Toys Take New York

Staff -- Playthings, 2/1/2001

We may all know what the big Toy Fair question is, but it may take many months to find out the answer.

The question: What will the 'hot' toy be for 2001?

In the wake of a lukewarm holiday season, the industry's collective fingers are crossed that the answer will be found this month. It may even now be on a page of this Playthings issue.

Triple play for Bandai America

Mezacord fans everywhere will love the news that Bandai America is introducing the Deluxe Quatasaurus Rex Mezacord. It's everything a fan could wish for and maybe more!

The newest Megazord of the Quantum Ranger is controlled by a morpher that doubles as a remote control with infrared technology and voice activation that makes the toy move and transform. It is the first Megazord that transforms automatically with the touch of a button. In addition to the transformation feature, the Megazord can charge forward, turn around and fire missiles. As if that weren't enough, the Megazord can also be operated through voice activation that directs the toy's actions.

Past Megazords were five-in-one playsets where kids would attach individual Zord vehicles into a Megazord: this smart toy is one piece that transforms between the Quantasaurus and a robotic Megazord through Bandai's technology.

As for lovers of Digimon, this year offers a revolution of Digivices called the D'Ark. This hand-held smart device features two 'cool' functions and interactive web capabilities. First, it features a card-swiping action that allows kids to get all stats about Digimon characters by swiping their Digi-Battle card, enabling stats to appear on their computer screens. Next, the D'Ark features a special CD-ROM that allows kids to download its software onto their PCs and battle fellow D'Ark users via the Internet. This smart toy will bring Digimon fans real-world capabilities.

Bandai will also release 4.5-inch figures based on the Escaflowne television series on Fox Kids.

And coming in the spring, Bandai is organizing a Gundam Wing Interactive Tour. Developing a multi-layered educational tour with partners Wal-Mart and Pioneer, the Gundam Wing experience will be introduced to 15- to 28-year-old males around the United States. Coinciding with the rejuvenation in the model-making market, the campaign will teach fans about model-making, the history of this famed Japanese saga and Japanese animé during the tour.

Rockstar seeing ghosts

Rockstar follows up their PlayStation 2 hits, Smugglers Run and Midnight Club, with Oni (meaning 'ghosts' in Japanese), starring a one-woman crime-fighting force. It is a third-person action game that combines gunplay with hand-to-hand combat. Players undertake a variety of missions to infiltrate a crime syndicate and attempt to bring it down.

Folkmanis celebrates 25 years in puppet making

Marking its 25^th anniversary this year, Folkmanis introduces new animal puppets that promise to capture the whimsy and quality for which the company is known.

A 23-inch Panda puppet is designed in realistic black and cream fur and will be available this spring for a suggested $56, along with a green-flecked eyed Cougar with a long tail that accentuates its golden sand-colored fur. This 25-inch cat will also be available in specialty stores this spring.

The Folkmanis Large Lop-Eared Rabbit comes in a larger-than-life size and features fluffy, velvety off-white fur, weighted hind feet, moveable mouth and measures 21 inches long. A 15-inch Jack Russell Terrier puppet will carry a $26 retail tag.

All Folkmanis Puppets are recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Norscot's new Caterpillars are on the loose

Casual and serious collectors alike will find something to grab from Norscot Scale Models' 2001 line of die-cast collectible scale model replicas of Caterpillar construction, mining and agricultural vehicles.

This year's collection expands the line to 51 models, plus gift sets. The models are available in a scale range of 1:16 to 1:64 and include premium features like moveable tracks, rolling wheels with authentic tire tread prints and workable components.

Highlights of the new CAT collection include the 420D Center Pivot Backhoe with work tools, the D11R Carrydozer Tract-Type Tractor with metal tracks, and Challenger 75E Agricultural Tractor, all available now.

Big fun from Little Tikes

Somehow kids never tire of tagging after mom in the supermarket.

Now they can plan their own shopping trips with the Little Tikes Shop and Scan Sounds Store (ages 2 and up), that has all the features of a modern checkout, including a pretend electronic and mechanical cash register with play money, lights and sounds. A built-in scanner and a credit card swipe add to the realism. Cart and grocery accessories are sold separately.

