’ properties such as Batman, X-Men, and Transformers.

The privately held company is self-funded, with help from friends and family. “We set up our own company about two years ago,” says Jacobs. “We have a production studio in New York and have about 12 employees.”

As the toy, licensing, and online worlds become more intertwined, it’s the start-up companies that are leading much of the charge for change. aNb Media has recently profiled start-ups such as StickerYou.com and ShakyPlanet.com.

While those websites offer a completely different experience, the trend is the same—online and offline are converging into one play pattern and the two can enhance each other.

IntroducIng Power rangers samuraI BY

CHRIS ADAMS

T

he economic uncertainties over the past few years that have restrained consumer confidence have also magnified one of the biggest challenges the licensing industry faces: risk aversion among retailers. Even before the economy tanked in 2007, licensors and licensees experienced their fair share of difficulties getting new properties placed on retail shelves.

In an environment where only the creamiest of the cream of the crop of properties find shelf space, a long-standing, proven boys’ brand is reentering the fold. Last May, the newly formed Saban Brands, which the Saban Capital Group established to acquire and develop intellectual properties, announced that it had acquired the Power Rangers from subsidiaries of The Walt Disney Company. The acquisition includes worldwide rights for the brand as well as more than 700 episodes produced over 17 years.

The executives at Saban are no strangers to the Power Rangers property. Haim Saban, chairman and CEO of Saban Capital Group, introduced the first Power Rangers series to the U.S. in 1993. Elie Dekel, president of Saban Brands, previously served as president of Saban Consumer Products/Fox Family Worldwide during the Power Rangers’ initial rise.

The first move Saban Brands made for the newly acquired property was to sign a long-term master toy and video game license agreement with Bandai America, which has been the toy partner for Power Rangers since inception. Bandai is introducing its new Power Rangers line at Toy Fair. A new series, called Power Rangers Samurai, was also developed. It began airing on Nickelodeon on February 7 and airs regularly at noon on Sundays.

“Its unique and potent blend of fun, action, comedy, and heart resonates from the first viewing,” says Dekel. “With more than 700 episodes having aired around the world over almost 20 years, Power Rangers has become a rite of passage for boys and a universal entry point into fantastic action/adventure entertainment.”

40 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

It is precisely this track record of success that positions Power Rangers Samurai favorably from a licensing perspective. Its instant brand recognition and built-in product demand is the stuff that retailers yearn for.

“In these uncertain times, buyers can have confidence in the connection Power Rangers has proven to have with children over the years,” says Dekel. “Very few brands can claim this level of success and longevity.”

Power Rangers Samurai is in a position of strength as it enters the marketplace. The kids whose viewership led to the success of the first Power Rangers series are now becoming parents. These fathers can easily pass along their love of the property to their sons. According to Dekel, the new series more closely reflects the tone of the original Power Rangers series than the most recent incarnations.

“Power Rangers Samurai will definitely bring back the comedic tone that got lost in the last few seasons,” says Dekel. “The new series will continue the tradition of actionpacked adventure along with fun, comedy, and heart.”

The new series will also add in additional elements to reflect contemporary trends. According to Dekel, the show will celebrate the importance of fitness and health. As the property has evolved over the past 17 years, so too has the entertainment landscape.

“When we first launched Power Rangers in 1993, we were in a very different scenario where Fox Kids was dominating kids’ TV with weekday afternoon and Saturday morning programming blocks,” says Dekel.

“There was no internet, video games were in their infancy, and our target audience was kids 6–11.”

It is the balance of evolving to best suit the times with the strength afforded by a long-standing history that provides Power Rangers Samurai a real shot at reestablishing itself as one of the dominant brands in the toy industry.

DISNEY CONSUMER PRODUCTS’ CARS 2

BY LAURIE LEAHEY

H

igh-octane adventure continues with the release of Cars 2 this summer. Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) and Mater the tow truck (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But there are plenty of potholes, detours, and surprises along the way. Mater gets caught up in an adventure of his own: international espionage. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater’s action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. Adding to the movie’s fast-paced fun is a new all-star cast (Michael Caine, Bonnie Hunt, Emily Mortimer, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Jason Isaacs, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, Thomas Kretschmann) that includes secret agents, menacing villains, and international racing competitors.

John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and principal creative advisor of Walt Disney Imagineering, returns to the driver’s seat to direct the follow-up to the 2006 Golden Globe-winning Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) Cars. Cars 2 will be in theaters June 24, 2011, in Disney Digital 3-D and return in Disney/Pixar’s Cars 2.

IMAX 3-D in select theaters.

Cars 2 Licensees Toys (including activities): Crayola, Fisher-Price, LEGO, Mattel, Spin Master Stationery: Hallmark, Mead Home: Jay Franco Fashion (apparel): Concept One, Isaac Morris, KHQ Food: Kellogg’s Health: KCC Publishing: LeapFrog

42 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

left: die-cast Cars vehicles from Mattel, above: Crayola Mess Free Color Wonder Cars Markers

WBcP’s Green Lantern

BY LAURIE LEAHEY

I

t’s been 52 years since Hal Jordan, aka Green Lantern, first made an appearance in DC Comics’ Showcase #22. In those 52 years, Jordan has discovered a ring that enables him to fly, joined the Green Lantern Corps, juggled a relationship with love interest Carol Ferris, been possessed by supervillain Parallax, and has died and been resurrected. But Green Lantern has never appeared in a movie until now.

On June 17, 2011, Green Lantern fans can finally see the superhero’s story on the big screen in 2-D and 3-D. Starring Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern, the film tells the story of how Hal Jordan, a gifted and cocky test pilot in California, finds the power ring and is recruited by the Green Lantern Corps. Protectors of peace Ryan Reynolds stars in Warner Bros. Pictures’ Green Lantern. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. TM & © DC Comics. and justice, the Green Lantern Corps is a brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order. Each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the universe, the Green Lanterns’ fate and the fate of the Earth lies in the hands of the newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris (played by Blake Lively), Jordan must master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears in order to defeat Parallax and become the greatest Green Lantern of all. The movie also stars Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Jay O. Sanders, Temuera Morrison, Taika Waititi, Jon Tenney, Angela Bassett, and Tim Robbins.

Green Lantern Licensees: • Mattel—master toy • BioWorld—apparel above: Blake Lively as Carol Ferris and Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan in Warner Bros. Pictures’ Green Lantern below: Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan Photos by Francois Duhamel. TM & © DC Comics

• Rubie’s—costumes • AME/Saramax—sleepwear • Hallmark—party goods and seasonal

44 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

• Franco—bedding • Isaac Morris—boys’ wear • Nexcare—personal care products • Fast Forward—accessories • Bakery Crafts— bakery/baking items

MARVEL STUDIO’S CAPTAIN AMERICA

BY LAURIE LEAHEY

M

arvel Studios takes comic book fans back to the beginning with Captain America: The First Avenger. The movie focuses on the early days of the Marvel universe when Steve Rogers volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the “super soldier” known as Captain America. Chris Evans will star as Captain America and Sebastian Stan will portray his sidekick Bucky. Directed by Joe Johnston, the film is being distributed by Paramount Pictures. The movie hits theaters on July 22, 2011.

With major partners already on board for portfolio-wide programs for its upcoming slate of feature films, Marvel has assembled a roster of top-tier licensees across all core categories to build comprehensive licensing and merchandising programs, as well as innovative retail and co-branded programs, for its Avengers Assemble initiative. clockwise from left: Captain America first appeared in Captain America Comics No. 1 in March 1941, another version of Captain America, and a film still from Captain America: The First Avenger, starring Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell

Captain America Licensees • Fashion Accessory Bazaar—accessories, apparel, back-to-school, furniture, gifts and collectibles, home furnishings and domestic, stationery and paper goods • Hasbro—accessories, electronics, health and beauty, home furnishings and domestic, sporting goods and outdoor, toys and games • Huffy Corporation—sporting goods and outdoor • IMT Accessories— accessories, electronics, sporting goods and outdoor, toys and games, wireless • Sakar International— electronics • MEgA Brands— toys and games

46 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

bookbag from Fashion Accessory Bazaar

BLuE PLANET SOFTwARE & TETRiS HOLDiNGS’ TETRiS BY

PAUL NARULA

W

hen Alexey Pajitnov created and released the original Tetris game for the home computer, the idea of computer games was still in its infancy. Now, in a time where games can do everything from accurately simulate a sports car’s handling on a wet road to read the movement of your body to translate them into an on-screen volleyball match, the puzzle game is still a major part of pop culture and the gaming world.

In Tetris’ classic gameplay, players must control the fall of shapes called Tetriminoes (named from the Greek numerical prefix tetra, meaning four) in a provided space. To score points, players must consistently align the blocks so that they form completed lines. Bonus points are given for creating multiple lines at once, with the highest being that for achieving the game’s namesake: the Tetris, or four lines at once. Tetris games have been produced on almost every imaginable digital platform, including all major video game consoles, mobile phones, iPads or iPods, personal media players, and more.

With a strong history and place in the consumer’s mind, it’s no surprise that Tetris Holdings and Blue Planet Software have begun establishing an extensive licensing program. Licensing Works has been signed on to help establish a strong merchandising program. The core of the Tetris licensing program will be what the company calls Tetris Logic. Tetris Logic is based on the game’s strategy of putting the pieces into place—bringing “order to chaos.” The company is hoping to focus on creating innovative ways of applying Tetris Logic to every day life, with examples such as nesting furniture or home and office organizational systems.

Licensees Toys: Basic Fun Games: Techno Source Smart TV: Oberon Media Lottery: POllard Banknote Jewelry: Rogers Gems Television Channel: Dish Network Mobile Games: EA Mobile

48 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Three versions of Tetris— on the Gameboy (top), the Wii (top right), and the iPhone (bottom right)

A Look BY

At the

StAte

of

SpeciALty toy RetAiL

CHRIS ADAMS

T

he relatively positive results coming out of holiday 2010 bring hope to a still-challenging marketplace as specialty toy manufacturers approach 2011. In the following pages, key specialty manufacturers weigh in on the challenges, as well as causes for optimism, facing specialty toy retail going forward in 2011.

Rick Amdur, president, ALEX What

do you see as the

bIggest

trends

goIng

2011?

As young children are using a variety of screens—computer, TV, cell phone, iPad—new technologies continue to change the world of play. Many apps on the market are aimed directly at preschoolers with educational games and videos. At Toy Fair, we will introduce the first Alex app, Moody Monsters, for young children.

The free app features a variety of games and provides a fun way for children to understand and express their emotions.

Into

Bob Muniz, president, BSW Toys hoW

quickly. We have reduced inventory in individual SKUs and broadened our selection. At the same time we have found ways to provide inventory using U.S. sources and quicker shipping mandates so we see fewer out-of-stocks. We want to be able to respond to customer needs without taking such large risks in inventory and transportation costs. We are betting that specialty stores will appreciate this, knowing that they can rely on us to provide needed inventory at competitive prices. We are watching closely to be sure we provide that and excellent service and response at the same time.

It has also made us much more concerned about labor issues and rising costs overseas. We are working diligently to source product and production nearer to home—and, where possible, to find goods right here in the U.S. We are also looking for ways to make it easier to “shop” with us for retailers. We are examining freight issues, order minimums, shipping windows, and any other challenges to retailers that can make us more responsive and valuable to the market. The reality is that tough times must make us tougher or we won’t be around to enjoy the good times.

We want to have the attitude all the time that economic uncertainty always exists so that we don’t become complacent or out of touch with our customers. That just seems to be good thinking for growth and survival.

talking about staff responsiveness in-store or after purchase, quality of product delivered, and ability to quickly resolve issues.

Specialty stores can respond more quickly and effectively. There are no layers of management or delegation that interfere with good customer awareness and care. Small specialty retailers can’t be beat in that area.

And more, specialty stores are our neighbors and friends. Emphasizing that in our marketing and advertising will drive that home even more. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t rather do business with someone they know than a stranger. I apply that philosophy in my own life whether I’m shopping for apparel, groceries, automobiles, or services. Maybe I pay a little more sometimes, but I always feel I get my money’s worth.

We owe it to our customers to leave them with those feelings every day. At my company I’m always ready to talk with any customer even though we have lots of customer service folks, sales reps, and management. If I don’t take a personal interest it can cost us customers and, therefore, business. Every specialty store owner who has that kind of thinking will prosper in my view. Big-box retailers can’t offer that. They can’t even approach that.

Etienne Veber, president & CEO, Learning Resources and Educational Insights

Is the ongoIng eco-

nomIc uncertaInty affect-

reports

shoW onlIne retaIlIng groWIng Its

Ing the landscape of the

share of the overall pIe. In What Ways can the

specIalty toy market?

specIalty Industry capItalIze on thIs?

It certainly is making us take careful looks at how we operate. The economy in general has everyone being a little cautious. We have revamped our product line and our inventory strategies to be ready to respond

Specialty stores have always “stood out” by offering better service and high-quality products. I suggest that a fanatical allegiance to that notion will provide growth and profit. People are tired of poor customer service, whether we’re

50 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

What

challenges are you

experIencIng from a manufacturIng

standpoInt

addressIng them?

and

hoW

are

you

As part of our rapidly changing economic and regulatory landscape, we have to address many factors contributing to a significantly greater level of complexity in our supply chain and, thus, continuously raising our operating costs. To maintain our ability to effectively serve cost-conscious consumers, we have had to reassess many of our manufacturing relationships and how to best work with our various partners in that area.

The good news is that we have been able to manage this transition without any real interruption in our supply chain. Frankly, this is in no small part due to the quality of the network of our manufacturing partners, which we have built over 25 years, and to our long-term focus on mutually beneficial relationships based around the principle of continuous improvements. So, in this area, the saying “the more things change, the more they stay the same” definitively applies to us.

this awfully drafted regulation on small and medium-sized companies. This new political reality, combined with an apparent desire to achieve some level of bipartisan approach on both sides of the political spectrum, gives us hope that our “fight” may actually deliver tangible, if long-awaited, results in the coming months. We are not asking the regulators for special treatment but rather for a fair, level playing field with larger companies and the mass-market space based on the time-tested notions of scientific evidence and risk assessment for the decision-making process at the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC).

Mike Klein, president, Manhattan Toy What chaLLenges are you exPeriencing from a man ufacturing

Learning resources’ take on the current state of the cPsia toy safety LegisLation?

Our commitment, against all odds, to represent the point of view of the small and medium-sized companies in this debate arose because we quickly realized that nobody was effectively doing so. Combine this with the reality of the CPSIA, as it was initially drafted, and it was clear that this could simply mean the end of specialty market in a few years.

Unfortunately, after two years of implementation, some small and medium-sized companies have already left our industry.

That said, while the results of our action have yet to materialize in meaningful and commonsense changes to the CPSIA, we are encouraged by the recent evolution of the political environment. Many of the newly elected Republican officials do seem to understand the negative implications or “unintended consequences” of What

is

and

hoW

standPoint are

you

addressing them?

For one, because of the labor shortages as well as general wage inflation in China, labor rates have risen pretty dramatically over the past 12 months. Most of our products require a lot of manual operations to complete, so, therefore, our product costs have risen accordingly. It’s impossible for us to absorb all these increases, so I think you will see the wholesale cost of specialty products rising this year.

In addition, workers in the major industrial zones in China are being drawn to higher-wage, higher-skilled jobs, which leaves many of our factories searching for workers. Larger toy companies who work with larger factories may be better able to compete, but I think many small factories, which many specialty manufacturers use, will be directly affected by this change.

In addition to the labor challenges already

52 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

mentioned, one of the biggest challenges is dealing with rising costs for raw materials. Oil is on the rise again, the Chinese Yuan is strengthening against the dollar, and general inflationary pressures are starting to be a big threat for all who manufacture in Asia. Not only are price increases from suppliers rather large, they are also much more frequent. In the past, we could set our prices at the beginning of the year with the knowledge that our cost of goods would be set for the year.

Nowadays, we seem to be getting price increases from our vendors throughout the year.

The other issue I see affecting all manufacturers is that due to the above issues as well as the expanded testing requirements that we are all abiding by, the lead times for many products has increased over the past few years. Suppliers have extended their lead times, and when that happens it usually increases your costs and increases your risks. in

this cash-straPPed environment Where con-

sumers are thinking With their WaLLets even more than usuaL, Why shouLd they Look toWard sPeciaLty retaiLers?

If you get a gift and know the giver was very thoughtful about what they picked out for you, face it, you feel special! I think that some consumers will always want something “special” for themselves or as a gift for someone special and they are willing to go to through the effort to find it and will even pay a bit extra for it. Even when things are tight, people want a bit of luxury in their lives and specialty retailers offer a great atmosphere for their shopping experience and offer unique goods that can make people feel great, without spending a lot of money. Bigbox stores are convenient and serve an important place in the retail sector, but I wouldn’t call shopping in one “pleasant.”

The good specialty retailers are always changing their product assortments, or even

just remerchandising their offerings so their customers can find something new and different every time they shop there. This is something specialty retailers can do, but big-box stores can’t, and it’s something that will keep bringing in customers.

Brian Maxwell, president, Patch Products What shopping

strategies did

consumers utilize for the

2010 holiday season?

There were a lot of shopping strategies consumers utilized this season.

For starters, shoppers were being more strategic and less impulsive. They did their research, were well-prepared, formulated lists, and stuck to them. Consumers did have a little bigger budget this year, but were not rushing into big-ticket purchases; they were eager to get more for their money.

In addition to shoppers being more strategic, we also saw that consumers were shopping earlier and taking advantage of seasonal promotions. Consumers searched for the best deals and used the internet to find ad scans for Black Friday and other early retail sales. They also used tools like Twitter to spot the shortest lines and best deals of the day, and, this year in particular, used price-comparison websites and did store comparisons with UPC mobile apps. If the item was available at multiple retailers, they would look for the best price, but if it was something new and different with limited availability, they were willing to pay the price.

As for types of items consumers were looking for, we noticed that consumers were more selective. They looked for new items that were popular, unique, and different, but still were high-quality and under $30 retail price.

Shopping online was a popular way to shop this year as one could find items and still get the best deals but didn’t have the hassle of crowds, finding a parking spot, or waiting in line.

Online retailing is definitely becoming more prominent today. One way the specialty industry can capitalize on this is by partnering with manufacturer websites using Shopatron. Patch uses Shopatron to partner with its specialty retailers on internet sales.

