Animals

By TDmonthly Staff
December 2011

Plush and Puzzles, Construction and Collectibles...check out these recently added specialty and mass-market Animal toys below!

Mini Cardinal by FOLKMANIS INC.

This little crimson bird is waiting to perch on kids' hands. Bring the wonder of nature to children fingertips with this Cardinal Finger Puppet from Folkmanis. 5.5" long. Launch date: July 2011.
— In a May 2012 survey, four out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that Folkmanis was their best selling brand of plush or puppets. 11/10/2011 (MSRP: $7.99)

Chica Plush by SPROUT

Chica Plush by SPROUT 13" Soft, huggable plush. Push Chica's belly and she squeaks. Clean with a damp, soapy cloth and fluff dry. Launch date: November 2011. 11/7/2011 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 0 and Up)

Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Kids learn how to recognize animals through sight and sound with the Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo from Fisher-Price. This interactive set recognizes model animals, like the included lion, gorilla, and polar bear, names them out loud for children, and demonstrates the noises they make in the wild.
— As of 11/04/2011 this product was $34.88 on Amazon.com.
— As of 11/04/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Cute; interactive; large; handle is useful for transporting it. Cons: Extra animal figures are expensive; one person reported missing/defective pieces came in her box; animal sounds can be annoying and even though children seem to like them, they don't add much educational value to the toy. 11/7/2011 (MSRP: $49.99)

Pony Pals Pony Bikes by PONY PALS RANCH

Pony Pals Pony Bikes by PONY PALS RANCH Pony Pals are sidewalk pony bikes designed for children 2-5 years old. These pony bikes come with a life-like pony head with groomable mane, a miniature English saddle with matching tack, and a tail that bounces up and down when the pony bike is ridden. "Pony Pals are unique. There are no other life-like pony bikes in the market. Plus you can choose the color of mane, saddle & tack and color of tires at no extra cost," William C. Melzer, president of Pony Pals Ranch, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2009. 10/24/2011 (MSRP: $220.00; Age: 2 to 5)

Midwest Tackle Box by REPLICA TOY FISH COMPANY

Midwest Tackle Box by REPLICA TOY FISH COMPANY This toy is a box set of 12 realistic toy fish about 3 inches long. The fish species are the ones we catch: Walleye, Northern Pike, Brook Trout, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Pumpkinseed, Crappie, Muskellunge, Tiger Musky, Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass. Made of plastic and hand painted. Box measures 7” x 3.8” x 1.4”. Launch date: November 2010. 10/24/2011 (MSRP: $12.00; Age: 3 and Up)

nanoblock Mini Series - Emperor Penguin by OHIO ART CO.

These micro-sized building blocks will enable kids to execute even the finest details like never before. With over 100 pieces, kids watch in amazement as this regal bird takes shape right beneath your fingertips. With a finished size of 1.5″w x 1.5″d x 2.36h, only this giant penguin is able to fit perfectly in the palm of a hand. Includes detailed color instructions. 9 animal designs currently available.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Shana Hack, owner of Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., told TDmonthly that nanoblocks were an overall best seller at their store. 9/9/2011 (MSRP: $8.49; Age: 8 and Up)

Ideal Solid Wood Memory Animal Puzzle by POOF-SLINKY INC.

Memory Animal Puzzle. Find the correct "coat" for each animal. Each includes 12 animals and 24 all -wood pieces. Heirloom quality, solid wood puzzles with detailed, European hand-crafted designs. Precision cut pieces make for a perfect fit. Launch date: 2010. 9/2/2011 (MSRP: $12.00; Age: 2 to 6)

Wooden Koala Bear Bank by CHARLIE'S WOODSHOP

Wooden Koala Bear Bank by CHARLIE Our Wooden Koala Bear Bank is durable with a cork attached to the tail of the Koala Bear to be able to remove the saved deposits. The bank is attractive to display not only in a child's room but elsewhere in the house. It teachs children to form good habits of saving money. The Hard Maple and Black Walnut wood components are finished with a Clear Hand Rubbed Natural FDA approved Teak Oil. The size of this Koala Bear Bank is approximately 5" wide, 7-1/2" tall, and 3-1/4" deep. It is one of a series of wooden banks that we hand create out of the Maple and Walnut. Launch date: September 2004. 8/29/2011 (MSRP: $44.95; Age: All Ages)

Breyer Misty and Stormy Set with Book by REEVES INTL. INC.

Misty and Stormy are together again along with the book that introduced them to the world. Since the publication of Misty of Chincoteague in 1947, Misty has become one of the most beloved equines in children’s literature. Marguerite Henry’s novel weaves a true story with warmth and imagination. The result is an exciting tale about children’s love for horses and the real wild ponies that still roam Chincoteague Island off the Virginia coast. Includes two model horses. Launch date: July 9, 2009.
— As of 08/22/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews on Amazon.com.
— Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks Toys and Children's Books in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that this item was a best-selling collectible. 8/22/2011 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Pawparazzi® Accessories by NOODLE HEAD INC.

Pawparazzi Lifestyle Dining Sets & Snuggly Bed Sets for pampered pets. Snuggly Bed Sets come with a plush sofa bed and snuggly blanket for couch paw-tato time! Lifestyle Dining Sets come with a heart and paw patterned leash and collar, colorful dining mat and silver bowl to keep celebrity pets walking and dining in style! 8/26/2011 (Age: 4 and Up)