For outdoor fun, there's the Construction Sandbox (ages 12 months to 6 years). The extra-large sandbox has a rugged crane and dump bucket, and holds up to 300 pounds of sand.

A new web of toys from Spin Master

Sassy jail birds, ticklish babies and electrified submarines are all part of the Spin Master Toys 2001 line-up.

Don't Free Freddy (ages 4 and up, SRP $29.95) is Spin Master's first-ever interactive plush toy. Not only does Freddy move, he's got plenty to say. It's all sweet nothings until you take off his handcuffs: Freddy's real personality comes out, spouting over 50 temperamental phrases. He's breaking out of stores in May.

Tickle Me Secret Baby (ages 5 and up, SRP $24.99) is a lot more docile-she's not talking until you tickle her on a secret spot that's always different. Only then will she share one of her 1000-plus speech combinations. Her secret's out in stores this August.

When the summer heat arrives, E-Chargers and Air Hogs will be in the backyard pool to help cool things off. The E-Charger Submarines (ages 5 and up, SRP $14.99) can cruise the length of the pool at up to 10 feet under water. The Air Hogs Hydronaut and Red Dawn submarines (ages 8 and up, SRP $14.99 each) actually use inflation to submerge. Air pressure propels them for up to 50 feet around the pool, and when they're out of air, they automatically surface for a fill-up.

Making an encore appearance are Shrinky Dinks (ages 6 and up, SRP $24.99). This year, kids can draw, shrink and bake their creations into real jewelry and decorations without Mom's help, with the Shrinky Dinks Oven.

Can Poof pigs fly?

The Poof Products Slinky Piggy Bank (SRP $7.99) and the Poof 3DX Football (SRP $14.99) might very well fly in 2001.

The Slinky Piggy Bank has a tummy that grows as kids save-it can literally double is size. Retrieving all that loot is a snap, with the easy-open flap on the bottom of the bank.

Future quarterbacks can send the pigskin flying with the 3DX Football. The fashionable foam ball has a three-dimensional outer skin with a translucent, color-changing appearance.

Trendmasters sets pace with cutting edge toys

Trendmasters' lineup covers the spectrum from personal robots to cyber pets, not to mention a twist on boys' toys.

Johnny Bots gives kids their own pint-sized robot to pal around with. He has the ability to tell jokes and play games and can be connected to a PC for added play value. Cybernetic eyebrows and light-up eyes with irises that open and close add to Johnny's realistic expressions. A keyboard interface is included for inputting data. DJ Johnny Bot can play cassette tapes or can be hooked up to a portable CD player and comes with a microphone for sing-alongs. Kids can use a DJ scratch disk and sound f/x buttons to create their own songs. DJ Johnny Bot can do 20 different moves and lights up in time to the music.

New C-Book Reader is an animated, digital storyteller that uses interactive cartridges to read to the 6 and under crowd. The slim hand-held unit plays an assortment of stories in three different modes.

Trendmasters also introduces Pets on Parade, pocket-sized plush toys that are bendable. Each has a heart insignia embroidered on its chest and is tucked inside an acorn-shaped necklace. Characters include Pouncer the Cat, Sunny the Lion, Derby the Horse, Dixie the Labrador, Lilly the Frog and Lucy the Panda. A Treehouse Playset completes the line.

A line of huggable toys based on the book and animated TV series, Maggie and the Ferocious Beast, are plush dolls that talk when their tummies are squeezed. A new Powerpuff Girls line includes the Street Fighter Playset with Townsville monster backdrop that has bendable arms, claws, a street fighter and a Powerpuff Girls character. The Powerpuff Girls Make-up Mirror Girls Playset has a vanity and mirror, nail file atomizer, nail decals and temporary tattoos.

In the mini vehicle category, Trendmasters features the Maximum Speed pullback vehicles that light up as the cars reach lightning speeds on the track. With the Maximum Speed Criss Cross Battle Trax racing set, a light-up dual racetrack has critical crash zones that climax in a final showdown in the crash tunnel loop. The light-up cars reach scale speeds of up to 750 mph on the 25 feet of snap-together track.