Shopatron is a great tool for specialty retailers as it allows them to fulfill online orders through manufacturers’ websites. The benefit to this is that it allows for in-store pick up, which can generate higher traffic in their stores and lead to additional sales. In addition, it allows retailers to turn inventory faster and be able to see what the hot sellers are with a manufacturer.

Specialty retailers can compete with eretailers in many ways. One way is through grassroot marketing—in their communities across all communication channels to assure everyone in their surrounding area is familiar with their store and offerings. Another way specialty retailers can compete is to develop a social media presence. Through social media such as Facebook, specialty retailers can communicate key information to consumers such as demonstrations they are holding, events going on in their stores, reviews, pictures, and videos that may lead to increased traffic to their store. Additionally, specialty retailers can compete by implementing rewards programs and offering service and knowledge consumers can’t find online.

As smart phones become more popular, another way specialty stores can compete, if they have websites, is by enabling their commerce site to support mobile platforms, so consumers are also able to make purchases through their phone. Without a mobile strategy and technical platform in place, retailers are at a disad-

54 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

vantage while shoppers literally compare prices on their way to the checkout and ignore sites that don’t provide quick, easy access to information.

Tim Kimber, president, PlaSmart What

do you see as the

biggest trends going into this year?

Online retailers continue to erode marketshare of specialty retailers. The increasing mass adoption of ecommerce has created a transparent virtual marketplace that the brick-and-mortar retailers need to compete with.

With ecommerce continuing to grow, and being increasingly price competitive, the specialty retailer needs to develop strategies to compete in a transparent marketplace, strategies that bring value to the consumer other than pricing, including product knowledge, in-store expertise, and after-sale service.

Michelle Winfrey, marketing and compliance manager, Playmobil USA What is your take on the lay of the land at specialty toy

2011?

I think specialty retailers are excited to welcome a new year. The past couple of years have been tough—in general, store traffic and sales were down.

As I travel and visit specialty stores, I hear and see that consumers are shopping the stores again and making spontaneous purchases.

Although many consumers are leaving stores with more than they went shopping for, they are still looking for the best value for their hard-earned dollars. retail heading into

Toy Fair 2011

COMPILED BY LAURIE LEAHEY

& PAUL NARULA

Welcome to Toy Fair 2011! The following pages represent just a small sampling of what will be on display at this year’s show in New York City’s Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Blue Box Toys Blue Box Toys unveiled bebee and friends, a new line of plush toys and the centerpiece of its Bkids product line, which launched last year. Stylishly designed with a distinctive color and pattern, bebee and friends features five characters, including bebee the monkey, zu zu the giraffe, fi fi the elephant, ki ki the bird, and roaree the lion.

Each character has its very own personality that matches the developing personalities of the children who play with them. Bebee, for example, is cheeky and fun, zu zu is loving and smart, fi fi is clumsy and caring, ki ki is chatty and brave, and roaree is shy, cuddly, and sleepy. The 2011 line consists of a wide assortment of products from rattles, activity books, linkand-build blocks, and its Play with Me Gym.

DuneCraft DuneCraft’s new product introductions include Slick Sand, which never gets wet. It can be poured, formed, and shaped underwater, and water slides right off it when it’s out of water.

New Hydro-Dome refill styles include strawberry, basil, catnip, cucumbers, peppers, and more.

Each includes enough material for two separate plantings.

DuneCraft will introduce 18 styles of Eco Plant Pals. They are easy to grow, and each has its own unique story to tell. The planter and dome are made from corn and fully compostable. Styles include Tina Torenia, Aloe Alin, Carol Cactus, Brian the Brain, Fred the Fly Trap, and more. Each one comes with a full-color sticker and limited-edition trading card.

56 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Alex Alex will introduce more than 100 new items this year. The Alex Jr. line for baby expands with Mix ’n Max, a new collection of whimsical plush, wood products, teethers, and rattles featuring bold colors, bright patterns, and assorted textures. Max has a smiling face, big ears, arms, legs, and tail for baby to explore. Mix ’n Max Wooden Whimsy Knot, Smile & Blocks let baby stack and build with 15 Cuddle mixed-up wooden blocks. Made with sustainable wood, the set features different shapes, patterns on each side, and sparkles. Face and arm blocks can be used to build mixed-up colorful characters.

Skill builders, ecofriendly puzzles, developmental toys, and craft kits are new additions to the Little Hands preschool line. Three new Ready, Set products help with fundamental skills including folding, pasting, and telling time. Ready, Set, Tell Time! is a comprehensive activity set that includes a clock with movable hands, daily activity cards, double-sided flash cards, an easy learning guide, and more. The Peg & Layer Jungle lets kids stack and layer with 25 pegs and 20 foam shapes to create a jungle with monkeys, trees, and flowers.

With Knot, Smile & Cuddle, kids can make a soft smiley blanket with sleeves. Just knot together the edges of the pre-sewn cuddle quilt and add fleece fringe. Knot, Smile & Cuddle comes with 42 fleece strips.

Alex and Kid Concoctions partnered to create products that combine scientific play and experimentation with art.

Products include Bouncy Ball Blast and Magic Muck.

Toy Fair 2011 Aurora

Fungrins

Aurora has released nine new dress-up outfits that fit all of the Fungrins introduces a new product to the silicone rubber bands five-inch YooHoo & Friends. Each dress-up set includes two market. Piggyback Bandz are a patent-pending version of the elasaccessories. The Blast to the Past set includes three YooHoo & tic bracelets that incorporate a mini-shaped band that “piggyFriends hippy outfits. The Go Green set includes two flower girl backs” on top of the traditional-shaped rubber band. This allows outfits and a princess butterfly outfit. The the shape to be easily seen when placed on the wrist. When kids YooHoo & Friends doctor third set includes doctor, firefighter, and slide the bands on their outfit police officer outfits. wrists, the “piggyback” Mood Monkeys allow tweens and shape stands upright. Kids teens to express themselves. can layer the Piggyback The 14 styles include Bandz with one, two, or Catty, Soo Silly, Bad Hair more to create a word, a Day, Chatterbox, Boy secret code, or a design.

Crazy, Sweet Tooth, Ray of There are eight Piggyback Sunshine, Oops Clumsy, I Love Bandz themes: glam, football, Shopping, Giggly, Sleepyhead, groovy, sealife, alphabet, cool Party Girl, Book Worm, and Spa Girl. rides, safari, and extra letters. Each pack comes with 25 bands.

In its licensing deal with Wolverine World Wide, Inc., the company behind Hush Puppies and other footwear, Zinkia Entertainment apparel, and accessory brands, Aurora’s worldwide distribution of the Hush Puppies plush animal line, featuring the trademark basset Zinkia Entertainment expands its multi-platform brand Pocoyo hound, began last month. The Hush Puppies plush animal line will at U.S. retail this year. Master toy partner Bandai Pocoyo launch with a small (five-inch), medium (10-inch), and large (18SwiggleTraks America will unveil a new toy line featuring inch) Hush Puppies basset hound. The portable 3.5-inch clip-ons can Pocoyo SwiggleTraks, which is a flexible track be clipped to totes, backpacks, purses, or other accessories. system with multiple, easy configuIn a two-year deal with the National Wildlife Federation rations. Pocoyo SwiggleTraks com(NWF), Aurora is producing plush characters based on NWF’s ponents play music and sounds new animated television series, Wild Animal Baby Explorers, and from the show. Swiggle Wheels, a will be the chief plush supplier to all specialty retail channels in motorized vehicle, propels itself North and South America. The plush animals include Sammy the within a never-ending circular Skunk, Miss Sally the Salamander, Benita the Beaver, Skip the track. The Push Along Vehicle can Rabbit, and Izzy the Owl. be used as a stand-alone vehicle or with the Aurora’s 30th Anniversary Bear will be limited to 1,200 pieces. entire SwiggleTraks system. The vehicle assortment includes The bear is made from moda acrylic and has “30th Anniversary” Pocoyo, Elly, and Pato. All toys are for ages 18 months and up. embroidered on its right paw. Mr. H.Y. Noh’s (Aurora’s founder) Home entertainment partner NCircle Entertainment will signature is embroidered on the left paw. release a slate of DVDs, including Here’s the Party, a Halloween special Boo!, Dance Pocoyo, and Positively Pocoyo.

58 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Toy Fair 2011 Idea Storm Products

Ceaco

Idea Storm Products is offering all-new themed versions of its Yamodo!

Good to Go! game, including Yamodo! Monsters & Aliens, Yamodo!

Magic & Mayhem, and Yamodo! Gizmos & Gadgets. The new Yamodo!

Good to Go! themes follow the familiar Yamodo game play patterns that have participants thinking, drawing, and writing out their own interpretations of inspired, made-up Yamodo! words.

The twist this time is that the drawings and definitions should be related to the category of the game theme.

Yamodo! Party Time takes the same premise of Yamodo! as a group game.

Played in quick rounds, Yamodo! Party Time has all players compete at the same time to win the current judge’s favor by creating the “best” definition to a given made-up word and tagline. All players have to stay on their toes though, because midway into the round the judge spins the Spindoodler and players may have to pass their page and complete someone else’s, or keep drawing on their own. Every round has a new judge, word, and tagline for different gameplay each time.

Ceaco’s latest puzzles include The Baffler series by artist Chris Yates. Each of the three puzzles in the series is randomly designed and cut in the oddest ways to make it as tricky as possible.

Joining The Baffler for new novelty offerings is Puzzle Stix, a double-sided wooden puzzle that includes an elegant wood frame for display. The puzzle is composed of 42 custom-cut wooden sticks that form one of two colorful and confusing images on each side.

Art for Puzzle Stix is by Sharie Hatchett-Bohlman, Colin Thompson, and Kevin Whitlark.

CeacoKIDS introduces The Fuzzy Puzzle. It’s a 24-piece puzzle made out of felt with a rubber back, which makes the pieces easier to grasp for little hands. Bart Wolf, a new artist for Ceaco, is the artist for the series. CeacoKIDS will also continue its Pinkalicious license with Silverlicious puzzles in 24and 60-piece series.

Ceaco has four new series in its 1,000-piece category. Food Landscapes by UK artist/photographer Carl Warner features images Warner creates of edible landscapes. The photographs in each of the three images start off with a trip to the grocery store where Warner buys crates of the food he uses to create each image. Another 1,000-piece puzzle is the Hidden Expedition series, which is licensed from Big Fish Games, a leader in the casual games industry. Each of the three images (Titanic, Amazon, and Everest) has specific items to seek and find within the puzzles.

My Gym Enterprises My Gym Enterprises signed with CAA Licensing, a division of entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), for global licensing representation. CAA Licensing will develop brand extensions for My Gym in the categories of health and fitness, children’s entertainment, apparel and accessories, footwear, toys and games, healthy kids’ foods and beverages, music compilations, and more.

The relationship with CAA Licensing marks My Gym’s first formal representation of its family-friendly moniker.

My Gym Enterprises has an array of current marketing relationships with consumer brands that include Hasbro, KimberlyClarke, and Mott’s Juices, in addition to media companies such as Disney, Nickelodeon, Fox Home Entertainment, and Parenting magazine.

60 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Yamodo! Good to Go! games

Toy Fair 2011 innovativeKids

Woodstock Chimes

innovativeKids adds to its line of Phonics Comics. Each 24-page book includes three easy-to-read stories. Princess School is for emerging readers at level one who are beginning to sound out words and master simple sentences, but need strong picture clues. Hiro Dragon Warrior: Fight or Flight is for developing readers at level two who can handle longer sentences and master long and short vowels and varied consonant combinations. Both Phonics Comics are for ages 6 and up.

The Now I’m Reading! series features flashcards, plays, illustrated storybooks, and Read It • Write It • Draw It books. With the Now I’m Reading!

Flashcards Slide, See & Say, kids sound out letters and stretch out words to strengthen phonics skills. The interactive sliding mechanism reveals each letter one at a time with simple picture icons under each letter to remind beginning readers of the sound each letter makes.

There are two versions of the Flashcards Slide, See & Say: Short Vowel Words and Consonant Blend Words. Both are for ages 3 and up.

New Now I’m Reading! Plays by Nora Gaydos have been added to the collection. As children play the parts in Goldilocks and the Three Bears, they gain necessary skills to help strengthen their reading confidence, fluency, and comprehension. Jack and the Beanstalk puts a new spin on the story, while kids strengthen their reading skills. Each play comes with a storybook, five easy-to-read scripts, and four character masks.

Now I’m Reading! Read It • Write It • Draw It engages kids in an interactive reading and writing experience. The Best Gift Ever is a 32-page book that allows emerging readers to comprehend simple sentences as they improve their reading skills, penmanship, and spelling. Then kids can color pre-existing scenes. Bear’s Winter Nap includes story sequencing and simple dialogue for level two readers. Upper- and lowercase letters are highlighted followed by drawing story elements to tie in the whole tale. Both books are for ages 4 and up.

Woodstock Chimes’ newest items include the Kid’s Rainstick.

This 12-inch rainstick makes sound like rain and comes in a fourcolor window gift box. It is for ages 3 and up. The Kid’s Recorder comes with an instruction sheet on how to play. There are seven holes on this 12.75-inch recorder. It is for ages 5 and up.

62 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Kid’s Recorder

Yoha Toys Tandars Interactive Pets from Yoha Toys can sense, speak, and call to each other thanks to infrared sensors in their eyes. Tandars can even interact with their owner. Owners can customize the personality of their Tandars by styling their hair in various fashions. Tandars Pets have lifelike expressions allowing them to blink their eyes and move their head, ears, and mouth. Their moods can be changed by interacting with them, from holding them and picking them up to patting them on the head. If left alone for any length of time, Tandars get bored and start to snore as they go off to sleep. Tandars also burp and fart at random. Tandars Pets will let the owner know when they are hungry and low on energy. To “feed” them, owners can simply connect their tail to any USB port. There is no need for batteries. Tandars, which were inspired by the tarsier, a small primate from Southeast Asia, are Tandars available in three different variaInteractive Pet tions. They are for ages 6 and up.

Toy Fair 2011 International Playthings International Playthings’ new Whipple line of craft activity sets features a new non-edible craft crème. Whipple is a crafting compound with the consistency of icing, and comes in an easy-to-squeeze bag, allowing children to decorate plastic cakes, cupcakes, ice cream, and other play treats. With Whipple, children can make and collect various plastic treats that can be used as decorations, a purse or backpack ornament, jewelry, belt loop adornment, and more. Whipple sets include everything a budZanzoon MapWorld ding pastry and dessert decorator needs to spice up the look of his or her creations, including bling, beads, and fruit. Whipple product sets include the Crème Pack Assortment (white and pink crème), Cupcake Set, Tart Set, and Pastry Design Studio Set. They are for ages 7 and up.

International Playthings new Zanzoon Interactive Talking Maps are easy-to-use educational tools for the home or classroom. By touching the surface of the map, children will hear and learn about different parts of the world and the animals that inhabit places both near and far away. The interactive elements are all contained within the map, so there are no small pieces to lose. The flat, flexible surface allows for easy transportation and mobility. Zanzoon maps can be hung on the wall, laid on a table, or played with on the floor. With multiple modes, Zanzoon maps grow to accommodate a child’s intellectual growth. Discover Mode is used to explore and learn from the map before entering Quiz Mode, in which the map will test the child’s newly acquired knowledge. The line of Zanzoon Interactive Talking Maps includes Animap, an interactive talking map with fun facts about 72 animals of the world; MapWorld, which features more than 1,000 fun facts about 78 countries of the world; and USA Map, which features 1,000 fun facts about the U.S. Animap is for ages 3 and up. MapWorld and USA Map are for ages 6 and up.

64 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Discovery Discovery and Animal Planet will both show toys, games, and other kids’ products this year. Two licensees that will be showcasing Discovery toys are Giddy Up and The Wonder Forge. Giddy Up will display the popular Mythbusters Science Kits and debut a brand new kit inspired by the show—Mythbusters Science of Sports. The Wonder Forge will showcase the recently debuted Mythbusters Hit the Target Game.

Animal Planet Animal Planet’s line of toy products includes playsets Dogs Rule! and the animotion plush created Fortune Teller Game by with licensee Jay at Play. Other Cahootie licensees include Bendon, which will be showing Animal Planet color and activity books. Cahootie will show its Animal Planet Fortune Teller games. Horizon will have Animal Planet craft and activity kits and Ravensburger will have Animal Planet puzzles.

Screenlife will also have an Animal Planet DVD Game.

Pretty Ugly LLC

Tutulu

Pretty Ugly LLC will introduce new lines of Uglydoll plush, Uglypillows, Uglyhats, and several other new categories of merchandise.

New character Jrumpy has had enough. He’s not buying into the nonsense anymore. Tutulu and his sister Mij are always getting into trouble. Uglybots are here to serve, but what they really need is a friend. The plush are available in four sizes.

Toy Fair 2011 Kidz Delight Kidz Delight’s Silly Sam & Friends Recycle Me is a shape sorter with personality. Press Sam’s nose or push the toy’s front door to insert something and Sam talks or giggles. Recycle Me comes with four shapes, each in a different color to represent a different material to recycle, i.e. metal, paper, glass, or plastic. There are two modes of play. In Let’s Recycle, kids insert the shapes into the corresponding holes and Sam says what it is: “I taste paper!” In Let’s Learn mode, kids insert the shapes into the corresponding hole and Sam identifies the color or the shape. All shapes can be stored inside Sam. Free-moving wheels enable kids to “drive” Sam around.

Two AA batteries are required. Recycle Me is for ages 12 months and up.

Dinosaur World of Discovery is an educational playmat about dinosaurs. The touchsensitive picture on the mat features 10 of the most famous dinosaurs. Use the flashlight to light up the picture and reveal the skeleton of each dinosaur, along with hidden Snap ’n Play Camera facts, such as weight, size, or feeding habits.

The flashlight stores in the storage area. There are five activities that help kids learn dinosaur names and fun facts, then test their knowledge.

Dinosaur World of Discovery requires two AAA batteries and two AG13 batteries. It is for ages 4 and up.

Bingo goes electronic with Interactive Bingo. The game comes with four boards and one interactive platform. There are 64 different sounds, including animals, instruments, and vehicles. If a player hears a sound and has the corresponding picture on his board, he must push down the picture to indicate that it has been found. The software keeps track of who is playing and what sounds have been given. Interactive Bingo requires two AAA batteries. It is for one to four players ages 4 and up.

