The Toy Book has finally joined the 21st century and we are hoping our new website and blog will be all you''ve dreamed The Toy Book could be, and then some! We will post all the great articles, news, and new product introductions that you've been finding in our print publication and in our e-newsletter, plus so much more.
Here you'll find blogs from the editors on what we're up to, what we're hearing, and what we had for breakfast. Even more importantly, we're giving YOU the opportunity to share your opinions, insights, and news that you're hearing about. We're looking forward to getting to know all of you much better, so don't be afraid to speak up!
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This post was written by Elizabeth Reid
Gumby Gets New Comic Book Series
24
Aug
10
According to ICV2.com, a new comic book miniseries featuring characters from Gumby is set to premiere in November starting with an issue starring Pokey, Gumby’s sidekick. The four-part miniseries, Gumby’s Gang, will also feature Prickle, Goo, and the Blockheads.
All four issues are written by Michael Aushenker and are illustrated by different artists: Rafael Navarro for the Pokey comic book, Chris Grines for Prickle, Mary Gutfleisch for Goo, and Lord Mesa for the Blockheads.
Tags: Blockheads, Goo, Gumby, Gumby's Gang, Michael Aushenker, Pokey, Prickle
Posted in New Products, News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth Reid
Photos: Children’s Author Todd Parr and Stouffer’s at BlogHer
24
Aug
10
At this year’s BlogHer Conference, held August 6-7, the Stouffer’s booth featured children’s author Todd Parr. At the booth, Parr greeted and met with attendees as he promoted his new book, Let’s Fix Dinner. Visitors to the booth received specially designed placemats by Parr, customized illustrations, and had the chance to win Let’s Fix Dinner prizes.
The new book, developed in conjunction with Stouffer’s, builds off the www.letsfixdinner.com website, which aims to bring families together for regular dinners. For every book sold, Stouffer’s is donating the net proceeds ($4 per book) to Habitat for Humanity, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $125,000 and a maximum donation of $200,000. The donation program will run through December 31, 2011 or sooner if determined by the sponsor. SupperTime Entertainment serves as Parr’s marketing and licensing partner.
More photos after the jump.
Tags: BlogHer Conference, Habitat for Humanity, Let's Fix Dinner, Stouffer's, SupperTime Entertainment, Todd Parr
Posted in Photo | 1 Comment »
This post was written by Elizabeth Reid
Report: 82 Percent of Singapore Toys Fail Safety Standards
23
Aug
10
According to Channel NewsAsia, 82 percent of toys in Singapore failed safety tests conducted by Insight Laboratories. The organization’s testing involved chemicals, as well as physical testing and labeling, and toys have to pass all three tests to be deemed safe for the public. Toy testing in Singapore, stated Insight Laboratories, follows the same standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Tags: Channel NewsAsia, Insight Laboratories, Singapore, toy testing, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Posted in News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth Reid
Leaked Email Details Possible Plans for a New Hasbro Film
23
Aug
10
Masslive.com is reporting that a leaked Paramount Pictures email reveals possible plans for a fantasy family film set at a Hasbro workshop. The email, obtained by thewrap.com, details around 33 upcoming and proposed projects, including more installments of Star Trek and Mission: Impossible. “The Hasbro Factory,” as it is called in the email, is described as a “Night at the Museum in a toy factory idea.” According to masslive.com, a Paramount spokesman said the email obtained by thewrap.com is not an official document and that not all of the information is accurate.
Tags: Hasbro, Mission:Impossible, Night at the Museum, Paramount Pictures, Star Trek, thewrap.com
Posted in News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth Reid
Report: 56.8 Million Americans Have Played a Social Networking Game
23
Aug
10
According to a new report by The NPD Group, Social Network Gaming, approximately 20 percent of Americans ages 6 and older, or 56.8 million U.S. consumers, have played a game on a social network within the last three months. In terms of kids’ activities, according to the report, 23 percent of children ages 6 to 12 reported that they have played a game on a social network within the past three months.
The report also states that 35 percent of social network gamers are new to gaming and have never played any other type of gaming before playing on social networks. According to the report, gamers are nearly evenly divided between genders: 47 percent are male and 53 percent are female.
Social Network Gaming also reports that 10 percent of social network gamers have spent real money playing social networking games, although the games are free to play, and 11 percent of those surveyed are likely to make a future purchase. Gamers surveyed also report spending 20 percent less on gaming overall since they started playing social networking games.