Starcastles, a mini doll playset combines fantasy play with flying. Each playset includes a whimsical castle and mini doll with costumes and accessories, plus transformation elements and magic secrets. Other Starcastles playsets include Bubbles Starcastle, Rainbow Starcastle, Water Starcastle and Tropical Jewelry Starcastle. Each has a different princess theme and coordinating accessories.

Taurus Toy adds to Blok-N-Roll

Building on the success of its Blok-N-Roll construction toy, Taurus Toy is adding see-saw, alternator and chain reaction pieces along with new packaging for eight action pieces. A new 62-piece action set is also new to the line that is compatible with all plastic construction sets on the market.

Blok-N-Roll uses a marble within the construction block to make it an action toy that has garnered several awards, including Dr. Toy Best 100 Toys for 2000 and the Oppenheim Gold Seal Award.

Corgi Classics: shaken, not stirred

Since first launching the Aston Martin DB5 in 1965, Corgi Classics has become synonymous with James Bond replica die-cast vehicles.

Corgi aims to continue this tradition with this year's Definitive Bond Collection: a complete line of vehicles from all the Bond films ($16.99 each), and 3-inch fine metal Icon collectible figures ($19.99 each) representing every portrayal of 007 from Sean Connery to Pierce Brosnan.

The range of sexy Bond luxury cars includes models in scales of 1:43 and 1:36, many of which incorporate some of Q's favorite gadgets as seen on the original vehicles.

DSI offers dawgs and hogs

Boys and girls alike can look forward to a new lineup of offerings from DSI Toys, including line extensions to its Pride & Joy dolls, TV-featured dolls, Gear Head RC Tech Link, Youth Communications and Kawasaki Music. Add to that a few pets, a new license and some "top secret" high tech offerings that will be unveiled at Toy Fair.

New offerings include interactive and electronic dolls.

Too Cute Twins respond to everything the other says and does. Whether they're talking, singing or playing, these interactive twin dolls know and respond to absolutely everything the other is saying and doing. When the Too Cute Twins talk, they'll turn their heads, face each other and move their arms. They'll respond to each other's questions. And if one twin sneezes, the other will politely say "Bless you." These siblings even recognize when they're sitting in the correct seats of their double stroller, which is included.

Happy Birthday to You Dolly is an electronic doll that not only sings the entire classic "Happy Birthday to You" song, but also lets you record the Birthday child's name right into the song. According to DSI, it is the first time the birthday song has been licensed for a doll.

Susie So Smart is a doll that really knows her stuff. A new interactive baby doll, Susie, will let you know when she's hungry, thirsty or just wants to sing a song. She comes complete with several accessories.

Fun n Games is a new line of electronic interactive dolls that play favorite childhood rhymes and games. The line includes: Peggies Little Piggies, which recites This Little Piggie, when her toe is squeezed, Teapot Dolly, who sings "I'm A Little Teapot," when her hand is held, Holly Hoops, which swings hoops around her waist and Rosie, who sings "Ring Around the Rosie."

The Pride & Joy line was inspired by the "million-plus" seller Sweet Faith and her friends. The additions include Sweet Hope and Sweet Joy.

Appealing to child's traditional play and nurturing patterns, Little Darlings dolls for 2001 debuts new Nurturing and Playtime collections featuring baby dolls like Baby Magic Sounds, Baby Sips and Toothbrush Baby as well as Playtime Kids Cell Phone, Playtime Kids Camera and Playtime Kids Baby TV.

Another new offering for girls includes Fashion Buzz Air Nails Studio, which features an air-brushing unit as well as nail stations, stencils and lots of other accessories. And the studio is completely portable.

Pets are also among the offerings and Kitty Kitty Kittens are electronic plush kittens that purr when held close to their owner's chest.

While a purr may be music to a cat-lover's ears, there are other more traditional musical offerings from DSI's Kawasaki line of instruments. Joining the group in 2001 are the new Mega-Chords Electronic Light Up Guitar, Mega-Deluxe Frum Pad, Super-Jam, Sha Boom, Mix-Master and Light Up Keyboard.

DSI is also introducing Josie & the Pussycats Musical Instruments, in time for the Easter 2001 Universal Studios release of a live action feature film based on the popular 1970s cartoon. Included are the Josie Air Guitar, Josie Drum Machine, Josie Keyboard and Josie Tambourine.