Kidz Delight is introducing a look-alike digital camera for infants. The Snap ’n Play Camera features four keys that trigger realistic sounds. A picture camera screen includes four images to touch and hear different sounds including the sea, an elephant, and a happy birthday song. The Snap ’n Play Camera is for ages 18 months–36 months.

66 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Mary Meyer Mary Meyer’s Okey Dokey Dino collection includes eight coordinated nursery items in bold colors for boys. The items include a five-inch rattle; a 10-inch car seat Wiggler; a 10-inch bank; a six-inch WubbaNub Pacifier; a nine-inch Activity Toy that crinkles, rattles, squeaks, and rings; a 17-inch-by-17-inch fully lined and embroidered blanket; and a wind-up musical toy that plays “You Are My Sunshine.”

Mary Meyer brings the bold fashion and flare of its Print Pizzazz products into its baby line.

Baby Pizzazz is a fashion-forward line of infant toys that is relevant for today’s market, but still sweet enough for moms and grandmothers, according to the company. Four exclusive patterns and colors will be featured on soft Okey Dokey Dino Wiggler plush, including Squiggles Puppy, Dots Giraffe, Birdy Boo Elephant, and Petals Pony. Each animal is available as a rattle, soft toy, and floppy pillow. They are machine washable.

Another new theme for 2011 is Ella Bella. With modern floral patterns, a soft color pallet, and pink, Ella Bella is designed especially for baby girls. This fuzzy pink elephant can be found as a WubbaNub Pacifier, Bank, Wiggler, Activity Toy, Baby Blanket, Rattle, and Wind-Up Musical.

Baby pinks and blues mix with chocolate accents in Mary Meyer’s Sweet Chocolate collection. New items include the Sweet Chocolate Giraffe Ring Rattle and Puppy Ring Rattle. The Sweet Chocolate Poochie Puppy is made from the same soft fabric as Mary Meyer’s Creamie Bears. It comes in two colors (pink or blue) and two sizes (13 inches or 24 inches). Also new is the Sweet Chocolate WubbaNub Puppy and the WubbaNub Giraffe. Both are six inches.

Toy Fair 2011 Patch Products Patch Products’ Farkle Frenzy adds a new dimension to the classic Farkle dice game. Now everyone rolls at the same time to try and score the most points. Press down the funky Bubble Hub to vibrate and bounce the common die. Take a risk and roll to collect scoring dice on the stepped Dice Risers, and race to fill yours first.

In Love It! Hate It!, read the real-life, silly, or downright bizarre scenarios and then wait for the other players to reveal what they think you would love and hate.

Take ’N’ Play Anywhere Design ’N’ Doodle combines two activities in one: magnetic play and expressive drawing with dry-erase products. Each set includes a colorful two-sided 14-inch-by-nine-inch play surface that folds up and has a handle for travel. It can also be set up as an easel. Kids can use the dry-erase markers to draw on the scenes or to color the magnets.

Swivel It is a twist on the classic four-in-a-row game. Just when a player thinks he’s about to get four in a row, another player may have to twist a level of the 3-D game board and change everything. The game is for two to four players ages 7 and up.

With the Tall-Stacker Mighty Monkey Playset, kids can stack colorful pegs and create different configurations for their monkeys to play. The tree house can go here or there. Kids choose where to put the swinging vine and other pieces, creating a new playset each time. The included activity guide suggests several exercises for guided play and learning. The playset is for ages 3 and up.

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Taggies Taggies’ line of 2011 products includes more than 15 items in the blanket, plush, toys, and bath items categories. Taggies, together with its licensees, International Playthings and Mary Meyer, will expand its Colours collection with new blanket styles, toys, and plush items. In its third year, Taggies Colours will have 10 new items, including two new patterns for Little Taggies 12-inch-by-12-inch blankets—In the Jungle and Red & Blue Swoops ’N Swirls. Both new patterns are also available in Take-A-Long Taggies, five-inch travel companions that easily attach to strollers, car seats, bouncy seats, and more.

Other new Colours items include Taggies Three for Me! Shapes, a five-inch circle, 6.5-inch star, and 4.5-inch square with a crinkle sound. Taggies Colours Owl Rattles are available in three bright colors—yellow, pink, and blue. These five-inch owl-shaped rattles are easy to grasp and shake, with tags on the head and arms. Taggies Silky the Caterpillar Rattle is a five-inch rattle surrounded by tags. Taggies Bear Stacker is an interactive bear that encourages hand-eye coordination with stacking rings, a rattle in the head, crinkle in the paws, and many tags to rub. Taggies Owl Clock feaColours Little Taggies Blankets tures a mirror on the dial surrounded by tags and chimes that can be activated by pressing near the owl’s eyes. Its locking link can attach to a stroller or car seat. Taggies Retro Radio is a soft, brightly colored radio that plays four songs and features twisting dials with mirrors and plenty of tags to rub. The dials also turn to click and twist. It is available with a locking link to attach on a stroller or car seat.

Taggies, together with its licensee Rashti & Rashti, is entering the bathtime market with three new products. Taggies Bath Bundle is a one-piece garment with a duck appliqué. Made of soft cotton, these one-size (0–6 months) outfits provide soft comfort for babies up to 16 pounds. Taggies Hooded Towels are available in dog, frog princess, and duck styles. Washcloths are available in boy, girl, and neutral patterns. They are made of cotton and come in sets of four.

Toy Fair 2011 Fisher-Price New products in Fisher-Price’s Laugh & Learn line are required. It is for ages 18 months–4. include the Smart Screen Laptop and Dance & Play The Kid-Tough See Yourself Camera features Puppy. The laptop features an LED screen with images easy-to-use controls including a rotating lens. Rotate and light patterns. Push any of the nine buttons or roll the lens back to see yourself or rotate forward to take the mouse to hear words, songs, and other sound pictures like a traditional camera. Other features effects while corresponding images display on the include 4X zoom, 1.8-inch TFT colored screen, 256 screen. There are three modes of play: Learning, MB memory, 1.2 megapixel imager with low-light Music, and Bilingual. The laptop includes 12 songs capability, an SD slot, wrist strap, fun stamper and about colors, shapes, ABCs, counting, opposites, distortion effects, and downloadable PC-based softobjects, Spanish, and more. Three AA batteries are ware for additional special effects. Four AA batterI Can Play Sports Drop ’n Drive Golf included. It is for 6–36 months. The Dance & Play ies are required. It is for ages 3 and up.

Puppy encourages babies to move, dance, and sing Rock Star Mickey lights up the stage with guialong to familiar songs. There are more than 25 songs about ABCs, counting tar and singing skills. Kids can learn Mickey’s moves in the “How to and numbers, parts of the body, opposites, actions, manners, greetings, and be a Rock Star” mode. Mickey sings three full songs, bobs his head, first words. Two modes of play include Learning and Play. Six AA batteries kicks, and does a rock star split. Four AA batteries are included. Rock are included. The Dance & Play Puppy is for ages 9–36 months.

Star Mickey is for ages 2 and up.

A variety of Little People product will debut this year. Little People Thomas & Friends TrackMaster Cranky & Flynn Save the Day features Book and Figure Assortments are chunky board-style books that come characters and a storyline from the new DVD movie Day of the Diesels. with Little People figures. The 10-page books are for ages 1–4. The Little Reenact this moment from the movie with a talking Cranky the Crane that People Wheelies Play ’n Go Construction Site consists of two sculpted is more than two feet tall. Use the remote to move Cranky, all while hearmountain base pieces and three ramp pieces in different shapes that attach ing phrases and sound effects. Cranky also comes with a cargo car, cargo, in different configurations. The set includes a Wheelies Bulldozer vehicle a loading platform, a loop of track, and hay bales with flip-up flames. with built-in character, plus a boulder and removable sign. The Little When a “fire” breaks out at the hay bale, kids can help Cranky deliver People Wheelies Vehicles can be used on the Construction Site. Two new Flynn in the special launching crate. When the crate touches the track, mini vehicles are Monster Truck and Tractor. Wheelies prodFlynn launches out and puts out the “fire.” The track set connects to all ucts are for ages 1.5–5.

TrackMaster track and destinations. Eight AA batteries are required. It There are two new Grow with Me products. Sit to is for ages 3 and up.

Stand Scooter teaches kids as young as 18 months The Regurgitating Rico Launcher is based on the character from how to scoot. Set it up as a foot-to-floor ride-on or a The Penguins of Madagascar. Kids can act out Rico’s trademark scooter. The wide front wheels and adjustable handle skills with this toy. Simply force-feed up to three balls through provide stability. The 3-in-1 Skateboard features a traRico’s mouth to get ready for the launch. Pull on Rico’s legs to ditional board with handle and sliding wheels. It has hear a squawk and see the popcorn balls fly. Rico plays three Grow with Me Stages for kids ages 4–8. several sound effects that are triggered by pulling its I Can Play Sports Drop ’n Drive Golf has a club, three legs back and pushing its feet forward. Rico stands up balls, and a tee. The club stores the balls with an easy pickwhen not in use and comes with five popcorn balls. Two Smart Screen Laptop up feature. Push a button to release the balls. No batteries AA batteries are included. This is for ages 3 and up.

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Toy Fair 2011 Fundex In Fundex’s Phil ’Up Chuck players roll the die to see how many pieces of food they get to feed Phil and what kind: chicken, broccoli, pizza, cookies, and more. As Phil eats more and more food, his cheeks get bigger, his ears pop out, and his eyebrows raise. When Phil is full, his head explodes and food flies out. The player who makes Phil ’Up Chuck upchuck is the winner. The game includes Phil’s head game board, food pieces, dice, and instructions. It is for two to four players ages 5 and up.

With the Tetris Card Game, the classic video game goes 3-D and fits in the palm of your hand. Using the Tetrimino shapes that appear on the card fronts, players compete to clear lines that appear on the Tetris Challenges on the card backs. The first player to clear 10 lines is the winner. Tetris Card Game is for one to four players ages 8 and up.

In Tetris Matrix, players choose one of the multi-level challenges from the included book, then slide the challenge into the back panel so that the challenge image is visible. Using only the Tetriminos shown in the challenge queue, stack the Tetriminos to match the outer shape of the challenge image. The game is for one or more players ages 8 and up.

Tetriminos tumble down the Dice Slide to set up Tetris Tumble in this spin on classic Tetris play. Clear the cards in your lines by matching the Tetriminos on the dice to the Tetriminos on the cards. Each player starts with three cards. Flip them over one at a time to match the dice. Sometimes it pays to take a risk, but if you flip over a Tetrimino that doesn’t match the dice, you’ll have to add another card to your queue. Tetris Tumble is for one to four players ages 8 and up.

Make ‘em Move Hot Wheels combines the popular brand for boys with puzzling. Moving pieces make the tires spin into action.

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Moose Mountain Moose Mountain’s Little People Lil’ Shopper Ride-On features pretend play food, a removable front-end shopping basket, a sound-activated scanner, and a pretend cell phone. Sounds and music play as buttons are pressed. The ride-on also features a push bar handle and an extra storage underseat.

The Fisher-Price Big Action Load ’n Go is a tough construction vehicle with realistic styling and real working bucket. Dual control handles let kids operate the bucket to dig, dump, and haul.

Moose Mountain also introduces the Dora the Explorer Calling All Explorers Playland. Join Dora as she explores the rainforest to discover tree frogs, snails, ladybugs, and butterflies.

Play with the 20 soft-flex balls and look for adventure through the peek-through windows. The playland can be used indoors or outdoors.

Fisher-Price Big Action Load ’n Go Moose Mountain’s Marvel Heroes Ball Blaster can be mounted to the wall or set up on any flat surface. Blast the balls at the target to activate the arcade-style sound effects. Track the scoring with the twoplayer manual scoring system. The shooter hooks onto the target for easy storage. The Marvel Heroes Ball Blaster comes with a pump-action ball shooter and three balls.

Fight the Decepticons in the Transformers 3 Cyber Station Play Tent. This easy-to-assemble play tent features a large crawl-through gateway tunnel, easy access two-sided flap door openings, and large interior play area.

The ESPN Game Shot 2 in 1 Game Center is two games in one—basketball and darts. The basketball game features an LCD scoreboard/game clock, arcade sound effects, and two basketballs. The electronic dartboard features scoring for up to eight players, 13 different games, and 80 variations. The LCD scoreboard automatically keeps score while the arcade sound effects enhance the excitement of the game.

Toy Fair 2011 Bandai Bandai’s Pocoyo products include Pocoyo SwiggleTrak. This flexible racetrack lets preschoolers create a unique course. The set includes four tracks, one moving bridge, and one motorized vehicle with music and ball accessory. SwiggleWheels is a motorized vehicle that propels itself within a never-ending circular track. SwiggleWheels can also be used to extend the Pocoyo SwiggleTrak. The SwiggleWheels assortment includes Pocoyo, Elly, and Pato. The set includes one collectible motorized vehicle that plays music and two 16-inch SwiggleTraks.

Tatumi is a new girls activity line that allows girls to use temporary tattoo art for designing trendy styles. Tatumi allows girls to express their own personal style by applying temporary tattoos to vinyl collectible dolls, vinyl collectible pets, and fashion accessories Power Rangers: Samurai Deluxe including headbands, bags, hand warmers, and Megazord more. The Tatumi line of dolls and lifestyle activity packs combine the popularity of Harajuku-style fashion with a rock ’n’ roll twist.

Wild@Art is an activity line that encourages tween girls to explore their interests and hobbies by creating accessories and school décor with their own artistic flair.

With Eraser Art, tweens can either select from the included design templates or create their own design templates from scratch. Using the eraser-making unit as a base, create an eraser by following the design template color grid to line up the eraser color strips. Add a small amount of water, close the eraser-making unit, and lock it. Tweens should consult with an adult to follow the included microwave instructions to complete each custom eraser. With Pencil Art, tweens can create their own customized pencil collection by wrapping plain pencils with decorative tape in the patented pencilmaker unit. They can then personalize the pencil designs with the included appliqués and message or name stickers. Refill packs are available for each kit.

The new Power Rangers: Samurai series debuted this month and the Bandai toy line for the brand includes figures, vehicles, and roleplay items, as well as the Deluxe Megazord. The Megazord consists of five smaller zords (ApeZord, TurtleZord, LionZord, BearZord, and DragonZord) that combine into the Megazord. The new Megazord is part of the ZordBuilder collection and combines with other items across the line to form the ultimate Megazord.

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Play Visions WiggleWobblez from Play Visions give a new face to high-bounce balls.

Each sparkly water ball is topped with a soft plush figure. There are two styles to collect: WiggleWobble and Bounce. The plush character is removable and can be placed on other WiggleWobblez balls.

Think-a-lot Toys Think-a-lot Toys’ Story Speller is a beginning storytelling game that everyone can play. Fill a storyboard with favorite story element cards, choose a hero or heroine, and learn to tell and spell storybook tales. The story element card categories include Friends and Foes, Locations, Treasures, Objects and Obstacles, Vehicles, and Actions. Each story is different and encourages children to develop their imagination and creativity, as well as sequential thinking and language skills.

Toy Fair 2011 Zobmondo!! Entertainment Zobmondo!! Entertainment introduces Party Gras to its line of party games. Party Gras, a play on Mardi Gras, revolves around observing people’s behavior and capitalizing on it to gather the most beads. Each guest receives a card with observations such as “Make someone ask you to lower your voice” or “Catch someone text messaging” or “Find two people with the same color shirt.” When this happens, players show their cards and retrieve the beads from the unsuspecting partygoer. The player with the most beads wins.

Party Gras is designed for four to 12 players, ages teen to adult. Supplies include 36 Party Gras bead strings and 300 observation cards.

Reeves International New from Reeves International’s Breyer line comes the Classics Pet Sitter Set. The set comes with a girl figure who must take care of her animal friends, including a foal, beagle, and cat. The set also comes with a variety of accessories.

The ASPCA Animal Rescue Benefit Program features a trio of four-legged friends that embody the mission of the ASPCA: to protect animals from harm and suffering. By bringing these products home, consumers can help the ASPCA continue to find forever homes for dogs, cats, and horses. Breyer will donate 10 percent of all proceeds from the sale of each product to benefit programs within the ASPCA. Wind Dancers Musical Jewelry Box is a whimsically illustrated musical jewelry box that comes with all four Wind Dancers. The jewelry box features three drawers.

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Scholastic Media As part of its ramp-up for the 50th anniversary celebration of Clifford the Big Red Dog in 2012, Scholastic Media announces several new deals. In conjunction with Mills Entertainment, Scholastic Media will launch Clifford the Big Red Dog: A BIG Family Musical. Russ Berrie signed on for a mix of Clifford plush and plush-plus products, as well as gift products.

Zoobies will create Clifford-branded plush that converts into pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags. The Canadian Group signed on for board games, jigsaw puzzles, and magnetic playsets. Twisterz Toys will produce educational toys, including the Clifford Category Matcher. Ranir will develop a line of Clifford toothbrushes for children. VM Global Manufacturing will create a collection of Clifford scooters, wagons, tricycles, and bicycles for preschoolers.

Clifford scooter by VM Global Manufacturing Kicking off the 20th Anniversary of I Spy this year, Scholastic Media announces two new deals in support of the brand. Scholastic Media has expanded its grant of rights to Briarpatch for worldwide distribution of I Spy games and puzzles. Briarpatch will be releasing five new I Spy SKUs this year, including I Spy Spectacular: The 20th Anniversary Edition to coincide with Scholastic’s new book of the same name.

Scholastic Media will also introduce I Spy-branded fruit snacks from Kellogg’s. The I Spy Little Numbers package includes an I Spy-inspired rhyme.

Toy Fair 2011 Mattel Mattel makes new additions to its Color Shifters line. The rotating Gatling-style barrel, easy-grip handle, and a 10-shot Hot Wheels Color Shifters Assortment offers boys a whole capacity of Power Discs. It is for ages 5 and up. new series of Color Shifters cars. There are four ways to With the Disney Princess Ariel Fountain & Bubble color change. Using warm or icy water, kids can uncovBoat, just pour in bubble solution to create a trail of er secret graphics like flames, stripes, or dirt on Color bubbles as the boat starts its journey around the tub.

Shifters Water Revealers cars, and vibrant paint finishWith another turn of the dial, a water fountain sprays es on Color Shifters Metallics models. With the new into the air. Girls can also use the boat as a playset for Glow-in-the-Dark cars, kids just need to heat up the car to Ariel, with a sparkly slide and seashell-throne swing. An expose the glow-in-the-dark feature and then charge it up Ariel doll is included with the boat. Bubble solution is sold with light to reveal glowing decos. New Color Shifters separately. It is for ages 3 and up.