Tags: games, Social Network Gaming, social networking, The NPD Group
Posted in News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth Reid
Mamas & Papas Debuts in the U.S. at Babies “R” Us
23
Aug
10
Babies “R” Us has premiered a special assortment of Mamas & Papas products at select stores nationwide. The assortment marks the line’s debut in the U.S. An expanded selection of Mamas & Papas products will also be available at Toys “R” Us Times Square, Babies “R” Us Union Square, and FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue in New York City, as well as at Babiesrus.com/MamasandPapas.
Mamas & Papas was founded by working mother Luisa Scacchetti in 1981, and the exclusive Babies “R” Us collection includes strollers, lightweight strollers, highchairs, bouncers, and travel toys.
Tags: bouncers, highchair, Mamas and Papas. Babies R Us, strollers, travel toys
Posted in New Products, News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth Reid
Bradford Licensing Signs On For Katz Fun
23
Aug
10
Bright Ideas Design Co., Ltd., a creative production team, has picked Bradford Licensing, LLC, as its licensing partner to bring Katz Fun merchandise to the U.S. Katz Fun is an animated children’s series about friendship, teamwork, and confidence. In the series, the group of six characters, Katz Fun, unite together to protect the tiger Katz from the evil Dark Messenger whose goal is to “undermine the good intentions of Katz and disturb the tranquility of the Bent Boo Village.”
Potential licensing categories for the series include digital games, home entertainment and DVDs, toys, apparel, accessories, and publishing. Katz Fun’s target audience is children ages 6 to 9, and the show aims to give children a multicultural experience, as well as encourage creativity and education.
Tags: Bradford Licensing, Bright Idea Design Co, Katz Fun
Posted in Licenses, New Products, News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth Reid
Babies “R” Us Premieres New Home Safety Microsite
23
Aug
10
Babies “R” Us has launched a new microsite dedicated to informing parents on home safety as a part of the company’s expanded partnership with the Home Safety Council, a national nonprofit organization that raises awareness about accidental infant and child injury and is dedicated to preventing home-related injuries.
The new microsite, Babiesrus.com/HomeSafety, offers tips on how to keep kids safe, and includes a new parent home safety quiz, an interactive nursery safety game, room-by-room baby-proofing tips, and an outline of seven safety product categories (such as baby gates, corner guards, and outlet covers) that parents should consider when they prepare for a baby’s arrival. After browsing the sections, parents can add safety items to their Babiesrus.com shopping cart or print out safety product information as a checklist when shopping in-store.
Tags: Babies R Us, Home Safety Council
Posted in News | No Comments »
This post was written by Jackie Breyer
Mr. Potato Head Is All Shook Up
23
Aug
10
Hasbro announces the release of the limited edition Mr. Potato Head Elvis Presley figure from licensee PPW Toys. The figure is arriving at U.S. specialty retail stores to celebrate the year-long Elvis 75th anniversary.
The seven inch tall figure comes with a variety of components to mix and match: a jumpsuit, shoes, hair, two arms, a guitar, and a face with the classic Elvis Presley ’snarl.’ All the pieces are removable and compatible with future versions of Elvis Mr. Potato Head toys.
“I’m all shook up, uh-huh!”
Tags: 75th anniversary, All Shook Up, Elvis Presley, Hasbro, Mr. Potato Head, PPW Toys
Posted in 0-2, 3-5, Licenses, New Products, Photo | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth Reid
Bandai America Sponsors Second Power Rangers Convention
23
Aug
10
From August 27-29, the Pasadena Convention Center will morph into Ranger Central for the second annual Power Rangers convention, “Power Morphicon.” More than 1,000 visitors and 20 specialty vendors are expected to attend the convention. The event will also feature panels, guest appearances, autograph signings, a silent auction, a costume contest, and the Power Quest Trivia Game.
Bandai America Incorporated, Power Rangers’ master toy licensee, is serving as the premier sponsor and will host a booth in the Dealers Room, allowing fans to meet and take photos with two of the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers characters on Saturday. Bandai’s booth will also display a collection of Power Rangers toys and will offer limited giveaways. Other vendors will include CS Toys International, RedStarRobot, and AnimeBooks.com, among others.
Tags: AnimeBooks.com, Bandai America Incorporated, CS Toys International, Mighty Morphin, Pasadena Convention Center, Power Morphicon, Power Rangers, RedStarRobot
Posted in News, video | No Comments »