The non-stop world of Gear Head infra red and radio remote control races into 2001 with two new vehicles. The Gear Head Tsunami RC Vehicle will feature remote control action while the Gear Head Chevy SSR RC vehicle is designed on Chevrolet's new production car intro for the year 2002. Both will feature signature Gear Head see-through packaging for instant shelf appeal.

DSI's Tech Link brand in youth communications toys launches a full range of SKUs in 2001 that not only add new features, but also a hot new license to the Tech Link world-Harley Davidson. The Harley inspired products include Tech Link Harley Davidson Chain Wallet Walkie Talkies, Tech Link Harley Davidson Mobile 500 Hands Free Walkie Talkies, Tech Link Harley Davidson Cruiser 500 Walkie Talkies and the Tech Link Harley Davidson Bike Alarm.

Other Tech Link additions include the new Tech Link Audio Speaker, Tech Link Clip-on FM Radio, Tech Link Cellular Hands-free FM Radio, Tech Link P-COM 200 Walkie Talkies, Tech Link Slide Phone 200 Walkie Talkies, Tech Link Cellcom 200 and Tech Link FRS 2M Family Radio Service.

In addition to DSI's kittens, Data Dawgs is an affordably-priced line of interactive personal robot pets that just love attention. Take care of Data Dawgs and their eyes will change color from suspicious red to neutral yellow to happy green. They also love to play games like color matching, roulette and Simon Says. Each dawg performs its own trick-performing a headstand, lying down or sitting up. The dawgs also get along great with each other. Put two or more of these electronic pooch pals together and they'll interact and stage a musical bark-along.

Dark Horse

Based on the hit animated show by Simpsons creator Matt Groening, Futurama's Bender is available as a bendy toy from Dark Horse Comics. The 6-inch, full color, flexible robot retails for $9.95. A bendy Sock Monkey, based on the comic book, is also available.

Decorating gets flair of Creativity

While nine new products being introduced by Creativity for Kids for winter 2001 is just a start, they will provide a range of activities in a variety of categories.

Three new products in Room Décor extend the category and result in some really cool accessories. Create A Cool Corkboard with OptiArt Glass Tacks turns a corkboard with a wood frame into a way to decorate private space by using seven colors of paint including metallic silver. OptiArt glass stones can then be painted with designs and turned into tacks that coordinate with the corkboard.

The Groovy Ceramic Lamp is another new Room Décor product available this winter. The lampshade can be painted using six colors of paint and then further decorated with pom pom fringe for a finishing touch. And the Inner Beauty Mirror is another offering that can be decorated and then further 'personalized' with a sparkling array of rhinestones.

Two new products are being added to the Girl Trends line.

The Funky Fab Door Curtain, which combines beads and fabric flowers for decorating, includes plastic hangers and screws for installation. The Denim Duo includes bags that are pre-sewn, ready for decoration with an assortment of beaded trims, pom pom fringe and flower and butterfly appliques. Embroidered mirrors add some sparkle, and an assortment of rhinestones can be combined to make dragonflies, flowers and other designs. The larger bag has a zipper closure, while the smaller bag has a velcro closure for keys, coins and other small items.

The art of decorating is being extended with some new Cans, including a Body Art Can. Packed with items from body jewels to temporary tattoos, the product offers something for everyone. And the new Smackers 3-in-1 is like having a Smackers factory in a can. The science of cosmetics can be explored while making Body Glitter, Body Lotion, and Lip Balm.

For kids who have caught the Smackers collecting craze, there's something new for the collection: Decorate Your Own Cosmetics Bag.

Joining arts and crafts is the Crazy Casting Kit. Use molding mix to create a replica of almost anything. Kids can cast their fingers, hand or toes, or replicate a vegetable or piece of fruit. The casts can then be painted as realistic or as zany as the artist likes.

Rubie's goes to the movies

Rubie's Costume is manufacturing children's and adult costumes for upcoming major motion picture blockbusters including Jurassic Park III, The Mummy Returns, Josie & The Pussycats, Planet of the Apes and J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.

