This book written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Vlasta van Kampen captures the story of a group of hippos at their peak of boredom, and follows them on a journey to happiness, which they find wallowing in the mud. It combines simple text with colorful, expressive artwork. Launch date: April 30, 2008.

Packed with 1,001 entertaining and educational activities for children, this book is a must-have resource for parents and anyone who spends time with babies and young kids. Discover a year’s worth of creative, enriching, kid-tested, parent-friendly activities ideal for spontaneous fun (with no complicated preparation necessary) and designed to enhance children’s development in key areas, such as language, problem solving, social skills and coordination. "Gymboree’s child-development experts focus on the whole child in order to help children acquire the key ingredients — motor skills, social skills and self-esteem — they need to grow up to be confident, happy and successful adults," Deborah Sloan of Deborah Sloan and Company told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2008.

From a crescent moon to a teddy bear’s heart, fun illustrations teach children about shapes. Translations with pronunciation guides make it easy to name key shapes in French, German, Italian, and Spanish, too. It's "a big plus for budding linguists," Deborah Sloan of Deborah Sloan and Company told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2008.

Parents can enjoy teaching their children the ABCs using whimsical illustrations of common words that show each letter in action. Little ones will delight in learning the essential building blocks of language with them. Launch date: May 2008.

This book of activities – one for each day of the year — is full of creative play ideas that will help children develop math and reading skills, improve logical thinking and concentration, open up to science and nature, and much more. It is written by award-winning author Nancy Wilson Hall, in consultation with two developmental psychologists, Drs. Roni Cohen Leiderman and Wendy Masi, specialists in early education. Launch date: November 2007.

This set of 26 extra-thick activity cards — perfect for trips, for use at home and for decorating kids’ rooms — features bright letters paired with everyday objects and fun-filled play ideas. It is designed to help children increase coordination, explore language, practice cooperation, make music, create art and more. “When consumers see the name ‘Gymboree,’ they feel comfortable and know they’re selecting a book or toy that’s been created by child-development experts who understand what children need to grow and have fun,” Deborah Sloan of Deborah Sloan and Company told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2007.

This set includes a board book and toy for oodles of bubble ideas for hours of fun. It will stimulate children’s imagination and sense of wonder as they discover the magic of bubbles. Gymboree’s Bubble Play is filled with lively bubble sports, fun bubble-counting songs and creative ideas for bubble art — all designed to enthrall, engage and educate children of all ages. “The Gymboree name and the expertise, sound advice and keen understanding of children that parents have come to rely upon from Gymboree” make this product ideal for the specialty toy market,” Deborah Sloan of marketing and promotion firm Deborah Sloan and Company told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2007.

This book covers four age ranges: 12 to 18 months, 18 to 24 months, 24 to 30 months, and 30 to 36 months. Kid-tested activities, ranging from catchy tunes to interactive games, channel a toddler's natural curiosity and energy into play that builds developmental skills, such as balance, problem solving and language. Launch date: June 2007.