Green Lantern Colossal Cannon playsets include the Color Shifters Switch & Spray playset.

This spring, Mattel introduces new play experiences Just fill the two tanks with warm and icy water. Then, with classic games and celebrates the 40th birthday of UNO using the customization knob, kids can easily switch between the icy and with the limited-edition UNO Retro Card Game. Classic styling and warm water tanks to create the ideal water temperature for a variety of design bring back memories of games past with family and friends, while color transformations. A rotating platform with spray brush provides fur- creating new ones. UNO Attack! Relaunch features a redesign and fast ther “detailing” options before sending the Color Shifters car down the card launcher that randomly shoots cards for unexpected gameplay. The ramp. It is for ages 3 and up. game’s newly added Attack! Attack! Command Card provokes flying For the WWE, Mattel’s Rumblers Figures measure anywhere from two cards. UNO games are for ages 4 and up. to four inches tall and include such Superstar favorites as John Cena, Rey From Mattel’s Radica division comes Loopz M3, a handheld portable Mysterio, Sheamus, and more. The Rumblers Figure plus Accessory version of the original Loopz. Use the game’s four trigger buttons and Assortment features one figure and an embellished accessory, such as a motion sensors to challenge reflexes and memory. There are four different blast-away wall, spinning wall, launch point, or collapsing grave. The game modes. Loopz M3 is for ages 7 and up.

Rumblers Figure plus Deluxe Accessory Assortment packages one figure Press the heart on the Sweet Talkin’ Ken Doll to record a message. with an extreme WWE environment, such as the Steel Cage Tower.

Ken can record up to five seconds of sound and then play the The Blast & Bash Battle Ring works with all Rumblers accesmessage back in “Ken” voice, your voice, and a highsories, and kids just pound one of four ring paddles to blast pitched voice using the three buttons on Ken’s lower back. their favorite Superstars into the air. The ring playset features The doll is for ages 3 and up.

John Cena and Sheamus Rumblers figures. All WWE product The Barbie Basics Doll Assortment includes 12 dolls— is for ages 3 and up. nine females and three males. Each doll features a unique hairMattel’s Green Lantern toy line includes action and collecstyle and skin tone and comes dressed in a variety of denim tor figures and movie-inspired roleplay gear. Green Lantern jean styles featuring different cuts and colors. Each Barbie Deluxe Battle Shifters Figures are four-inch figures of Green Basics doll can be personalized and customized in a way that Lantern characters Hal Jordan, Sinestro, Tomar-Re, and represents the owner’s personal style by using the accessory Kilowog. Battle Shifters figures come with a fold-up Power packs complete with scarves, purses, shoes, and jewelry. Each Slinger accessory. Green Lantern roleplay products include the doll and accessory pack is sold separately. This doll assortSweet Talkin’ Ken Green Lantern Colossal Cannon. The cannon comes with a ment is designed for the adult collector.

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Toy Fair 2011 Playmobil

Safari Ltd.

With the Treasure Temple with Guards set, children can navigate through the guarded, trap-filled, treasure temple. The stake barrier, drop pit, and falling rocks make it difficult to pass through the temple to find the hidden treasure. The set Secret Agent Headquarters comes with two temple guards, three treasure hunters, a giant lizard, a treasure map that can be revealed when rubbed, and many other accessories. It is for ages 4–10.

The Playmobil Summer House comes equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. The terrace decorated with plants has patio furniture and a grill for barbecues. The set also comes with four figures and other accessories. It is for ages 4–10.

The Lion Knights’ Castle, with its action-packed traps and functions, provides plenty of space for playing. The castle is protected by double gates with a portcullis and falling rocks. It also includes a break-out wall, drop-down ladder, and a secret lift to bring up the king’s treasure when the castle is under threat. The set includes six figures, two horses, functional cannons, and many other accessories. It is for ages 4–10.

Activate traps and prepare the knights to guard the Falcon Knights’ Castle from intruders. The castle comes with a drawbridge, break-out wall, dropdown ladder, and a trap door. The set also includes four Falcon Knights, a horse, a functional cannon, and many other accessories. It is for ages 4–10.

The well-disguised Secret Agent Headquarters with Alarm System contains covert features, such as a trapdoor leading to the jail, a jet ski hiding place for an emergency escape, and a secret command center with LED board. The Secret Agent Headquarters also contains plenty of equipment for the agents. The multifunctional vehicle can be converted for deployments on land, water, and air; the speedboat can be upgraded with the Playmobil Underwater Motor (sold separately); and the LED super weapon can also be used against attackers. The set comes with five figures, including a double agent with a changeable face. The functional alarm system can be placed in rooms at home to warn off “intruders.” It is for ages 7–12.

For 2011, Safari Ltd. ventures into the land of make believe by creating a new collection of classic fairytale figures. The Days of Old collection includes a royal family comprised of King Alfred, Queen Sofia, and Princesses Emily, Penelope, and Juliet. Prince Patrick completes the group of people in the series. In addition, there are finely sculpted and intricately painted Medea the Witch and the wizard Magnus. These figures range in size from 3.75 inches to 4.5 inches tall. Each figure includes a short story describing its qualities in five languages. They are for ages 3 and up.

Safari offers an additional five new Bulk Bags of some of its most popular themes, including fossils, dinosaur skulls, river creatures, trains, and North American wildlife. Figures range in size from 1.5 inches to three inches. They are for ages 3 and up.

New for 2011, the paleontologists of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History have authenticated the addition of the Miragaia to the Carnegie Dinosaurs Collectibles roster of scale-model reproductions. The scale for this model is 1:30. This figure measures 9.25-inches by 3.5-inches and is intricately painted by hand with more than 10 different steps. It includes educational information in five languages. It is for ages 3 and up.

Safari also offers its Civil War series in take-along acetate tubes. Each tube contains six hand-painted soldiers and battlefield accessories. The soldiers are a scale of 1:48. The series consists of two tubes each of Union and Confederate soldiers and accessories. The figures measure approximately 1.75 inches tall. They are for ages 3 and up.

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King Alfred

Toy Fair 2011 Skullduggery

Wild Planet

MaxTraxxx is Skullduggery’s glow-in-the-dark, 1:64-scale, standard race system. Side-by-side, easy-launch racing is engineered directly into the design with built-in starting gates and expandable racing lanes. Kids can race one friend or 20 friends at once. The MaxTraxxx interlocking groove structure expands to meet racing requirements. The starter set includes 20 feet of glowin-the-dark track and two Light-Up Marble Racers.

Speed Slider engages children in practicing color, number, and math skills while increasing heart rates, improving coordination, and encouraging social play. Speed Slider provides a workout for both body and mind and can be played solo, competitively, or cooperatively in groups of up to six. Speed Slider is a collection of movement games, all playable at varying levels of difficulty, and all contained in one compact, portable unit. The sturdy, half-dome component has a slick, flat underside that enables it to glide smoothly across the floor in response to a light toe tap (for small play areas) or a power kick (for larger spaces). The perimeter of the half dome contains four big buttons, each displaying a different color, number, and direction. The top of the dome has a fifth colored button and a speaker that calls out commands created by a microchip inside the game. Commands include colors, numbers, math problems, double digits, and sequences. Players kick the buttons that correspond to the command. (Example: “nine minus seven”—player kicks button No. 2; “Dribble”—player kicks left button, then right button, then left button) Depending on the number of accurate kicks in each round, the game will either stay in beginner mode or automatically advance to games that incorporate a wider variety of commands and longer rounds. The game plays lively music, tracks each players’ time or score, and announces the results. Four bonus games are included. Speed Slider is for ages 6 and up.

New in the Spy Gear collection is the Body Wire. With the base of the Body Wire attached to a belt and the cord hidden beneath a shirt, clip the mini microphone to a discrete location and let the interrogation begin. Kids can immediately play back what they’ve recorded. It is for ages 6 and up.

No one can break into the Spy Safe. With no dial, code, or keyhole, the Spy Safe is a mystery to amateur spies. But the safe’s owner has the magnetic key that opens the safe when put in contact with its outer wall. Spy Safe is for ages 6 and up.

Noodle Head, Inc. Noodle Head, Inc., launched Planet Pawparazzi (www.planetpawparazzi.com), a virtual playground based on the Pawparazzi collectible toy line, a cast of miniature plush dogs and cats with celebrity personalities. Planet Pawparazzi offers girls an entertainment platform where they can play interactive games and activities, take a tour bus to Hollywoof, dress up a pet at the Hotel Pawparazzi, or catch a flight to New York City to be on a celebrity quiz show. The site’s interactive PawBlog allows pets to share their lives and girls to sign up to receive tweets from their favorite characters. Additional Pawparazzi brand extensions are underway, including an integrated licensing and merchandising program with publishing, interactive, apparel, accessories, social expression, home décor, entertainment, and more. Bennett Branding is spearheading this effort.

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Speed Slider

Toy Fair 2011 The Young Scientists Club

Poof-Slinky

The Young Scientists Club rolls out its newest science kits to explore and experiment with volcanoes, electricity, chemistry, and microscopes.

Each of the spring products were designed for children as young as 5 years old.

With The Magic School Bus Chemistry Lab, budding chemists can join Ms. Frizzle and her students as they explore the field of chemistry. Young scientists make sticky ice, use litmus paper, measure pH, perform chromatography, make bubble sculptures, wake up fungus, create slime, form a bouncy ball, learn about density, produce a milk rainbow, plate copper, and much more. This bus-shaped kit comes with science components, 51 colorful experiment cards, and a data notebook to record observations.

The Magic School Bus Microscope Lab lets kids explore the world from under a microscope. Young scientists learn about the history of the microscope, explore the different parts of this science tool, and discover how to use one. Children can make slides of water droplets, plant parts, textile fibers, paper, crystals, and more. This bus-shaped kit comes with a real, working microscope, blank slides, cover slips, tweezers, collecting vial, 20 colorful experiment cards, prepared slides of fungi and algae, and a data notebook to record observations.

The Young Scientists Club will also introduce a new kit in its nature series, Science On a Fossil Dig. In this simulation of a real paleontology fossil dig, young scientists can hunt for a fossilized shark tooth, brachiopod shell, gastropod shell, and “squid” shell. These real fossils are enclosed in a chalk “brick” and are revealed by using the supplied scraping and brush tools, similar to what real paleontologists use. Kids then take a closer look at these fossils with the enclosed magnifying glass and learn about each fossil using the fun fact cards.

Poof-Slinky’s new Stikits are brightly colored, ecofriendly cylinders that stick together so kids can build and create. When lightly moistened, Stikits stick together.

Kids can shake, twist, roll, and flatten Stikits to make their creations. Stikits, for ages 5 and up, were formerly known as Enviroblox. Poof-Slinky picked up the line when it acquired Cadaco in 2010.

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Schylling Schylling will introduce new additions to its Sock Monkey Collection. The Nesting Sock Monkeys are six monkeys that snugly nest inside one another. Each Monkey has red yarn hair and individual expressions.

The largest monkey is five inches tall. Baby Sock Monkeys are colorful mini sock monkeys that come in purple, pink, and original brown colors. The Baby Sock Monkeys stand seven inches tall. Kids can also keep spare change in a Sock Monkey Coin Purse.

Toy Fair 2011 Spin Master New games from Spin Master include Logo, the game that puts consumer knowledge to the test. Players show off their knowledge of popular brands. The first person to make it to the winners’ circle and answer all the questions correctly wins. Logo is for ages 12 and up.

Based on the Fox game show, Million Dollar Money Drop tests players’ pop-culture knowledge.

Only seven questions stand between a player and “a million dollars.” With four possible answers and only one minute to decide, choose which drop to place Liv Twist & Dance dolls the money on. The game is for ages 8 and up.

Girls can make the Liv dolls dance with new Liv Twist & Dance dolls. The dolls’ hairstyles can also be transformed from day to night as they get ready for the school dance. Girls control the new dance mechanism that makes the dolls move their hips, shoulders, and heads to music. The twist wig features two styles in one. The dolls are for ages 5 and up.

New Tech Deck products include the P-Rods Skatelab Ramp Assortment. There is a large and small assortment. This is a replica of Paul Rodriguez’s first training facility. Recreate the Skatelab or create a unique park with two interchangeable large ramp sets. Use the included P-Rod board to shred each ramp. Each is for ages 9 and up.

New Zoobles include Mamas and Zooblings, which come with a Mama Zooble and a baby that pops out of the mama’s belly. It also comes with a deluxe Happitat with bassinet. The Mama and Zoobling Playset is where the Mama Zooble can care for the Zooblings. Feed them, change them, play with them, then take them for a ride in the heli-stroller. Both sets are for ages 4–9.

New Bakugan products include the Dragonoid Destroyer. It can stand, spin, and shoot projectiles with its firing cannon. The Dragonoid Destroyer includes a battle suit, exclusive Baku Sky Raider, exclusive Dragonoid Bakugan, and an Ability Card. It is for ages 5 and up.

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The Bridge Direct Justin Bieber Rockin’ Tour Bus and Concert Stage

The Bridge Direct is producing a variety of Justin Bieber products, including the Justin Bieber Rockin’ Tour Bus and Concert Stage.

The Rockin’ Tour Bus opens up to reveal a concert stage with lights and sound effects. There’s also a port for connecting MP3 players or laptops. The Justin Bieber Performance Collection Singing Dolls don fashions inspired by Bieber’s worldwide concert tour and “sing” a 30-second clip of one of Bieber’s hit songs— “Love Me,” “U Smile,” “Never Say Never,” and “Eenie Meenie.” All products are for ages 6 and up.

For ZhuZhu Pets, The Bridge Direct’s Take Along Hamster Hangout is the largest playset in the ZhuZhu Pets system. There’s a place to nap, a place to cook and eat, a vanity to get prettied up, and hamster tunnels to slide through. Zhu Zhu Pets Micro Plush are three-inch collectible ZhuZhu Pets characters. For 2011, there are new micro plush characters, based on the characters created by Cepia, joining the collection in bright new colors. Also in 2011, the micro plush Puppies and Babies will join the line.

The Bridge Direct will also have product for Richard Scarry’s Busytown. The Busytown Deluxe Town Hall Playset is the centerpiece of the action in the Busytown Play System, which includes figures, roadways, and playsets that all fit together to recreate the fun-filled Busytown world, just like in the books and on the show.

More than 20 pieces are included in this deluxe playset: two buildings, four Busytown characters, more than 10 pieces of track, and a DVD episode of the Busytown TV show. For expanded play, the Town Hall playset is also compatible with other wooden track systems.

Toy Fair 2011 Elf Magic

Smart-Trike

Elf Magic will showcase its latest products, including Elfits, or Elf outfits. Each of the new Elfits are made for the 10-inch Elf Magic Elf using soft poly/cotton blend fabrics. Elfits include the Sweet Dreams Flannel Nightgown, Peppermint Pajamas, Full of Spice Nightshirt, and Magic Pumpkin Costume. There is also a Cozy Claus Quilt and Pillow for the Elf Magic Elves, as well as a SnowCase (suitcase) that contains everything an Elf needs for its stay and return to the North Pole. The SnowCase comes with a luggage tag and mini passport and doubles as a mobile Elf playhouse with Claus-et (closet) to hang Elfits, a window seat, sliding drawer, and a pouch filled with stickers to decorate the suitcase and passport.

The Elf Magic, The Story of a Timeless Christmas Tradition Book/DVD Combo Set is a 51-page account of how Santa began the Elf Magic tradition. It features watercolor illustrations and a rhythmic story. Each book comes with a DVD that contains a fully animated cartoon of the story. The DVD also has four original Elf Magic sing-along songs with full lyrics on the last pages of the book.

Smart-Trike U.S.A. LLC invented a convertible design for wheeled vehicles that grows with children ages 6 or 10 months–3 years. Smart-Trike made the tricycle concept, originally designed for older kids, accessible to babies as young as 6 months in the form of recliners and strollers with safe-steering handles giving parents full control in their early stages before converting into trikes. Smart-Trike’s stylish designs feature special seats with long back support for maximum comfort and protection.

The Smart-Trike Zoo Collection is an animalthemed collection that includes bees, cows, butterflies, and frogs. The Zoo Collection is a threein-one model adaptable for children 10 months–3 years. Initially it’s a stroller with adjustable parent steering handle for full parent control, a clutch for free-wheeling, a seat with a long back support for early stages, safety straps, bottle holder, play phone, and removable canopy to protect baby. Rubber wheels ensure a smooth, quiet ride. Features can gradually be removed until the child can operate the tricycle independently.

The Smart-Trike All-in-One Stage 2 offers multifaceted features. This product adjusts with baby from 6 months–2 years. It’s a four-wheeled vehicle that starts as a baby cradle with a rocker base, then transforms into a push-along and a push-along ride-on. When baby grows up, the Stage 2 converts into an independent ride-on, and then a stable four-wheeled scooter.

Wild Creations Recently licensed by Wild Creations from a husband/wife inventing team, Roll-Up Roads are a fast and floor-friendly way for kids to keep their toy cars, trains, planes, and building sets moving. Roll-Up Roads are wide enough to fit every toy car, train, and plane, and each set comes with more than 16 feet of mini-miles. Roll-Up Roads tape sticks to most surfaces (floors, tables, and wall) and leaves no goo behind, even when left in place for weeks. There are currently six realistic road designs available: Lightning Highway, Blazin’ Asphalt, Parking Lotz, Supersonic Runway, Rockin’ Rails, and City Skyline.

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SnowCases

Toy Fair 2011 Aeromax

Scratch Art

Aeromax’s line of safe, foam rocket toys includes the CrossBow Blaster. Just load, pull, and blast to launch foam darts up to 30 feet. Other items in the line include the HummZinger Screaming Rocket Blaster and the TriPower Rocket Blaster. Each product is for ages 6 and up.

With Scratch Art’s Scratchin’ Hot, kids can make sizzling neon art. Scratch on the Scratchin’ Hot Drawing Boards and bold, bright colors “magically” appear. Scratchin’ Hot colors include Glow Green, Punchy Pink, Oh! Orange, and Yow! Yellow. Scratchin’ Hot is available in a Combo Four-Pack (which comes with four drawing boards, a designer stencil, a wood drawing stylus, and instructions), a Deluxe Set (which comes with 16 drawing boards, a designer stencil with 30 shapes, a fine point wood drawing stylus, a medium point wood drawing stylus, three show-off easel frames, and instructions), and a Mini Notes set (which comes with eight 3.5-inch-by-3.5inch drawing boards and a wood drawing stylus). Scratchin’ Hot is for ages 5 and up.