Costumes will feature Jurassic Park III's T-Rex, Velociraptor and Spinesaurus and The Mummy Returns' Imhotep and The Scorpion King. Josie & The Pussycats costumes highlight Josie, Valerie and Melody in all their finery with shoes, headbands, make-up kits, jewelry and boas.

Barbie costumes featured this year are Nutcracker Barbie, '70s Barbie, Flower Power Barbie, Cowgirl Barbie, Bride, Butterfly, Princess and Ballerina Barbie. All costumes are available in toddler, small and medium sizes.

For teens and adults, Rubie's offers The Covenant collection of vampires and slayers made of satins, crushed velvets, brocades and lace in a Victorian style rich in colors. Accessories for the collection include makeup, piercing, eyewear, fingernails and wigs.

Many of Rubie's costumes this year are made with Animotions technology of wearable fiber optics that chase and spiral around the costume for a strobe effect.

Eidos turns chicken

From the makers of the Tomb Raider series, comes Chicken Run, a video game based on the film by Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park. Like the film, characters scrounge for objects to build elaborate escape devices.

Lee Middleton stays young at heart

Lee Middleton Original Dolls, known for its hand-sculpted collectible vinyl dolls, returns this year to its partnership with Newborns in Need, a non-profit charity that solicits goods and money for needy babies.

Young At Heart (SRP $198), the frills-and-lace original doll designed exclusively for Newborns in Need, is a blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty dressed in white and showered with pink satin details.

THQ gets raw for Xbox

THQ's WWF Raw is War will be among the first wave of titles for Microsoft's Xbox console this fall. Like the TV show, players can confront their opponents backstage, in the aisles and in the stands. Oh, yeah, there's also a wrestling ring.

THQ recently released Evil Dead: Hail to the King, based on the cult-favorite Evil Dead film trilogy, for Sega Dreamcast. Ash spits out one-liners as he finds himself back at the cabin in the woods to piece together pages from the Book of the Dead and rescue his girlfriend. The whole gruesome forest is his to explore. Actor Bruce Campbell reprises his film role.

A wild world of toys from International Playthings

Furniture and lifelike play sets top the list of new toys from International Playthings.

Little girls who love the Calico Critters will love the new Calico Girls Bedroom Set (SRP $25). The large bed comes with pillow and coordinating pillow case and comforter; the vanity table has adjustable mirrors and two operable drawers; and the child's desk has 3 operable drawers; chairs even have convenient built in storage spaces.

International Playthings is also wild about animals. The Noah's Ark play set (18 months and up, SRP $30) lets kids recreate the classic story with a soft colorful ark, a window looking in on the animals, a living area on top of the boat with a roof that opens and closes. Figures include Noah himself, and six pairs of PVC-free vinyl animals that can be used a finger puppets to re-enact the story.

The Busy Bees play set (9 months and up, SRP $25) is a collection of four brightly colored bees: two that rattle, one that squeaks and another that has crinkle wings. Set comes with a pyramid that bees can fly in and out of.

The Amazing Animal Trivia Game (ages 6 and up, SRP $20) features two hundred multiple choice and true/ false questions to fascinate kids while they hurry to collect the most sets of animal cards.

Scratch Art has new sparkle

Scratch Art introduces a new addition to its award winning Scratch Magic line of activity sets with the multicolor Scratch and Sparkle (SRP $4.99), a sister to the original sparkle boards.

Kids can reveal holographic multicolors by drawing with a stick to remove the black coating. Kits include stencils for adventurous sparkle artists, and are presented in "peggable" envelopes that can be hung for easy storage.

Interplay enters hostile waters

Best known for its two huge PC hits Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn (out last fall), Interplay will introduce Hostile Waters: Antaeus Rising mid 2001. The Antaeus is a warship with nanofactories to build tanks and other war machines. Players manage construction and research on the ship and can even join in the battles by directly controlling any one of their units.

VTech's new variety of learning products

This year, VTech expands their focus on babies and enriches their toddler line with brand new crib, plush and electronic toys.

The lovable new Baby Bugsy and Baby Drake (ages 6 months and up, SRP $9.99 and $14.99 respectively) engage babies in tactile stimulation when squeezed or hugged, with sweet melodies and soft spoken phrases. In addition, Bugsy and Drake help introduce babies to the alphabet, counting and a variety of shapes.

