Monster High: 13 Wishes was released on October 8, in partnership with Universal Pictures. This third feature-length film from Monster High introduces a new ghoul, Gigi Grant, who comes to Monster High to grant the ghouls 13 wishes. There will be a line of themed dolls, toys, and a video game available at retailers nationwide. Monster High: 13 Wishes is available on both DVD and Blu-Ray.
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Frederic Soulie Promoted to SVP of Global Distribution at Saban Brands
Saban Brands has promoted Frederic Soulie to senior vice president of global distribution. Soulie will continue to oversee the worldwide distribution strategy Saban Brands’ properties across the TV, home entertainment, and digital platform categories. While managing ongoing and collaborative efforts to distribute the company’s entertainment properties, he will also work closely with Saban Brands’ President Elie Dekel and Chief Operating Officer Janet Scardino.
Soulie joined Saban Brands two years ago with experience overseeing digitial distribution and business development for Cookie Jar Entertainment as well as Endemol USA—the largest independent TV production company in the world.
COMMENTARY: Why I Love Elmo
by Laurie Schacht, Toy Insider Mom
I’ve loved Elmo for as long as I can remember … and I’m not alone! He spans generations of boys, girls, kids, and adults. And while one might be able to argue that Mickey Mouse has the same appeal (and in many ways he does), every year there’s a brand new Elmo for a brand new group of kids to bring home and to love. But be warned, not all Elmo’s are alike.
When my kids were toddlers Elmo came in the form of a simple stuffed animal. He was cherished by all my girls, but especially my oldest, now 23. Today, she still adores him. I’ve actually had my ups and downs with Elmo (though my true love for him never really falters) as he has engaged in the world of technology.
Every holiday season I’m asked, “What’s the new Tickle Me Elmo this year?” and I think to myself, “I hope there isn’t one.” Yes, Tickle Me Elmo, from Fisher-Price, was a retailer’s and a manufacturer’s dream toy—a toy retailers couldn’t keep in stock because demand was so high, and at the time, no one had ever seen such innovation in plush. Add the Elmo factor and it was a solid hit (followed by a few more, such as the extreme version). But while it was sold out everywhere, sold for huge markups by individuals, and fought over in stores—and as cool as the innovation was—this was not my favorite Elmo. I could never watch Elmo laugh or roll over on the floor, pounding the floor and laughing, without full out laughing myself. The problem was that I was just watching. Read More…
K’NEX Introduces Four New K’NEX Education Building Sets
Ideal for classroom and home use, K’NEX Education sets offer hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning for kids ages 9 and up. The new K’NEX Education sets are designed for small groups of students (between three and four kids), and 
teach concepts through problem solving, discovery, exploratory learning, and critical thinking. As kids build, they will have to use each other as a resource for investigating, discussing, and evaluating each scientific and design principle in action. These four new sets include: Simple Machines, Solar Energy, Wind and Water Energy, and Force and Motion.
Simple and Compound Machines – Offering hands-on learning the K’NEX Education Simple and Compound Machines Building Set is designed to expand upon middle school students’ knowledge of simple machines concepts. Students will be able to investigate, explore, and experiment with the K’NEX simple machine models as they analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information. The included teacher’s guide features student inquiry sheets and worksheets for the models highlighted, and asks questions and presents challenges that can be used to help students think more deeply about the concepts involved. The set includes 332 K’NEX parts. Read More…
Burger King Launches Digitally Interactive Toys for The Simpsons Superheroes Kids Meal Program
Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and Burger King Worldwide Inc. have introduced digitally interactive The Simpsons toys to Burger King Kids Meals. Beginning September 29 in North American and Latin America, Burger King Kids Meals come with one of six unique Simpsons superhero toys, each featuring a superpower brought to life through a digital game.