North Star Games North Star Games debuts two new titles.

Crappy Birthday is a new party game for ages 10 and up where players must give the worst possible gifts. Having a good sense of humor and knowing the tastes or distastes of other players can greatly increase chances of winning. Some options of the worst gifts can be bungee jumping lessons, a fanny pack, or pink flamingo yard ornaments. It is for three to eight players.

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Jo’s Dream Jo’s Dream, a company founded by Rick Israel in 1995, will add new Grow items, such as Grow a Pet, to its product lineup. The company’s product line also includes novelty items, teen and tween jewelry, fashion accessories, and more. Also new from the company is peace sign jewelry.

Interactive Toy Concepts The latest in the Hunter Series is Launch N’ Load, which brings a new look and feature to Duck Hunter. Now watch as the duck takes off directly from the end of the new, extended blaster. Simply charge the bird up and pull the trigger to send the duck flying into the air. It will take three direct hits with the infrared blaster to bring the duck down from the sky. A 10-second charge offers more than 30 seconds of flight.

Launch N’ Load is for ages 8 and up.

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Toy Fair 2011 Sourcing International Sourcing International introduces The Connectors, silicone strings that interlock to form various fashion accessories. These seven-inch long multicolored strings connect using a patent-pending design. One Connector string makes a bracelet or anklet; three or more form a necklace. Connectors come in different color themes including pastels, brights, darks, stripes, glowin-the dark, and fluorescents. Along with The Original Connector series, new series for 2011 include Crystal Connectors, Beaded Connectors, and Charm Connectors.

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Cardinal New Disney products from Cardinal include the Princess Foil Puzzles in shaped tins, The Princess Friends Forever game, and the Cars 2 Tire Tub, which is packed with games.

Cardinal’s new line of Squinkies games and puzzles highlight the “surprise” element of the brand by including Squinkies moving pieces. Lenticular puzzles highlight the vast array of Squinkies friends and pets.

Sock Monkeys are making an appearance on games and puzzles

by Cardinal. Where is Sock Monkey? is a game where kids hide the Sock Monkey and search the house based on a series of clues. It comes with a real Sock Monkey. There’s also a Where is Sock Monkey? card game and a line of Sock Monkey puzzles that includes wooden puzzle sets, lenticular puzzles, and basic puzzles.

Hello Kitty appears in a new line of games and puzzles that includes heart-shaped tins with card games, dominoes, and checkers.

Hello Kitty puzzles are available in wood, lenticular, and basic.

Cardinal will also release new games and puzzles based on Marvel characters such as Spiderman, Thor, and Captain America.

The Spiderman Skyscraper Game challenges players to knock out the blocks without letting Spidey fall. Games and puzzles, such as foil puzzles in shaped tins, based on Thor and Captain America will release with the movies this spring.

Cardinal’s card game based on Million Dollar Money Drop replicates the TV game show. Contestants start off with $1,000,000 and seven questions stand in the way of them and their money.

Family Guy product will include trivia games, dominoes, playing cards, and puzzles that feature characters that span the history of Family Guy. Family Guy Trick Pong has players bouncing balls from the ramps to the walls.

Neat-Oh!

Wild Republic

Neat-Oh! is working with the Barbie license for ZipBins.

The Barbie ZipBin Beach Bag has vibrant summer colors on the outside and a paradise beach inside. The Barbie ZipBin Dream House unzips to reveal two stories Barbie ZipBin of decoration. The Beach Bag Barbie ZipBin Clutch features Barbie-pink woven designs on the front and a dressing room on the inside.

Each item is for ages 3 and up.

Wild Republic will introduce more than 600 new items, as well as revamp its plush lines with new embellishments, vibrance, and voices. The new WOWs glow-in-the-dark googly-eyed plush has new species and amplified sounds. New sets of plush called Wild Prints, Sweet And Sassy, and Cool Beans will also debut.

Wild Republic will also introduce WOWs Wild Nuts & Bolts, a new version of construction Prints Dolphin play. The Nuts & Bolts line, for ages 8 and up, will include animal species and dinosaurs (stegosaurus, lion, T-Rex, elephant, and giraffe) and each set has interchangeable parts that can be used with the other Nuts & Bolts animals. Assemble the metal and plastic pieces by using the included basic tools.

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Toy Fair 2011 Jazwares

Briarpatch

Jazwares brings the Star Wars brand to life with a new collection of novelty electronics and licensed spyware, including novelty alarm clocks, boomboxes, digital cameras, MP3 players, a new search-and-capture game, and Star Wars-inspired tools for night vision, voice changing, surveillance, and security.

The Star Wars CD Boombox plays music while the eyes of Darth Vader glow with bright red LED lights. The radio CD player is compatible with any model MP3 player and includes six buttons to adjust the music. The volume control button is integrated into Darth Vader’s mouth where the CD is positioned to play. The boombox requires six LR14 batteries, which are not included. It is for ages 6 and up.

Star Wars CD Boombox

Tegu Tegu’s patent-pending blocks incorporate magnets inside sustainably harvested wood, offering gravity-defying blocks that show no visible point of connectivity and enable multidimensional building experiences. They are available in the following Honduran hardwood finishes: natural, mahogany, tints, and jungle.

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To celebrate the 20th anniversary of I Spy, Briarpatch will launch I Spy Spectacular, a game with a three-tiered spinner that sends players looking for picture matches. There are also riddles at the end of every round. The game comes with double-sided spinner graphics, 36 double-sided cards, 50 scoring tokens, and rules for different skill levels. It is for ages 5 and up.

In I Spy Ready to Read, players read the riddle on their game board, find the objects, and punch them out. Read the riddles, name the objects, and put them back on the board. There are four games to play. It comes with six double-sided game boards, 24 doublesided tokens, and rules for different skill levels. The game is for one to six players ages 4 and up.

In Fancy Nancy Fabulous Fashionista Game, players pair the ensembles to win. The game is all about collecting the perfect dress and just the right shoes. Collect three outfits to win. It comes with cling stickers for decorating, four armoires, four shoe racks, a fashion die, and 24 dress and shoe cards. The game is for two to four players ages 5 and up.

Madeline’s latest adventure takes her to the White House. Madeline at the White House Game has players running from one landmark square to another that are placed throughout the playing space. It comes with eight Washington D.C. landmark cards, four magic carpet scoreboards, and a spinner.

Tic Tac Turn gives the classic game a new spin. Players make a move on their choice of four levels or they can turn a level, which might mess up other players’ strategies. The game comes with 64 pegs and a three-dimensional game platform. It is for two to four players ages 8 and up.

In Stringo, players choose the strings that Tic Tac Turn score the most points to win. Each piece has three matching options. It isn’t the longest strings that win, but the strings that score the most points. The game comes with six game boards, matching sets of 27 tiles, and rules for different ways to play. It is for two to six players ages 7 and up.

Kids Preferred

Skyrocket Toys

For the upcoming animated Winnie the Pooh from Disney, Kids Preferred created a sentimental line called Winnie the Pooh, inspired by the charm and whimsy of the last Pooh movie from 35 years ago. The Winnie the Pooh line will include 14-inch large plush, nine-inch dolls, blankets, rattles, and attachables.

Each item is for newborns and up.

The new Smarty Kids line features cuddly creations where H is for Hedgehog and T is for Turtle— complete with the capital letter stitched on its side and ABC-patterned fabric accents. Soft rattles, cuddly blankies, floppy plush, and musical mama animals with babies are a sampling of the stimulating buddies created especially for a developing baby.

With Skyrocket Toys’ Meons, kids can make their own neon signs. Simply select a licensed picture (licenses include Cars, Star Wars, Disney Princess, Disney Fairies, SpongeBob SquarePants, Toy Story, and Phineas & Ferb), follow the simple diagram, and snap in the pegs. Thread the Meon wire through the pegs and the frame. Turn on the battery-powered frame to view the neon picture. Kids can also create their own customized creations instead of using a licensed picture. Meons work in both light and dark rooms. There are three frame sizes available—seven inches, 12 inches, and 15 inches. Meons are reusable so kids can build pictures over and over.

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Toy Fair 2011 Thames & Kosmos

Techno Source

The new Experimental Greenhouse from Thames & Kosmos teaches children about plants and seeds by conduction experiments in a specially designed botanical laboratory with greenhouse domes. Children can grow beans, cress, and zinnia flowers, while learning about what different plants require to grow properly.

Also new from Thames & Kosmos is the Spectacular Science Do-ItYourself Science Show. Children can use the included materials to put together a chemistry demonstration. The set contains the equipment, materials, and chemicals needed to rehearse and put on a show, as well as a special 64-page comic book-style manual. Children can put together a total of five different shows with the included material.

Techno Source will release a line of electronic games based on Disney-Pixar’s upcoming Cars 2 theatrical release. Cars 2 Lightning McQueen’s Pit Crew Panic and Hide ’n Spy Mater are two games that are shaped like the characters the game features. Lightning and Mater will tell players which parts Tetris Link to twist or push back into place before time runs out, with more items and less time as the levels get harder and harder. The Cars 2 Racing Wheel features a color LCD screen set in a steering wheel. Turning the wheel left or right directs Lightning McQueen past other racers and rivals.

In Cars 2 Race of Champions, players can race as Lightning McQueen against other racers on an LCD color screen, avoiding hazards and using speed boosts to win.

Techno Source has also teamed up with Blue Planet Software, which manages the Tetris brand, to create Tetris Link, a tabletop game with multiple layers of strategic game play. In Tetris Link, players battle to score the most points by linking colored Tetriminos into an upright game tower while trying to block other players from linking their pieces together.

Orb Factory Orb Factory will be expanding its Sticky Mosaics line with a number of new themes and items.

New craft kits include Tropical Friends, Jewelry Box, and Heart Box. The My First Stick Mosaics Princess features oversized tiles and a simplified legend to make introducing younger children to Sticky Mosaics easier.

Orb Factory has also introduced the new Stick ’n Style Blinglets, which let girls design their own bangles.

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YBike YBike will be introducing the new YBike Pewi, a hybrid walking buddy and ride-on for toddlers from 9 months to 3 years old.

Toddlers can hold onto PEWI as they take their first steps or sit and ride on the seat.

Waba Fun Waba Fun will be introducing three new styles of Arc-a-Teks for its Superstructs line of building toys. Each kit is roughly 40 pieces of Superstructs pieces that allow children to build two Arc-a-Teks characters simultaneously. The enclosed collector cards reveal each character’s name, details, and a secret code to unlock online features. The three sets include Earth, Sky, and Sea themes.

Steiff Through a collaboration with Steiff and Walt Disney Studios, Steiff has produced its own version of the classic character Fozzie Bear. The new Steiff Fozzie Bear is handcrafted with orange and brown mohair and features hand-stitched and airbrushed accents. The plush is dressed in his signature hat with his polka dot scarf.

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Toy Fair 2011 Manhattan Toy The new Monster and Me line allows children to transform into a colorful monster with the Roaring Ruzlow Costume. Children can also play with the coordinating monster friend in the form of a Roaring Ruzlow soft toy that can be brought on the go or used for non-roleplay play patterns.

Manhattan Toy will also be introducing a number of new baby toys. The New Mod Baby toy line features soft fabrics and textures that provide entertainment for young children and babies. The products in the line range from rattles to activity toys and pads.

In addition, Manhattan Toy will be releasing a line of new Wimmer-Ferguson infant development toys, designed to help a baby grow and develop via high-contrast patterns and images.

The new Boysterous line features five new sports-themed action figures. Each figure comes with the necessary accessories to play their sports, as well as an adaptable Zip-Bin playing field. Figures include Slap Shot Sam, Touchdown Dylan, Shredding Sean, Goalie Gavin, and Half Pipe Pete.

Goalie Gavin Manhattan Toy will also introduce the new PJ Tots line. The collectible dolls are designed to be ideal first dolls for baby girls, small enough to fit in their hands, with molded faces and beanbag bottoms. Every doll has themed pajamas that match their sleeping bag.

Uncle Milton Uncle Milton will introduce an all-new line of educational toys based on the Jim Henson Company’s Dinosaur Train. The line will emphasize real Dinosaur Train Hatchers science within the Dinosaur Train world. New products include Hatchers, realistic dinosaur eggs that hatch; Dino Poop, a way for kids to explore what dinosaurs ate; and the Train Station Scale, which allows children to compare the weight of the Dinosaur Train characters to a bus, car, or other modern item.

Uncle Milton will also be expanding a number of its own brands, including Explore It! Uncle Milton will introduce the Fire and Ice Volcano, which creates two types of eruptions.

For 2011, Uncle Milton will also be expanding the Star Wars Science brand. The company will create several new items for 2011, including the Mini Lightsaber Dark Side Detector and a new assortment of Lightsaber Room Lights.

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Daydream Toy

Folkmanis

Daydream Toy will be introducing Block-N-Roll, a horizontally integrated marble maze toy. Children can build their own mazes with drops, tunnels, ramps, crossovers, and turns. Block-N-Roll is compatible with all leading plastic building blocks.

Daydream Toy will also introduce No Ends, a construction toy that consists of straight and curved beams with connector cubes and can be used to make all types of shapes and forms. Wheels and axels are available for more creative options.

Folkmanis is introducing its first-ever Puppet Kits. There are three animal-based kits—Bunny, Frog, and Cat. Each kit lets children make their own puppets with the included plush puppet body, felt for body parts, nontoxic glue, fabric puppet parts, instructions, animal facts, and puppet show ideas.

Folkmanis will also be introducing the FolkMonsters line as puppets with personalities and amusing looks. The first two FolkMonsters are Blueper and Twickety.

Block-N-Roll

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Toy Fair 2011 Jakks Pacific Jakks Pacific will introduce a number of new Pokémon competing to earn score cards by building scenes with charproducts for 2011 to coincide with the launch of the fifth genacter figures, bases, and scenes from the show. eration of Pokémon video games, Pokémon Black and Jakks Pacific will be expanding its UFC line with new Pokémon White. The 2011 toy line will include three-inch UFC Deluxe Figures. Wave Six will include Clay Guida, Basic Figures, which will be available in single and multi Frank Mir, Thiago Alves, Tito Ortiz, and more. The UFC packs. The three-inch Attack Figures come with a shooting Basic Octagon will include an additional six-inch figure to attack base featuring a different attack move for each help fans set up their own unique fights in an authentic Pokémon. In addition, the Attack Figures work with the replica of the UFC Octagon. Jakks will also release the Battle Arena Playset. The Deluxe Figures are five- to sevenUFC Champion Belt, an authentic replica of the real belt, inch figures scaled to the different sizes of Pokémon with that comes with a 3.75-inch articulated figure. multiple points of articulation and detailed deco. Jakks will New for Jakks Pacific’s TNA line is the TNA DLX Impact also be introducing new Trainer Roleplay products for the Series No. 3, featuring seven-inch figures of Velvet Sky, Jay brand, including Mini-Plush, Reversible Plush (which transLethal, Shark Boy, Kevin Nash, Sting, and Matt Morgan, forms from a Poké Ball into a Pokémon), and Throw Poké using Real Scan technology sculpts for authentic features, Ball, which lets children place their Mini Plush inside and garb, and accessories. The TNA Micro Impact 3 Pack is a trio Rainbow Fairy Tinkerbell throw them into battle. Jakks will also introduce the Pop N’ of small figures. The new TNA Championship Belt is an Battle Launchers. Each launcher is a Poké Ball with a oneauthentic version of the real TNA Championship Belt. inch figure inside that can be launched to an attack target. The Battle Attack The Disney Fairies brand will also see a significant expansion as Starter Set comes with two Pop N’ Battle launchers and attack targets, as well Jakks Pacific adds new figures and playsets to the line. In the 4.5-inch as two bonus trainer belt clips. size, the Flit & Flutter figures feature shimmery wings that flutter; the Jakks Pacific will also be expanding its Tollytots division with the new Fairy and Pet figures feature fairies with pets from Pixie Hollow; and the My First Disney Princess Toddler dolls—Mulan and Snow White. Each Rainbow Fairies Collection features fairies with vinyl fashions and glit15-inch toddler doll is dressed in its signature ball gown and features root- ter wings. Jakks will be introducing unique play environments for each ed hair, poseable legs, and a tiara. fairy, such as Tink’s Fairy Kitchen and Silvermist’s Pixie Bath. Jakks For its games and puzzles lines, Jakks will also be introducing the nine-inch will be tapping a number of popular Deluxe Fairy Fashion Doll. licenses, including Nickelodeon’s Jakks Pacific’s Kids Only Phineas & Ferb. The Phineas & Ferb division will be adding new out104 Days of Summer Board Game door products for children. The pits children against one another to Princess and Cars Toddler have the most fun in 104 days of Swings feature details from the summer vacation while competing in Disney Princess and Disney mini-games that challenge skill and Cars brands. Kids Only will dexterity. The Phineas & Ferb also produce two Adirondack Funniest Card Game Ever has players Sets for Cars 2.

Cars 2 Adirondack Set

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Cepia New from Cepia are ZhuZhu Puppies. These ZhuZhu Pets-sized puppies yip and yap as they scurry about their playsets. Each ZhuZhu Puppy has its own individual personality. Murphy likes to keep busy, Howser is a fearless leader, and Miss Priss is a drama queen. There are nine puppies to collect in all. Cepia will also introduce a number of accessories and playsets for the new line, including the Posh Puppy Playhouse, Barke de Triumph Playhouse, and Bark Park.

Chenille Kraft Chenille Kraft will introduce the Wonderfoam Giant USA Puzzle Map. This 73-piece puzzle creates a four-foot-by-2.5-foot map of the U.S. The puzzle comes with a fun facts activity guide.

Chenille will also introduce the new Super Colossal Pipe Cleaners. These giant pipe cleaners allow kids to build giant-sized projects. Each pack comes with an illustrated project idea sheet.