New in VTech's Smart Start Toddler line is the Cody Carpenter Light 'N Learn Bench (ages 6 and up, SRP $19.99), with six colorful shaped pegs and a whacking hammer. Cody the beaver sings cheerful songs and melodies while toddlers hammer away.

Parents will likely love the new Curious George toys as much as their kids, including the Countdown Rocket, which teaches number identification and counting from one to ten. In total, VTech will introduce four unique toys that capture themes from George's many adventures.

Uncle Milton goes to extremes

Uncle Milton this month releases Xtreme Ants live ant habitat, an evolution of the company's Ant Farm brand.

"Xtreme Ants is the most rad habitat ever," according to an Uncle Milton spokesperson. "We've created the most awesome, out-of-control, atmosphere of extreme sport courses, tenacious terrain and outrageous obstacles for our exclusive Xtreme Ants product."

For Xtreme Ants, Uncle Milton's staple Ant Farm brand, features such as see-through spiral stairs and vertical climbing wall tubes are just the beginning. However, Xtreme Ants has a 360-degree tunneling area with a secret cave, plus several sections including, an Extreme Skate Park with Trick-Towers, Vertical Ramps and Gravity Loops, Bungee Jump Tower, Street Luge Speedway, BMX Biking Dirt Arena, and more. Molded ant characters are also mixed with the real ants for ultimate excitement.

Xtreme Ants is the most recent addition to the Ant Farm brand line that already includes, the top-selling Giant Ant Farm, Mini Ant Farm and Ant Farm Village live ant habitats. It also extends Uncle Milton's other live habitat products, such as the award-winning Undersea Encounter, Surf Frogs and Butterfly Jungle.

Currently, licensing agreements for the Ant Farm brand have produced best-selling products, such as Great American Puzzle Factory's Ant Farm Board Game and Basic Fun's Ant Farm brand key chains. In addition, Uncle Milton was a key licensee of products inspired by the Disney/ Pixar blockbuster, A Bug's Life.

Uncle Milton has expanded its toy top line with the Whirlwind air-powered gyro-top and will be packaged for pegged, stand or dump displays. The Whirlwind is expected to take over where the company's Alien Orbiter leaves off as it begins its phase out this year. Uncle Milton's licensing agreement with Discovery Channel continues with the exclusive Mystery Orbiter gyro-top.

Curiouser and curiouser

Curious Toys expands its popular Bonz line with NoBonz, translucent, iridescent and metallic Bonz parts. The interchangeable bones connect to poseable joints with which children can build wild and bizarre animals and even new species.

The second year around for Greenworks

Formerly Starlite Group, Greenworks is excelling for the second year in a row with recycled paper products in the craft market.

PaperCraft is its newest line, encompassing crafts (SRP $1 to $15 each) that are made completely from recycled paper and include such activities as puppet making, frame decorating, and building and decorating a completely furnished doll house.

Wild Republic just got wilder

The long arms of K & M's Wild Republic plush toys (ages 2 and up, SRP $4 to $40) are reaching farther than ever with 30 new species including underwater sea creatures and rainforest inhabitants.

Each creature, some of which make sounds and/or shake or have babies snugly wrapped around them, are all culturally authentic to the global region of the species. Names are attached on a three-panel product tag along with information about the animal, a unique saying from the part of the world they are from, and a secret password with which kids can participate in games and activities offered on Wild Republic's Web site, wildrepublic.com. New creatures for 2001 include Kirima the polar bear, Panduranga the white tiger, Malo the octopus, Kesare the cotton top tamarin and Diallo the mandrill.

Craft A Gift makes kids crafty

Craft A Gift, a division of Easy Street Crafts, has added a new dimension to gift-making by offering quality tools and materials.

Forty varied gift projects, designed for children ages 5 through 15, range from decorating silk ties and scarves to making CD racks, trinket boxes and stained glass coasters. Twelve new kits are expected to hit shelves this year. Each Craft A Gift kit includes attractive wrapping supplies for each finished project. Craft tools, such as sponge and sable brushes, are included to add to the quality of the end result, according to Easy Street Crafts founder, Elizabeth Kohout. Bilingual directions help teach young craft kit users a new skill on each project.