The Simpsons Kids Meal toys serve as virtual joy sticks that allow kids to interact with the digital game through motion detection technology and the use of a webcam. At bkcrown.com, users can battle a range of villains directly from Springfield, as each character features its own game environment and three levels of increasing difficulty. Players earn points by hitting their targets using their superhero’s unique superpower, which may include throwing pies or shooting radioactive rays. The six Simpsons superheroes include Radioactive Man, Pie Man, Cupcake Kid, Fallout Boy, Clobber Girl, and Stretch Dude.
The Simpsons Kids Meal interactive toys and digital games were conceived by Surge Innovations and executed through its digital partner, Pod Digital Design.
COMMENTARY: D3Publisher’s Upcoming Slate Captures What Makes Cartoons Great
Licensed video games can be a risky proposition. After all, a recognizable title doesn’t necessarily mean high quality. Having personally experienced some lows in licensed games over the years, I felt it was my duty to attend D3Publisher of America Inc.’s showcase ahead of the holidays, though I had my share of reservations. But despite my trepidation, a few hours later, I walked out suitably impressed. Each licensed game’s creative team seemed to get what makes their respective source material unique, resulting in a product likely to please even hardcore fans. Here’s a rundown of the games:
Ben 10 Omniverse 2: This title is based on a cartoon franchise that has been on TV since 2005, and revolves around Ben Tennyson, who in the most recent series, Ben 10: Omniverse, is a teenage superhero who can transform into 10 different alien forms. What makes the character interesting is that he must select the appropriate guise for any given situation, as each form has its own advantages and disadvantages. D3’s new game takes this basic characteristic and combines it with the “endless running” genre: For about half the game, Ben hurtles down a series of corridors, encountering one obstacle after another, with a very limited time to react. Read More…
ABC Kids Expo Presents K.I.D.S. with $75,000 Donation Check
Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S), a global children’s charity, will receive a $75,000 donation from Larry Schur, president of All Baby & Child Corp., on behalf of the ABC Kids Expo. K.I.D.S President Denise Williams will accept the check at a ceremony at the Las Vegas Convention Center on October 16 at 10 a.m.
Douglas Cuddle Toys Welcomes Tara Rubino
Douglas Co., known for their plush toys and plush accessories, has appointed Tara Rubino to the position of National Sales Manager.
Rubino has had more than 20 years experience in plush sales and management, having worked for two other plush companies prior. All Douglas employees have passion for what they do and take the mission seriously to promote imaginative play and emotional connection for children of all ages.
Douglas products are sold at specialty gift and toy stores in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog Returns to TV
Sega has announced that Sonic, the iconic blue hedgehog with four TV series and more than 70 video games, will be returning to the TV screen next year in a CGI-animated series. Produced by Sega of America Inc. and Genao Productions, the new Sonic the Hedgehog series, Sonic Boom, will premiere in the U.S. on Cartoon Network, and on Canal J and Gulli in France, with a global rollout to follow.
Sonic Boom is a character-driven comedy that leaves a trail of robot wreckage in its smoldering wake. The series centers on Sonic, his best friend and sidekick, Tails, their search for adventure, and their battles with Sonic’s arch-nemesis, Dr. Eggman. Rounding out the ensemble are fan favorites Knuckles and Amy Rose, plus a rogue’s gallery of enemies—some familiar to Sonic fans and some brand new.
After being licensed in areas such as toys, apparel, comics, and animation, Sega has also signed a three-title exclusive partnership with Nintendo for the Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise. Sonic Lost World will be the first title to launch under this agreement, and will be available in stores later this year for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS platforms.
Sun-Mate Corp. Launches New Smithsonian Toys
Sun-Mate Corp., a global toy manufacturer, and the Smithsonian’s business division, Smithsonian Enterprises, will introduce an all-new Smithsonian-branded toy line. Based on the 137 million collection items held at the Smithsonian Institution, the line will include branded role play and exploration sets, doctor and veterinary play sets, electronic toys, and room décor and night lights.
Sold under the Smithsonian Institution’s brand, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of all Smithsonian licensed products supports the Institution’s educational mission of “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.”