ZhuZhu Puppies

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Toy Fair 2011 Hasbro Hasbro will be expanding a number of its key lines for once turned on. The assortment will launch with six pets, with more 2011, including Alphie, My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet to come. Pets are sold separately and available both in normal and Shop, Tonka, and more. deluxe versions. Accessory sets include the Star Trailer, Zoomin’ For Alphie, Hasbro will be introducing the new Databots Stage, and more. assortment. Each Databot is a portable learning device. The The Littlest Pet Shop line will expand with a number of new Maestro-Bot teaches music while the Deci-Bot teaches numplaysets and accessories for collectors. The Hamster Playground bers. In addition, Hasbro will introduce an assortment of Booster Playset features a detachable hamster ball and a rotating seat. The Packs for the original Alphie that will add new animations, phrasnew Pet Shop Pets on the Go assortment features acceses, music, and games to the original robot. sories that are oriented toward activities such as hangFor Baby Alive, Hasbro will be introducing three gliding and sailing. Hasbro will also introduce the new dolls. The Baby Alive Baby’s New Teeth doll newest Loves Littlest Pet Shop girl, Blythe. Blythe can teaches children how to care for a teething baby and be purchased as a separate doll, in one of many themed includes pretend toothpaste, toothbrush, sippy cup, assortments, or with her Scooter vehicle. and more. The Luv ’n Snuggle baby doll has a plush, My Little Pony continues to expand in 2011 with My Little Pony Sweetie Belle fleece body with tactile features including satiny ribbons, new playsets and figures. Hasbro will introduce soft hair, and a tummy rattle. The Splash ’n Giggle Doll is eight new My Little Pony basic figures, as well as designed for tub time, with a body made specifically for water play. the new Princess Celestia large-scale figure. Also new is the Fashion The Tonka Chuck & Friends line will also be expanded with a variety Style assortment, which features accessories and dress-up outfits for of new products. The Big Air Dare DVD and Vehicle Set pits Chuck the each pony figure. Hasbro will also introduce a new assortment of playDump Truck and Flip the Race Truck in a head-to-head stunt contest. The sets. The So Soft Newborns line will also be expanded with two new DVD comes with sing-alongs, character extras, and interactive books. The additions: Sweetie Belle and Sunny Daze. set features an exclusive muddy Chuck vehicle. In addition, the Mini Fold The Nerf brand will be expanding with a number of new Super Soaker ’N Go Assortment features miniature versions of the Chuck & Friends items. The Thunder Storm is the first battery-powered Super Soaker that characters with a portable playset. Mini Characters are also available sep- fires a continuous stream of water with no pumping required. The Hydro arately in Character 2-Packs. Hasbro will Cannon is a customizable water blaster that can shoot up to 35 feet. The also introduce two new play- Tornado Strike features a rotating barrel that twists the stream of water fired sets for the brand with the from the barrel. The Scatter Blast fires a wide blast of water up to 25 feet.

Tumble Tower and Crazy The Point Break water blaster is compact and portable.

Crane Stunt set.

Hasbro will be adding a number of new sets to the Play-Doh line, Hasbro will introduce including Flip ’N Serve Breakfast, Fairy Tales, and Cookie Monster’s the new Furry Frenzies Letter Lunch. line under the Furreal Hasbro will be expanding its line of Strawberry Shortcake products with Friends brand. Furry new dolls and playsets. The Strawberry Shortcake Twirling Flower Fashions Frenzies are energetic, playset lets children place their Strawberry Shortcake doll onto the playset’s interactive pets that skit- rotating base. When they spin the doll, a light sprinkle of water sprays onto ter and bump around the skirt, revealing new patterns until the skirt dries completely.

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Disney Consumer Products With the upcoming theatrical release of Cars 2, Disney will continue to expand the property’s extensive licensing program with more than 300 new toy products from a variety of licensees. Mattel will anchor the line with die-cast cars, playsets, and more. LEGO will market construction sets in both its core system and the Duplo system. Spin Master will handle R/C and Air Hogs products. Ridemakerz will introduce a system of customized vehicles.

With Jack Sparrow returning to the big screen in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Disney will be working with Jakks Pacific for new figure and playset lines. CDI and Disguise will both introduce new lines of roleplay and costumes, while LEGO will produce new construction kits. Mattel will offer true-to-film dolls.

For preschool children, Fisher-Price will release Rock Star Mickey, with new music and moves. Minnie Mouse will have her own line of dolls and roleplay based on Minnie’s Bowtique, a special Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode on the new Disney Junior Disney Channel programming block. In addition, Fisher-Price will create a new line of plush, figures, and playsets based on Winnie the Pooh as Disney releases a new movie.

Disney will also be a part of family game night as Hasbro introduces the new Trivial Pursuit: Disney for All Edition. The game features classic Trivial Pursuit gameplay with new question styles that allow whole families to play together regardless of age.

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Toy Fair 2011 R&R Games R&R Games will be introducing two new games at Toy Fair 2011.

Ticked Off pits players against one another in a contest of quick thinking. Players wager how many items in a category they can come up with within a set time before the category is revealed. Points are scored for unique answers and beating the highest bid. In the new Hey, Waiter! card game, players must manage a staff of waiters and busboys to dish out the orders faster than other players.

Prime Time Toys Prime Time Toys has created a new line of foam dart blasters for its new Dart Zone line. The Dartstorm Gatling Blaster is a rapid-fire blaster with 25 foam darts and a 25 chamber ammo belt that can fire all 25 darts in under 15 seconds. The QuickFire 12 requires no batteries and can fire six darts out of two barrels without reloading.

Prime Time Toys will also expand its Splash Bomb line with new water products. Splash Discs absorb water with a dunk in a pool or lake and can be thrown and caught like a splash bomb. In Splash Golf, players shoot for the hole with water-soaked balls and clubs.

Box Creations

Monkey Business Sports

Box Creations will make its Toy Fair debut this year with a complete line of cardboard play lands, including the new Pirate Ship. The company is also adding a new line of cardboard accessories for its play lands, as well as new roleplay sets and other themed concepts.

New from Monkey Business Sports is the Space Chips construction toy, designed to promote spatial exploration for children. The Space Chips are light and thin and can be snapped together to create a three-dimensional shape that can be interconnected with other shapes to create complex figures, ranging from ducks and penguins to full replicas of carbon molecules.

The initial kits will include 50 Space Chips and instructions on how to build multiple “Drons,� or shapes, using the included pieces.

Space Chips

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Ohio Art The Ohio Art Company has been named by the Kawada Company as the U.S. sales and marketing agent for nanoblock, a Japanese construction toy that has the world’s smallest toy building blocks. Each nanoblock set includes between 150–500 pieces. Two different sized sets will be offered in the U.S. The mini-series will feature animals, ranging from dogs to koala bears. The Sites to See series will let builders recreate iconic structures from around the world, including the Taj Mahal and Eiffel Tower.

Griddly Games Griddly Games will be expanding its Wise Alec game with a number of new expansion sets.

Each set can be combined with the additional Wise Alec Family Trivia Game or played independently.

The four new sets are Civilize This!, Nature Nuts, and Sports Buffs.

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Toy Fair 2011 Purrfect Puzzles Purrfect Puzzles will introduce its new Quilt Collection as part of its jigsaw puzzles line. The Quilt Collection will feature four new designs, each based on an award-winning piece of quilted artwork made by professional artists. The new designs include Nautical Stars by Judy Mathieson; Piece and Quiet by Cynthia England; Therese Quilt by Therese May; and Willow by Jane Sassaman.

Nautical Stars

eeBoo eeBoo will be introducing a number of new products for 2011. Working with artist Melissa Sweet, the company will release new playing card decks that feature whimsical art instead of traditional playing card imagery. New sets include bears and owls. eeBoo will also be releasing new matching games, including Toolbox Matching and Bugs and Butterflies Travel Matching. The company will also introduce the new Floating Robots and Floating Fairies bath toy lines. Floating Robots come with their own planet, while Floating Fairies have their own bakers twine.

Learning Curve Learning Curve will expand its line of Chuggington-brand die-cast toys for 2011. The Chuggington Interactive Railway has engines that recognize and interact with each other via SmartTalk technology. The more engines and destinations that are added, the more interactive the world becomes and the more options and conversations the engines can have. In addition, the Chuggington Wooden Railway will hit specialty shelves this spring, with a number of classic, high-quality wood-design versions of the Chuggington characters.

For the Dinosaur Train brand, Learning Curve will add to the InterAction figure line, with Don Pteranodon and Hank Ankylosaurus figures. The company will also introduce more than 30 new collectible figures for the brand.

Learning Curve will continue to expand its Thomas & Friends line of toys with the Percy at the Diesel Works set and the Farmhouse Rescue set, both based on the upcoming Day of the Diesels animated movie.

Lamaze and Learning Curve will continue to work together to produce a new line of baby products for 2011, including a line of books by child development expert Dorothy Singer. Learning Curve has also expanded the Lamaze Play and Grow line and the Lamaze Tunes line.

New for 2011, Learning Curve will introduce a range of John Deere items, including the Shake ’N Sounds Monster Treads and a foot-to-floor Tractor.

Chugginton Interactive Railway

106 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Sakar International

Pressman Toy

Sakar International has announced the introduction of branded electronics based on Marvel Studios Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger action/adventure movies, which will hit theaters this year. The products are being developed under license agreements with Marvel Entertainment. For Thor, Sakar’s product line will range from hammer-shaped walkie-talkies to Nintendo DSi gaming accessories, as well as adventure-spy kits, digital cameras, and more.

For Captain America, Sakar will introduce CB radios, secret listening devices, and other creative play items.

Finally, Sakar has signed a deal with Mattel to produce branded youth electronics for Monster High. The company will produce light-up message boards, room doorbell answering machines, intercoms, computer accessories, and cell phone accessories.

Pressman Toy will be developing games based on the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures 2011 film Green Lantern. The movie will make its debut on June 17, 2011, while Pressman Toy’s games based on the movie will be available at mass and specialty in May. The Green Lantern Quickshot Game will allow kids to test their dexterity as they load up their shooters and try to shoot down the lanterns with marbles. The Green Lantern Power of the Ring has players circling a board to collect constructs that will help them get to the Green Lantern. The Green Lantern Guess Where They Are game pits players against each other to guess the order their opponent has stacked the Green Lantern Character tiles.

Pressman will also be working with The Smurfs brand, in anticipation of Columbia Pictures’/Son Pictures Animation’s The Smurfs film in theaters August 2011. The Smurfs Whirl and Twirl Clumsy game features a spinning Clumsy Smurf. Players must collect cards with their favorite Smurfs and fill up their game cards to win, but players never know when Clumsy will stop spinning.

Pressman has also been named the games and puzzle licensee for the upcoming Warner Bros. CGI-animated film Happy Feet 2.

Games include Freezing Frenzy, which involves a battery-powered Erik that shivers and shakes; Hold On Erik, a game of skill that features Erik balancing on top of blocks of ice that must be removed one by one; and Thin Ice, a game in which players must place marbles on a thin “sheet of ice” without breaking it.

Pressman will be expanding its Chimp and Zee specialty line for preschoolers as well. The company will introduce two new games for the line in 2011: Who’s the Princess? and Dinosaur Whirl. Both games come in convenient carry cases and feature colorful characters.

Courage Brands Courage Brands has introduced a new line of products under the Kookys brand name. The ’Tudes collection, introduced in 2010, is a line of collectible pens that feature edgy graphics and character designs.

Courage will add a number of new characters to the line. Courage Brands will also be introducing Kooky Flashlights. Available this spring, the flashlights will feature classic Kookys characters as well as licensed characters from Marvel, Nickelodeon, and Star Wars.

Also new from Courage Brands is a line of Dog Tag Necklaces. Each necklace will feature an entertainment license, such as Disney’s Cars and has a small flat pen tucked into the dog tag design. Courage will also introduce the Disney Princess Pendant Necklace Pens line. Each pendant will have an image of a Disney Princess on it and will include a hidden mini-pen.

Disney Cars Dog Tag Necklace

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Toy Fair 2011 Elenco Elenco has announced that it will distribute the Engino line of construction toys. Engino kits are comprised of multi-faced rods and connectors that have unique geometrical features to allow connectivity of up to six sides simultaneously. Different kits can be combined for larger projects.

Haywire Group The Haywire Group will be introducing three new “No Reading Required” games for ages 3 and up. In Where’s That Chipmunk? players take turns hiding the chipmunk plush and pass out clue cards to seekers. In French Toast Forgets His Lunch, players must help French Toast create a full meal with help from his friends. In the Cat’s Pajamas, players help remove layers from an overdressed cat.

The company will also be introducing a new DICEcapades! game, Kerfluffle. Kids roll the dice to try and create a pair, three of a kind, or a straight while following the instructions on a drawn card.

108 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Playmates Playmates toys will be bringing Lucha Libre USA to toy shelves with a new line of action figures and roleplay products. The Lucha Libre USA: Masked Warriors action figures line will feature popular characters from Lucha Libre USA: Masked Warriors, including Marco Corleone and Super Nova. The new roleplay masks are adjustable masks that match those worn by characters in Lucha Libre. The figures and masks can be bought separately or together in a combo pack that includes the figure and the mask of the wrestler the figure represents. In addiLuche Libre tion to the figures and masks, Playmates will proMarco Corleone duce the Hexalateral Wrestling Ring, which features authentic details and adjustable ropes.

Crayola Crayola is expanding its Glow Explosion line with the new Glow Explosion Gear. Children can build wearable gear using the bendable glow sticks and connectors included in the kit.

Each kit includes 40 glow sticks and 18 connectors. Also new in the Glow Explosion line is the Glow Explosion Paint.

When mixed with the included special powder, the new paints will glow and cast their own light. Each Glow Explosion Paint Kit includes four glow paint backs, five paintable scenes, two paintbrushes, and a tray pack for paint mixing.

Street Surfing Street Surfing introduces the Whiplash Pink. Whiplash Pink is designed for girls, enabling them to self-propel and turn sharp corners for easy carving and fun without their feet ever touching the ground. The Whiplash Pink comes in a white, hot pink, and black color combination.

Fantasma Toys Fantasma Toys will be expanding its line of Anti-Gravity Runner toys. These toys are remote-controlled figures that use air suction technology to explore the floor, walls, and ceiling. The new Battle of the Runners features spiders that can do battle using remote-control lasers.

Each set comes with its own limited-edition collector’s comic book.

Other new products in the line include the Hand Runner, which is shaped like a human hand, and the Black Widow Spider Runner.

Battle of the Runners

Jax Games

BSW Toy

New for 2011, Jax Games has introduced Sequence Letters. Players sound out the letter on their card, match it to the beginning sound of a picture on the gameboard, and place a chip there. Each card features a letter of the alphabet in upper and lower case. Colored squares on the cards help with faster recognition. Players try to get five chips in a row to get a sequence.

Jax will also introduce Hit the Habitat Trail. Players draw Wisdom & Consequence cards to learn about environmental hazards to discover ways in which you can help the environment. With every correct answer to a question, you collect one Habitat card. The player with the most cards at the end of the game wins.

BSW Toy will be adding a number of new products for 2011.

Animal Bucket Hats are cotton hats designed to look like frogs, ducks, ladybugs, and more. The Make-A-Dino plush toy allows children to mix and match their own dinosaurs. Dino Cards are collectible factfilled trading cards. The new XL Dino Inflates line is an assortment of six inflatable dinosaurs that range in sizes up to two feet long. Also new this year is Kaboomarangs, a line of 16-inch plastic boomerangs available in multiple colors, and Butterfly Folding Fans, oriental-style fans kids can use to cool down.

Make-A-Dino

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Toy Fair 2011 Endless Games

Chorion

Endless Games is adding a number of new games to its line up. In Flippin’ Out players must come up with words that start with different letters of the alphabet to match the drawn category. Each time a word is used, the letter that began it can no longer be used.

Players have 15 seconds to answer and the round ends when someone cannot respond.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Password, Endless Games will release the Password 50th Anniversary Edition, featuring 2,000 of the past secret passwords that have been ranked as some of the best of all time since the game show premiered in 1961.

In Candy Scramble, players pass cards around the circle trying to get three that are alike. When they get three of a kind, they grab a jelly bean from the center. All players must then grab the remaining beans. If you do not manage to grab a bean, you are out.

In Dueling Dice, players roll dice against one another to see who can score the most points based on the “point” decided by the game’s master die.

Dueling Dice is for ages 6 and up.

Chorion will be expanding its key properties with a number of new programs and licensing deals for brands such as The World of Eric Carle, Olivia, and Mr. Men and Little Miss.

The World of Eric Carle will introduce the Very Hungry Caterpillar Early Learning System, a range of toys and games that enables parents to further their child’s early development. Key partners for the line are Kids Preferred and University Games. The line will be aimed toward 0–5 year olds. Also new for Eric Carle is the Kohl’s Cares for Kids plush and book program.

Olivia, the brand based on the TV show on Nick Jr., will continue to expand its licensing program with Spin Master. The company will refresh the toy line for spring and introduce new items, such as a jewelry making set, plush, acccesories, and figural playsets. This fall, the new toys, apparel, accessories, and books will be themed Olivia—Princess for a Day, based on the new 22-minute special.

For the Mr. Men and Little Miss global franchise, Chorion will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the brand with new apparel and accessory deals. The company is seeking a novelty plush partner in the U.S. Chorion will also be introducing two new preschool brands this year with Octonauts and Gaspard and Lisa. Octonauts has signed Fisher-Price as the global toy licensee, with Simon & Schuster as publishing licensee in the UK. Gaspard and Lisa will air in France.

Daron Worldwide Daron Worldwide has launched a new range of toys based on New York City’s MTA. Numerous items make up the line. One of the items, the articulated bus shown here, is made of durable plastic. It is 16 inches long and includes opening doors, destination markers, and official New York City Transit markings.

110 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Haba Haba has introduced the new Toddler Orchestra line of children’s instruments. Each instrument in the line is made of beechwood. There are five different instruments available—the Magical Sound Flute, Clipper-Clapper Stick, Rattling Shaker, Shaking Drum, and Clicker-Clacker. The Big Sound Workshop comes with 12 different beechwood instruments, including a flute, drum, metallophone, castanets, rainmaker, and acoustic blocks. The Small Sound Workshop is a smaller kit that contains four instruments.

Also new from Haba is the Habaland line of construction sets. Each block is made of beechwood and children can use them to build a variety of settings and buildings. The basic Habaland Play Blocks Big Sound Workshop Drum kit allows children to build a small town with 25 different beechwood pieces. The Color Playset features colored bridges and small towers with three cubes. The First Letter Fun Blocks teach children to spell by using the letters on the blocks to spell words vertically or horizontally. The First Number Fun set includes chalk for children or parents to add symbols or solutions to two blank cubes. In addition to these block sets, the Habaland line will contain vehicle sets, large block kits, and games.