Wild Planet makes the spy scene

The spy business is now Wild Planet's business with real-working tools that any respectable young spy needs.

With the Spy Vision Scope, kids can head-mount this spy tool kit and use the telescope to track other spies. The telescope automatically flips into position and can be folded back quickly.

Wild Planet's Spy Keep-Out is a remote controlled door lock that uses a motion sensor alarm to keep out the bad guys. It fits over all door knobs and will be available in the fall (SRP $20). Super hip Spy Listener sunglasses have a secret listening device that works. An automatic sound device ensures maximum volume output is always at a safe level. A hidden microphone activates when needed.

Spy Night Hawk Scope may look like regular binoculars, but push a button and kids can see up to 25 feet in the dark. Flip on the spy light to see without being detected. For ages 6 and up, the Spy Night Hawk Scope will retail for $15 in the fall. Also in the Spy Central line comes the XP-4 Spy Pen that looks like an ordinary pen but can transform into a telescope, microscope, an alarm and a flashlight. A set of snap-on tools also comes in the pocket-sized case.

Wild Planet splashed into summer with three new water toys. Scatterfish is a new diving game that launches fish that kids have to chase and catch before the waterproof timer runs out of time. In Hydro Gliders Killer Whale Challenge, two kids can race their mini-size Orcas across the pool or through the target ring. Hydrodynamic technology helps propel the whales and adjustable fins control its performance.

Dive Balls is Wild Planet's new diving game that uses brightly-colored soft balls that sink to the bottom of the pool every time.

Sega riding high

With shortages of PlayStation 2s last holiday season, Sega remains a strong player in the console market. Sonic Adventure 2, a core brand in Sega's lineup, will debut this fall. The sequel to Virtua Tennis, meanwhile, will include female players this time around (the original rated highly among girls, nevertheless). Sega's latest release is Metropolis Street Racer, a high-speed racing game with luxury cars burning rubber through San Francisco, Tokyo and London.

Just out, Sega Smash Pack bundle includes 12 classic Sega titles with the console.

Disguise goes under the sea

Costumes and masks based on Disney's upcoming feature film, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, are part of Disguise's 2001 lineup. The costumes for children ages 3 to 8 will depict the film's two main characters and are scheduled to be on shelves this Halloween.

In time for the sequel to the first Zorro movie currently in development, Disguise will produce this Halloween adult and child-size costumes, masks, hats and accessories featuring the masked hero as he appeared on TV and in the movie. Fun 1^st will launch a line of role-play costumes, accessories and play tents this fall.

Just following the U.S. debut of Bob the Builder animated preschool TV series on Nick Jr. last month, Disguise is producing costumes, masks and safety lights based on the show's characters that should hit retail shelves by Halloween.

Other additions to the Disguise line this year include costumes based on X-Men: The Movie, Marvel Super Heroes, Power Rangers, Shadow Ninjas, and Make-A-Witch.

About town with Manhattan Toy

Minneapolis-based Manhattan Toy announces more than 100 new products for 2001.

Among its new offerings, Manhattan Toy introduces Ragalangs, a line of floppy, long-armed toys and Uptown Baby, a soft baby doll that encourages nurturing play. Beneath the Leaf is a collection of fanciful, mischievous fairy dolls.

Also new this year is the consolidation of all baby lines under the Manhattan Baby brand. A new logo identifies Wimmer-Ferguson, Classic Baby, Pappa Geppetto and Hoopla Baby as Manhattan Baby brands.

Two of last year's lines come back with new additions. The Whoozit line is expanded with toys based on the whimsical character introduced in 1996, whose friendly grin and joyful fabric patterns became an instant hit.

Bolstered by Groovy Guys and Groovy Furniture, the Groovy Girls and Lilydoll collections have more dolls, more outfits and more accessories. There are also fresh new additions to the Finger Follies finger puppets, one of Manhattan Toy's fastest growing lines.

Preschool Designs braces for flood

Too bad Noah won't be around when Preschool Designs unveils what it claims to be the world's largest toy ark design at Toy Fair.

