To celebrate the induction of the puppet into the National Toy Hall of Fame, Folkmanis Puppets launched its 40th year with several new designs. The line will be shown at The North American International Toy Fair 2016 in New York City from Feb. 13 to 16.
For ages 3 and up, many of the new designs feature low-tech mechanisms:
- The Black Dragon puppet features draw-string animation and movement in the mouth, forked tongue and arms.
- The Giant Clam is operated with four fingers to open the shell and reveal a pearl inside.
- The Yellow Beaked Crow has two handed movement to animate the mouth as well as both wings.
- The Sniffing Rabbit is made of a soft tan and cream-colored plush and features movement in the mouth and forelegs.
- The Mini Duckling finger puppet chirps with a little shake.
- The Monarch Life Cycle puppet has the ability to change from caterpillar to chrysalis to adult monarch butterfly.
- The Brown Bear Cub features a moveable head and mouth, and weighted paws for realism. The African Lion Cub has soulful eyes, big ears and an expressive face.
- The Loon puppet is soft with black and white plumage and moveable head and wings. The Slow Loris can be animated through the mouth, arms and hands.
- The French Bulldog puppet is distinctively featured with bat shaped ears and a characteristically wrinkly face.
- The Guinea Pig, also known as a cavi, is furry with a moveable mouth and legs.
- The Mini Opossum finger puppet is small and the perfect size for on-the-go fun.
Folkmanis Puppets are available at specialty toy and gift stores, including: science/nature museums, zoo and aquarium gift shops, independent toy and gift stores, and specialty retailers nationwide and in more than 15 countries around the world.