Haba is also introducing a new line of dolls with a number of accessories and playsets. Annie, Clara, and Elise all come with their own accessories and outfits and are compatible with all 12-inch Haba dress sets. The doll bodies are coordinated with the color of the dress set. Accessories sold separately for the dolls include infant seats, cots, table seats, and more, as well as a Fun on the Beach Dress-Up set.

Haba will continue to expand its board game line with new educational games. Ben Bear Helps His Friends is a memory game in which children help Ben Bear find all the animal children’s parents by finding the matching cards. In Hit the Throttle, kids roll dice to see who can get their secretly assigned race cars past the target. In Inspector Rabbit, children have to help Inspector Rabbit catch a crook with memory skill and luck with the dice. Other games include Animal Upon Animal Balancing Bridge and SOS Whitewater.

Basic Fun Basic Fun will be expanding its Fisher-Price Classics line with three new offerings. The Changeable Disk Camera is back, featuring new interchangeable picture disks that are advanced by pressing the shutter button. The School Days Desk features the original chalkboard, word stencils, and all 26 letters with a storage tray, as well as a compartment with doors for additional storage. The Looky Chug-Chug features moving eyes, revolving pistons, chugging sounds, and a bell.

Basic Fun will also continue to expand its line of handheld electronic games with carabiner versions of Space Invaders, Tetris, Battleship, Operation, Yahtzee, and Mattel Football and Baseball.

Basic Fun is adding new colors to its Koosh and Koosh ball line, as well as the new Mondo Koosh. The Mondo Koosh is an oversized Koosh ball. Basic Fun has also signed on as a licensee for Phineas & Ferb, bringing characters from the show into the Koosh line with Phineas & Ferb-based Koosh balls.

Basic Fun will also be introducing two new toy lines. Doodle Twist puts an entire game inside a pen, with a pull-out retractable game board and a storage unit in the top of each pen. Doodle Twist also features Disney characters from Cars and Phineas & Ferb. Unravels is a crayon that features hidden messages, jokes, and fortunes on the inside. Pulling the string on the crayon reveals more than 30 messages.

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Toy Fair 2011 Mega Brands MEga Brands will expand its Blok Squad line, based on everyday heroes from Bloktropolis.

New sets for spring include the Military assortment—army Base. Players can build the Military Checkpoint with the included checkpoint, vehicles, and four Blok Squad Soldiers. In the Ultimate assortment, the company will introduce the Military Brigade set, which features three military vehicles and three Blok Squad Soldiers. For the Blok Squad S.W.a.T. line, MEga will introduce the Undercover Pursuit playset, which includes four officers, three buildable S.W.a.T. vehicles, and more accessories. The S.W.a.T. Rescue Intelligence set includes three brand new vehicles and associated weapons, as well as three officers. also new for Blok Squad will be two space sets. The Mission Base lets players build the Block Squad Military Space Command Module, Space Shuttle, Lunar Rover, and six-inch-by-six-inch Long Checkpoint Range Rover. The set also includes four astronaut figures. also new from MEga is BlokTown, a new preschool series of construction toys. Kids can build a wide variety of locations, including the BlokTown House, BlokTown Farm, and BlokTown airport. In addition, kids can also build their own BlokTown vehicles, such as the BlokTown Dump Truck, Blok Town Helicopter, and BlokTown Tow Truck. Other BlokTown sets include the Rescue Center, garage, Safari Pack, Pony Stable, Police Patrol, and more.

Peaceable Kingdom Peaceable Kingdom has introduced five new cooperative board games for children. The collection includes Count Your Chickens, Hoot Owl Hoot, Lost Puppies, Mermaid Island, and Stone Soup. Each game encourages cooperative rather than competitive play.

Peaceable Kingdom will also introduce the YUM! Scratch & Sniff Stickers on a Roll to expand its current sticker line. The six-foot roll contains more than 80 stickers.

Corolle Corolle will introduce its newest classic doll, Bebe Do Mode, at Toy Fair. Bebe Do Mode is a 14-inch softbodied baby doll that comes with a feeding bottle and soft bunny. The baby doll is dressed in a knit sweater with a printed top, matching pants, and knitted booties. Thanks to the mini-picture book also included, little girls can learn how to take care of Bebe Do Mode.

New from the Miss Corolle collection is the Vanilla Blonde doll.

The 14-inch tall doll is dressed in a pink gingham dress with a silk bow and matching flower headband. Her hair is rooted so that it can be brushed and styled for hours of hair play.

Vanilla Blonde

112 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Bossa Nova

Learning Resources

New from Bossa Nova are the Mechatars, a new line of robotic figures that kids can build and then hook up to their computers to enter the Mechaverse. Kids can play out missions, battle against friends, and increase their Mechatar’s power via the online game while they explore an online universe to help defeat the SWARM. Collecting more Mechatar characters unlocks more aspects of the online game. Each Mechatar comes with a remote control.

New from Learning Resources, the Smart Snacks Sorting Shapes Cupcakes Game is a board game that teaches young children about shapes, numbers, counting, matching, and following directions. The Double Duel Sound-Alike Word Game is a word-game that builds vocabulary connections by teaching children about homonyms.

Learning Resources will also be expanding its roleplay line with the new Pretend & Play Ice Cream Shop. Children can use the included accessories to run an ice cream shop with a write-and-wipe menu card, a mess-free chocolate syrup bottle that squirts pretend chocolate, cones, scoops, a banana that “splits,” and more.

The company will also introduce the Early Science Explorer’s Set, which allows children to use a magnifier and tweezers to observe nature and the world around them.

Innovation First New from Innovation First is the Hexbug Glow-in-the-Dark Nano.

Based on the 1.75-inch Hexbug Nano, this new glow-in-the-dark version of the toy can be seen in light or dark. In addition, each Nano now comes in a test tube that grants a unique code to allow kids and families to register their Nano collection at handandstars.com, a website designed to engage kids with facts about scientists and their discoveries. The Hexbug Glow-in-theDark Nano will be available individually or in starter sets. The basic Start Set will include one Nano, two connectable curved pieces, and one hexagon piece. The Spiral Starter Set will include one multi-level spiral, 16 standard pieces, two hex cells, and one Nano. The Habitat Set features a wide variety of pieces that can be used to create an extensive habitat for Hexbug Nanos, including the two glow-in-the-dark nanos that come with the set.

Glow-In-The-Dark Nano

Pretend & Play Ice Cream Shop

The Goldberger Company The Goldberger Company has announced the Baby’s First brand, a new line of retro, design-focused baby dolls. Baby’s First Little Sleeper is a soft doll that plays a lullaby when the musical heart is pulled. The Tiny Totes come in soft tote bags with bows and pockets to hold soft accessories, as well as a purse that includes a soft cell phone, flower-shaped mirror, and more. The Playtime Baby sings classic nursery rhymes such as “Pattycake” and “Ring Around The Rosie”. Other products in the line include the Lullabye Baby, Tubbles Layette, and Happy Baby.

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Toy Fair 2011 Puremco

Nelvana

Puremco will distribute the new Nuchi Large Red Engine House, which will accommodate five trains and engines while maintaining the same style and build of Nuchi classic wooden toys.

Puremco will also Nuchi Large Red Engine House distribute Arlenko, a new game by the creator of Blokus. The new game challenges children to think strategically about how to win, with each game starting with a random sequence of colorful pieces placed on the board.

Nelvana will be featuring a number of its classic and new properties at Toy Fair.

Beyblade: Metal Fusion is the next series in the Beyblade brand.

Hasbro is the master toy licensee with a line of battle tops that link to a massive online multiplayer game. Hudson Entertainment is producing a line of console video games. Other licensees include Vivendi, Basic Fun, Hybrid, Accessory Innovations, and MZB. Bakugan: Mechtanium Surge is season 4 of the boys action TV series, debuting this month. Spin Master will continue to expand its line of Bakugan Toys, while Nelvana adds licensees such as Paris Geneve, Calego, Hallmark, Colgate, 3M, and Black & White.

Classic children’s character Babar returns with Nelvana’s Babar and the Adventures of Badou, a CGI TV series that centers on Babar’s eightyear-old grandson. Nelvana is seeking master toy and publishing partners for all territories except France, where Lansay is the master toy partner and Hachette is the publishing partner.

USAopoly USAopoly will put a new spin on the classic game of Scrabble with new Scrabble: Cooking Edition. Players will be able to play a traditional game of Scrabble or play with new rules and game cards that add bonuses for using cooking- or food-related words.

In addition, USAopoly will be introducing five new themes for the classic matching game of Memory: National Parks, Las Vegas, New York City, Civil War, and Super Mario.

USAopoly will also be introducing new licensed versions of popular games. Cranium: Glee Edition will feature the drawing, acting, sculpting, and humming activities of Cranium with a Glee twist. The company will also release three new versions of Monopoly—Three Stooges’ Collector’s Edition, Muhammad Ali Collector’s Edition, and AC/DC Collector’s Edition.

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Worx Toys The new Toronto-based toy company Worx Toys will be introducing a new type of radio control toy called “Curiosity-Control” (C/C). C/C vehicles are designed to teach children how R/C products work. Each kit includes the Worx Toy Book, which contains an adventure story narrated by the mascot character Howie Works. Each book also has a transmitter that allows children to control the Worx C/C vehicle.

Beanstalk

Fundamentally Kids

Beanstalk has signed a number of new toy deals for its clients. For Ford, Kid Galaxy has signed on to create a line of radio-controlled toys based on the Ford Mustang and Ford 150 SVT Raptor. For Stanley, Sambro International has signed on to produce a line of construction toys and kits.

The U.S. Army has collaborated with Best-Lock, a manufacturer of plastic building toys, to create a line of U.S. Army military construction sets.

New from Fundamentally Kids is My Wrap, a kit that allows kids to produce their own gift wrap. Each My Wrap kit contains two wrapping paper designs that kids draw, color, and decorate with stencil shapes, gift labels, stickers, and more.

Best-Lock U.S. Army Construction Kit

My Wrap

PlaSmart

Lucasfilm Lucasfilm has announced that the complete Star Wars saga will come to Blu-ray disc this fall for a worldwide release. The Star Wars Blu-ray Box Set will feature all six live-action Star Wars feature films in high quality picture and audio format, with extensive special features.

In addition, the company has also announced that it will be converting the Star Wars saga to 3-D. The conversion will be supervised by Industrial Light & Magic, with Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace expected to hit the theaters in 2012.

PlaSmart will be introducing a number of new activities for children. Pop ’n Curve is a new activity set that lets children pop creatures out of the included paper, curve them along the dotted lines, and connect the tape to create three-dimensional scenes.

PlaySnapz lets kids construct 3-D objects such as flowers, balls, planes, and more by using the five different-shaped pieces that snap together. The construction toy will be available in Mega Snapz (1,000 pieces), Essential Snapz (350 pieces), and Starter Snapz (200 pieces) kits.

PlaSmart will also be expanding its Perplexus line with the new Perplexus Rookie, a slightly simpler version of the original puzzle challenge game. Players must navigate around 74 barriers, as opposed to the original Perplexus’ 100. In addition, PlaSmart will introduce Perplexus Epic, which offers 125 barriers to conquer.

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Toy Fair 2011 U.S. Games

Winning Moves

U.S. Games will introduce a number of new family games. Royalty, a word game, challenges players to form words with the letters in their hands while capturing their opponent’s words and building on previously created words. The game can be played in solitaire mode as well.

U.S. Games will also introduce Mystic Pyramid. Ask a question and press down on the Pyramid and it will give one of more than 100 different phrases and answers, randomized to avoid repeats.

As part of its Great Mind Games series, U.S. Games Systems will introduce Flashwordz, a two-sided word game where players create words by combining letters from their own card racks with at least one letter from another player before the time limit for their Mystic Pyramid turn runs out.

Winning Moves Games will be introducing a number of new family games. Big Boggle has more cubes and letters than the traditional Boggle game, while keeping the same classic game play. The new Double Letter cube makes it easier to form five or six letter words.

Pass the Pigs Pig Party Edition lets up to four players play Pass the Pigs simultaneously. Each player must be the first to roll the pigs pictured on the card in play. The game includes four pairs of pigs, deck of 30 Pig Rolls, Bonus and Point cards, and a carrying case.

In Flip For It, players press down on “Flippy” the plastic dice flipper and watch him flip and roll the dice. He lands on his feet every time. Players must claim a card that matches the number on either die or their total.

Little Kids Little Kids has launched the new Toobers&Zots creative construction toy. Made of soft, flexible foam, children can bend and attach the foam pieces to build a wide variety of creations. The line will launch with two sets. The Bend & Build Foamstruction Set will help children build dinosaurs, flowers, animals, rockets, and more. The Bend & Pretend Foamstruction Assortment is designed to encourage kids to build roleplay accessories using the included shapes and instructions.

Little Kids will also expand the Junk Ball line with a number of new products to build on the Junk Ball experience. The Junk Ball Strike Zone is easy to set up and allows for accurate calls to be made in a backyard game. The Junk Ball Ballpark in a Box kit includes the Strike Zone, a Junk Ball Baseball, three bases, and one home plate for a quick pick up game. The company will also be introducing new colors for the classic Junk Ball bat and ball set, as well as neon and glow-in-the-dark versions.

Little Kids will also launch the new Blastos! Bubbles line, with its own Blastos Bubble Solution. The line will include a motorized Blastos! Mini Bubble Blaster, a full-sized Bubble Blaster, and a Blastos! Bubble Twister.

116 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Faber-Castell

Douglas Company

Faber-Castell will be introducing new Jumbo Beeswax Crayons in 12- and 24-color boxes, with a jumbo size and triangular shape to make them easier for little hands to hold and help teach children a proper grip.

Faber-Castell will also be releasing a new version of the Color by Numbers line. Each set comes with easy-to-follow instructions, 10 FaberCastell Color Grip markers, and a nine-inch square illustration board.

New sets include Pop Art Puppies, Bloomin’ Butterflies, and Forest Friends.

The company will also be expanding its Creativity for Kids brand. There will be four new titles in the Coloring and ARTivity book line—Cool Metallics Pictures & Designs, Fun Things to Color A to Z, Construction Zone, and Pet Pals. The Paint and Play line will expand with the new Cement Mixer and Wood Loader.

The Douglas Company introduced the Fuzzles line of gift and toy plush products at Toy Fair 2010.

For 2011, the company will be introducing a number of new Fuzzles in the 11-inch size. New plush characters include Hildreth the Purple Daisy Owl, Monica the Purple Daisy Dachshund, Esmerelda the Purple Daisy Horse, Olga the Purple Daisy Frog, Flower Child the Peace Bear, Francisco the Peace Hippo, Abbey the Peace Monkey, and more. For the 16-inch line, Douglas Company will introduce Tortuga the Aqua and Pink Posy Turtle and Herta the Posy Frog.

The Douglas Company will also expand the Sassy Pet Saks series with new items. 2011 will see seven new Sassy Pet Sak Sillos, including Picnic Dachshund, Peace Horse, Spring Meadow Owl, and more. For the core line of Pet Saks and Totes, Douglas will introduce 13 new pet carrying Sassy Pet Saks.

Twentieth Century Fox Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products will be expanding and establishing licensing programs for a number of new and popular brands in 2011. For Glee, Hasbro and Screenlife will be producing games while Rubies will produce costumes. Family Guy will have a series of collectible figures from Kid Robot. FunKo will be producing a line of toys based on Diary of a Wimpy Kid in time for the release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules.

Fox has also established a strong licensing program for the upcoming movie Rio. Toys “R” Us has been named the exclusive retail partner for toys and ToyQuest is the global toy partner. THQ will be producing a video game, HarperCollins will handle storybooks, and JEM will handle boys’ and girls’ apparel.

SRM The new Paws & Claws gloves from SRM are soft mittens that resemble scaly, furry, or beastly paws.

Each pair can emit sounds that match up with a monster or wild animal and have impactactivated animal sounds.

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Toy Fair 2011 ThinkFun ThinkFun will be introducing new games for kids and adults. Tilt challenges players to set up the board according to challenge cards and use its tilting mechanism to send the green sliders into the hole in the middle of the board. Pathwords combines Tetris and puzzles as players must place the shaped tiles onto the game board so that the letters on each tile make a word.

ThinkFun will also be expanding its line of games for younger children in the ThinkFun Jr. line. Snack Attack! is a picture-matching game that has players match the snack tokens with the Snack Attack Spinner Platter.

Cartoon It! gives players 30 seconds to memorize a cartoon character with six specific features on the character card.

The players draw their characters from memory and the most accurate drawing wins.

Funrise Funrise will continue to expand its classic Gazillion Bubble line with the new Bump-N-Go Bubble Bug. Kids can fill the bug with solution and push the button on its back to pop open its wings and send it driving around. The Bubble Bug sprays bubbles as it goes and automatically turns when it bumps into anything. Also new is the Bubble Cyclone, which screws directly onto a Gazillion Bubbles solution bottle and launches a tiny storm of bubbles with the push of a button.

Bump-N-Go Bubble Bug

Bananagrams For ages 7 and up, Bananagrams is introducing Zip-It. Zip-It has 24 letter cubes in a cloth pouch with scoring zippers. Players score points by spelling words out using the cubes. For ages 5 and up, Bananagrams will introduce Fruitominoes, a fruit-themed dominoes game.

ZombieZoo ZombieZoo will be making its Toy Fair debut this year. The new plush line features characters with unusual stories and unique personalities. The plush collection includes Boo the black cat, Stitch the pig, and Toxic the snake. Each plush features a “Frankenstein” quality of stitching adorning its body and over-sized head.

118 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Well Made Toy Well Made Toy Manufacturing will produce a new series of collectibles for its PetCakes line of products. The newest series, Series 2, will feature Honey Cakes the bear, Roco Coco the raccoon, Nutty Nicky the squirrel, and Bamboo Berry the panda.

Well Made will also introduce line extensions, including children’s backpacks.

Gund Gund will be introducing a number of new feature plush items for 2011. The Peek-a-Boo Bear can play Peek-a-Boo with children when his foot is pressed. The bear’s mouth moves to say “Peek-a-boo, I see you,” as he raises and lowers his blanket.

Roaring Rex Dino is an interactive plush made with iridescent textured fabric. Pressing the button on his foot will make him tell jokes and roar while moving his head and mouth.

Sample phrases include “Roar! Did I scare ya?

Roar! How ’bout now? No? Ah, forget it.”

WowWee For Paper Jamz, WowWee will be introducing the new Paper Jamz Pro guitar, which is MP3 compatible. Kids can download any MP3 onto the guitar or choose from hundreds of specially formatted downloads from the Paper Jamz Pro Download Library. Also new for Paper Jamz is the Paper Jamz Pro Series Microphone, which includes three built-in hits and enhanced features to help kids sound like professional recording artists.

Peek-a-Boo Bear

Ravensburger

Summit Toys Summit Toys will be introducing a number of new products in its Backyard Safari Outfitters line for 2011. The Utility Belt allows kids to customize what they take with them on their backyard safari, with places to attach the included field compass and accessories or other Summit Toys products. The belt also features a large Velcro pouch and two collection bottles.

The new Lazer Light Bug Vacuum allows children to capture bugs using the vacuum’s accurate nozzle to suck the bug into a Capture Core. Kids can study the bug via the built-in magnifying glass or transfer the Capture Core to a Backyard Safari Bug Habitat or Butterfly Habitat (sold separately).

Ravensburger will be adding to its WOW preschool toy line with a number of new kid-powered toys. In the WOW Bath Toys line, Ravensburger will introduce Bella Butterfly, a four-piece set that includes a scoop-and-pour Bella Butterfly cup, a spinning water wheel, water squirter, and bobbing bee ball. The new Wet n’ Wobblies is three-piece set that includes one vibrating, floating mommy octopus, with a pull-cord baby attached, a multi-pourer daddy octopus, and a sister water squirter octopus.

Ravensburger will also be updating a number of its classic board games.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the classic Labyrinth game, the company will introduce the Labyrinth Anniversary Edition, which features 12 maze cards with encrypted messages. Ravensburger has also relaunched the Imagine, Play, Discover collection, which features six of the company’s bestselling games in new and updated packaging—Snail’s Pace Race, Colorama, Tell-A-Story, Mystery Garden, Rivers, Roads & Rails, and Race to the Roof.

Ravensburger has also updated its line of puzzles for the 2011 puzzle collection. New puzzles include the puzzlepyramid, a 3-D puzzle with flexed hinged pieces that snap together with no glue required.

Ravensburger has also signed on with Discovery Entertainment to create a line of Animal Planet-brand puzzles.

FEBRUARY 2011 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 119

Toy Fair 2011 NBC/JTMG

Gamewright

The NBC Universal Television Consumer Products Group and Joy Tashjian Marketing Group LLC (JTMG) announced that new merchandise for NBC’s Minute To Win It will be available at retail at the beginning of this year. Products will include a Minute To Win It Ultimate Party Pack by Sportcraft.

This kit contains everyday household objects needed to complete 15 challenges based on the NBC show. The Ultimate Party Pack is available now at Walmart and an upgraded version will be available at Walmart and Kmart in April. In addition, lottery tickets will be available in major markets, created by Scientific Games subsidiary MDI Entertainment LLC. Last year Zoo Entertainment, Inc., released Minute To Win It for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii platforms.

Gamewright’s new games include Mermaid Beach. This card game was invented by 8-year-old Emily Ehlers. It features a colorful cast of undersea characters like Swirly Shirley, Betsy Bubbles, and Rip Ryder. It is for two to five players ages 6 and up.

Gubs is a card game of wit and luck based around a group of unique creatures called Gubs. Victory lies down an everchanging path and no one is safe until the final card falls. It comes with 70 cards and is for two to six players ages 10 and up.

Port-a-Party Games is a new line of portable, travel-friendly party games.

The initial launch includes two titles: Joe Name It, a fast-playing “name it to claim it” trivia game, and Who Would Win, a game of improbable celebrity matchups, such as Marilyn Monroe versus Albert Einstein in a pie-eating contest.

In FlipOut, players switch, swap, and flip cards in order to get at least four-of-a-kind in a row. Every card is double-sided, so anyone can take and use any card in sight.

Collect the most cards to win. FlipOut was previously published

by Knightweaver Games under the title Patchwork. The game comes with 90 double-sided playing cards and five card holders.

It is for two to five players ages 8 and up.

Players roll the die in Splish Splash! and then drop the wooden pebble into the pond. If colorful shapes splashed out, match them up to your playing board. Be the first to fill up your board to win. The game is for two to four players and includes 50 wooden droplets, four character boards, a custom die, a wooden pebble, and a game board.

City Square Off is a tactical game of city planning. Players draw a shape card and then simultaneously try to fit the matching tile into their city grids. The game includes 42 city tiles, 21 cards, four starter tiles, and two game boards. It is for two players or teams ages 8 and up.

Look Out World Here I Come The Look Out World Here I Come Adventure Series is designed to ignite a sense of adventure in kids. The series brings cities to life from a child’s perspective by combining real sights and sounds, colorful animation, music, and signature characters. The original series comes with a DVD and mini busy booklet filled with activities to match the DVD’s theme. The first city in the series was New York and the series has now expanded to include Chicago and San Francisco, as well as a USA-themed activity book, CD, and plush toy.

120 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Toy Fair 2011 Babalu Babalu’s Zoo Stackers Building Blocks is a six-piece block set with unique shapes and colorful, bold graphics. The set is for ages 3 and up.

Do-Re-Mi Musical Blocks comes with stacking blocks and a musical instrument that plays like a xylophone. a 10-song book features simple songs for kids. The eight blocks, two mallets, and songbook come in a carry case.

The set is for ages 4 and up.

Out of the Box New from Out of the Box is Faux•Cabulary. In each round of this new word game, a crazy definition is read to the group. Players use wacky word parts to create new words that could fit the definition.

The chosen “wordmeister” picks the best word for the round.

Cartoon Network Enterprises Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) debuts two new brands in the toy category. Generator Rex will make its official consumer products debut with a new line of toys from Mattel at retail this year. MEGa Brands will also debut a full line of toys based on Generator Rex, which will feature action figures, vehicles, and playsets.

The comedy series Generator Rex vehicle from Adventure Time will also MEGA Brands make its consumer products debut. CNE will announce a toy partner for the brand with product hitting the market this fall.

CNE’s Ben 10 will also get an all-new toy line based on Ben 10 Ultimate Alien from master toy partner Bandai america. The line features new updates to global roleplay items and action figures, as well as all new vehicles and playsets set to launch this fall.

CitiBlocs CitiBlocs’ Little Builders is a 22-piece set of rattle blocks, steps, and triangular roof pieces that are chunky for little fingers and hollow. Each piece has a wooden marble inside that makes a rattle sound. With no small parts and made of water-based paints, these pine pieces are for ages 2+.

122 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

Toy Fair 2011 LEGO LEGO will be expanding its Duplo line sets include a Moon Buggy, Satellite Launch with a number of new products. The new Pad, Space Shuttle, and Space Center. The My First LEGO Duplo Set includes everyHarbor theme includes sets such as the thing a first-time builder needs to get startSpeed Boat, Fishing Boat, Power Boat ed, including Duplo bricks, windows, figTransporter, Marina, and Harbor. ure, flowers, shovel, and building plate, The new LEGO Ninjago line tells the with an idea book for guiding the process. story of four ninjas trying to master the art The Play with Letters kit uses letter bricks of Spinjitzu to save the world from Lord to help parents teach children to read with Garmadon and his skeleton army. Players spelling, sorting, stacking, and other games. can build the kits and use the included LEGO will also expand the LEGOVILLE spinner sets to compete with each other LEGO Play with Letters Duplo kits, with new police-themed kits, through minifigure spinning duels. fire station kits, supermarket kits, and zoo kits. There will also be new Playsets all come with additional minifigures, strategy cards, weapons, additions to Duplo’s licensed products, such as Disney’s Cars and and more that can be used both to build and to compete with other Winnie the Pooh. builders and collectors.

LEGO will also continue to expand its core brick line with new sets LEGO will also be expanding its licensed lines, with new sets for the and themes. The My First LEGO Set introduces a new builder to LEGO Star Wars brand. The 2011 construction toys with a variety of bricks, windows, doors, wheels, pro- LEGO Star Wars kits will pellers, and baseplate pieces, as feature characters, scenes, well as easy-to-follow instruc- and vehicles from the film tions for new builders. LEGO series and the animated telwill also introduce a Castle evision series. 2011 will see Construction Set, Road more than 20 new minifigConstruction Set, and ures introduced, along with Airport Building Set. vehicles such as the LEGO is adding new kits Imperial V-Wing Starfighter Ninjago to its Technic line, which incor- and Geonosian Starfighter porates technical elements such as gears, beams, pullets, actuators, and and battle scenes such as LEGO Police Station pneumatics. The Mini-Container Truck is a basic set to help builders get the Battle of Naboo and the acquainted with various Technic systems. The Rescue Helicopter builds Endor Battle Pack. into a chopper with spinning rotors, opening doors, and a working LEGO will also be introducing its newest generation of “constracwinch. The Bucket Truck features working steering, extendable outrig- tion” (constructible action figures) in the LEGO Hero Factory series. gers, and an articulated and rotating arm.

Players can purchase and build their own heroes to play-out missions LEGO City will be expanded with three new themes for 2011. Police- provided on LEGO.com for storied roleplay activities. Players can also themed sets will include a Police Minifigure Collection, Police Dog Unit, assemble the villains for their heroes to face, as well as playsets.

Police Boat, Mobile Police Unit, and Police Station. The Space-themed Villain and hero kits are sold separately.

124 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

BY

PAUL NARULA

Hands On Fun

F

olkmanis’ puppets first hit the market when Judy Folkmanis conceived of a “cottage industry” style of business in the late 1960s after seeing street vendors’ products on Berkeley’s Telegraph Avenue. Folkmanis and her husband, Atis, both worked together to establish the company in 1976, using their own talents and hiring a number of seamstresses to begin work on the realistic plush puppets that Folkmanis is known for. Today, Judy and Atis continue to run the company, keeping it a family-owned business. Folkmanis has released more than 200 puppets in its 35 years of business. The company continues to move forward, not only with the release of new product, but in adapting to fit the toy industry’s growing needs in 2011.

The core of Folkmanis’ philosophy hasn’t changed since the company’s founding. “Our mission is to develop and produce nature and literature-inspired puppets to encourage future stewards of the world to protect our environment and wildlife,” says Elaine Kollias, marketing director at Folkmanis. Many of the company’s products are based on endangered species, rang-

ing from animals that have been featured in news media stories to endangered animals that Kollias describes as “forgotten.” Folkmanis’ goal when creating a product is to produce something that stands the test of time. “Evergreen products appeal to us more than a flash in the pan,” says Kollias. New products have also been driven by new technologies. However, for Folkmanis, the technology comes in terms of new fabrics or new mechanical designs that allow for a greater range of movement and expression for the Folkmanis puppets. “We want even consumers that aren’t aware of or familiar with the Folkmanis brand to clearly perceive the play value that comes in a Folkmanis puppet,” says Kollias.

Technology has definitely been a major factor in Folkmanis’ business growth. The company has taken full advantage of the internet’s rise.

“The entire world wide web has changed things for us,” says Kollias. “From having customers who exclusively sell online to social media helping us brand, it’s a different landscape than a decade ago.” Folkmanis has done its best to take full advantage of the new channels available to it, even establishing a presence on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, providing more interaction with its consumers.

“The more we invest in these new channels, the bigger the return is for us,” says Kollias.

2011 is a year of major developments for Folkmanis. The company has weathered the recession, in part by watching its price points and costs and in part by being a niche company with a very loyal consumer base. “While sales had been a bit soft in the past few years, our sales today are stronger than ever,” says Kollias.

This year will mark the introduction of an entire-

126 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

FolkMonsters

ly new type of product for Folkmanis—the puppet kit. The company will be launching three puppet kits that will allow children to cut, glue, and assemble their own fully functional puppet using the provided materials. Children can also use the kit’s packaging as a backdrop and puppet stage to perform a puppet show. In addition, the company will be launching a non-animal based line of monster puppets called FolkMonsters.

The line is designed to be easy-to-use and features oversized mouths and bright colors.

Folkmanis intends to keep the FolkMonsters line growing as one of the few lines not based on animals or independent characters.

As the economy begins to rebound and consumers begin, once again, to look for new product, Folkmanis will be there to fill the need. “Just when we think we’ve designed every known animal, we discover a new one or a new approach on making an old one better,” says Kollias. “I think we’ll be doing this for a long, long time.”

YOU’RE HIRED

sesame WorKsHoP myung Kang-HuneKe, CHIeF oF staFF sesame Workshop promoted myung Kang-Huneke to chief of staff. she will join sesame Workshop’s president and Ceo gary e. Knell and Coo H. melvin ming in the office of the president. In addition to overseeing legal and business affairs and public policy, Kang-Huneke will now supervise sesame Workshop’s corporate partnerships and development groups as well as drive horizontal decision-making on pivotal projects and improve the achievement of organization-wide priorities. she will continue to serve as general counsel and secretary to sesame Workshop’s board of trustees.

Kang-Huneke joined sesame Workshop’s legal department 12 years ago, providing legal services for its new media and publishing projects and its corporate sponsorship team. most recently, she served as executive vice-president and general counsel, where she developed sesame Workshop’s Product safety assurance Program. she was also responsible for supporting the expansion of sesame Workshop brands through product licensing as well as promotional, retail, and representation agreements both domestically and internationally.

Cartoon netWorK enterPrIses resnICK & yoDer, PromotIons Cartoon network enterprises (Cne) announced the promotion of erik resnick to vice-president of home entertainment and Pete yoder to vice-president of consumer products for north america.

In this new role, resnick will continue to manage the home entertainment and content business for Cne, and will look for new business opportunities for the group’s portfolio of brands. He joined Cne in 2001.

In his new role, yoder will continue to oversee Cne’s licensing business, and his responsibilities will expand to include the oversight of its internal retail development team. yoder joined Cne in 2006 as director of hard lines.

128 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FEBRUARY 2011

nasCar BLaKe DaVIDson, VICe-PresIDent oF LICensIng anD Consumer ProDuCts nasCar promoted Blake Davidson to vice-president of licensing and consumer products. Davidson, who has been with nasCar for more than 15 years, is responsible for developing and leading the sanctioning body’s entire licensing and merchandising strategy. Davidson manages nasCar’s traditional and non-traditional licensing, which includes nasCar’s publishing, retail, and business development efforts, as well as its international merchandising efforts.

In 2010, Davidson was instrumental in the creation of the new licensing structure now known as nasCar team Properties (ntP). this new business model explores merchandising options for the nasCar industry. Davidson also played a role in the creation and development of the nasCar Hall of Fame.

JCPenney ComPany, InC. PromotIons JCPenney Company, Inc., announced a series of senior leadership promotions in its finance, sourcing, and technology organizations. these promotions include the appointment of michael Dastugue as executive vice-president and CFo; Ken mangone as executive vicepresident of product development, design, and sourcing; and ed robben as senior vice-president and CIo. they are all members of JCPenney’s executive board.

LuDorum KIrsten FaLLon, u.s. VICe-PresIDent, retaIL marKetIng anD DeVeLoPment Ludorum appointed Kirsten Fallon as u.s. vice-president of retail marketing and development. reporting to maureen taxter, senior vicepresident of consumer products, Fallon will be based in Ludorum’s nyC office. In her new role, Fallon will oversee retail development for Ludorum’s growing licensing program for Chuggington.

Fallon comes to Ludorum from Peanuts Worldwide, formerly united media, where she led retail strategy and development for major children’s brands including Peanuts, Fancy nancy, and Beatrix Potter.

Calendar

Industry-Related Trade Shows

of

March Playworld Middle East

playworldme.com hcpshow.com Australian Toy, Hobby, & Nursery Fair toyfair.com.au Minneapolis Mart Gift & Acc. Show mplsgiftmart.com Western Toy & Hobby Show wthra.com Bologna Children’s Book Fair bookfair.bolognafiere.it

Dubai International Convention Center America’s Center & Dome

Ed Expo nssea.org Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair hkgiftspremiumfair.com Time To Play Spring Showcase timetoplaymag.com

San Antonio Convention Center The Altman Building

San Antonio Hong Kong New York City

National Stationery Show ASTRA Marketplace BookExpo America Sweets & Snacks Expo

nationalstationeryshow.com astratoy.org bookexpoamerica.com sweetsandsnacks.com

Jacob Javits Convention Center Venue To Be Decided Jacob Javits Convention Center McCormick Place

New York City Anaheim, CA New York City Chicago, IL

Electronics Entertainment Expo Licensing International Expo Origins Games Fair

e3expo.com licensingexpo.com originsgames.com

Los Angeles Convention Center Mandalay Bay Convention Center Greater Colombus Convention Center

Los Angeles Las Vegas Colombus, OH

Baby & Kids World 2011 Comic-Con International Royaltie$ Brand Showcase OASIS Gift Show Indy Baby & Toddler Expo

bk-w.jp/en comic-con.org anbmedia.com oasis.org bebepaluzza.com

Tokyo Big Sight San Diego Convention Center The Altman Building University of Phoenix Stadium

Tokyo, Japan San Diego New York City Glendale, AZ Chicago

Halloween Costume & Party Show

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Minneapolis Mart Long Beach Convention Center Bologna Exhibition Centre

Dubai, UAE St. Louis Melbourne, Australia Minnetonka, MN Long Beach, CA Bologna, Italy

events

7–9 10–13 10–13 11–15 19–22 28–31

april 7–9 27–30 28

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

May 15–18 19–22 23–26 24–26

June 7–9 14–16 22–26

July 6–8 21–24 26 28–30 30–31

Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center

TIME TO PLAY MEDIA SHOWCASE APRIL 28; THE ALTMAN BUILDING, NEW YORK CITY;

WWW.TIMETOPLAYMAG.COM

LICENSING INTERNATIONAL EXPO 2011 JUNE 14–16; MANDALAY BAY CONVENTION CENTER, LAS VEGAS;

WWW.LICENSINGEXPO.COM

ROYALTIE$ BRAND SHOWCASE JULY 26; THE ALTMAN BUILDING, NEW YORK CITY;

WWW.ANBMEDIA.COM

TIA FALL TOY PREVIEW 2011 OCTOBER 3–6; DALLAS MARKET CENTER, DALLAS;

WWW.TOYASSOCIATION.ORG

FEBRUARY 2011 TOYS & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT 129