Intended to be a companion to Preschool's Holtziger line of hand-crafted wooden animals, the Build-an-Ark series consists of a bow, stern and middle sections that can be added almost indefinitely (Preschool says a 20-foot ark would be a piece of cake).

Inhabit-ing a piece of the market

Still the new manufacturers on the block, Inhabit Toys had a successful debut last year with Anatomics, a colorful collection of construction sets that build anatomically correct bugs and dinosaurs.

For 2001, Inhabit will be expanding the Anatomics line to include Velociraptor and Plesiosaur dinosaurs. Also expect a new Ultimate Kit containing all the materials to build every creature in the company's current lineup.

LCI's new essentials

Little girls who've loved the naughty nature of Eloise in the books can get into Small Miracle's Essential Eloise Collection by Learning Curve International, featuring the Eloise Dressing Screen with a full-length mirror and the Eloise Vanity Table with an elegant striped taffeta skirt and crested mirror. The matching stool has an embroidered cushion.

And who hasn't dreamed of living in a luxury hotel like the impish Eloise? Eloise's Rawther Grand Hotel Playset by FELTKids features a deluxe double-sided playmat, a secret fold-out flap revealing a hidden staircase, and more than 20 play pieces.

With Eloise in the lap of luxury, Thomas and Friends have a new way to travel. Sodor Airfield (ages 3 and up) introduces children to Tiger Moth, the friendly propeller plane who magnetically attaches to the arm of an air field tower. The Airfield comes complete with a miniature landing strip play board.

Faster than you can say mutation, the Robotix Arctimorph Transforming Speeder can change from a racecar to a robot with the touch of a button. The Speeder has four motors, full-function steering, a turbo-powered remote control system, and over 200 parts that transform the 2-foot robot into a true racer and back again.

Fiesta turns east

The party is just getting started with Fiesta's Foo Bears II, the 2001 line of brightly colored plush bears featuring traditional teddy bear designs with a touch of the Far East.

Love, Peace, Happiness, Wisdom and Luck bears are each made with marbled fur and wear a striking Chinese character embroidered in a symbolic crest of gold for good luck (which represent valued human traits, conditions and emotions).

Every bear also dons a removable power bead necklace (bracelet size for kids) that is made of stones thought to carry a mystical force.

Jax promotes family fun

Jax, maker of Sequence, introduces two new games this year, Respond and Takeaway. Each family-oriented game is educational and encourages healthy interaction between players.

Peaceable Kingdom's imagination runs wild

For 50 years, Maurice Sendak has been illustrating children's books, earning in the process a Caldecott Medal and Hans Christian Andersen Medal. This year, Sendak and Peaceable Kingdom join forces to present a new collection of stationery products.

The centerpiece of the collection is a creativity journal based on his beloved classic, Where the Wild Things Are. Peaceable Kingdom's Wild Things Imagination Catcher Journal uses Max's story of mischief-making to inspire children (and adults) to record their own tales of adventure. "If you sailed off through night and day, where would you go?" So begins the journey of this Imagination Catcher, with text and illustrations to prompt writing, drawing and dreaming. Lift-the-flap Wild Secret Keepers provide a special place for children to hide secrets, and detachable postcards let them share their thoughts with the world. Gatefolds spread the pages wide for fanciful expression, and envelopes with removable sheets provide an invitation to record wild wishes.

And while it's not specifically designed for boys, the Imagination Catcher is a welcome addition in a market that's seen more than its share of flowery diaries and girl-power journals.

A companion to the Imagination Catcher could be the Wild Things Picture Frame, where Max's forest provides a vivid backdrop for a favorite photo. Printed paper over board, the frame features die-cuts and a complementary design to the Imagination Catcher.

Endless Games stays retro

Who's line is it, anyway? Endless Games' retro line, evidently. The company sports favorites from the '50s through the '80s such as $25,000 Pyramid, Concentration, Family Feud and The Newlywed Game. There is a new game for the century: What's My Line? (ages 8 to adult, SRP $24.99), bringing the classic American game show to life again.

Featuring photos of actual people, a screen resembling a TV set, and blindfolds just like the ones worn by the show's celebrity panel, the game will be retro-fitted into stores by July.

Capelli cats have an attitude

Capelli is expanding its line of Floppy Friends and Attitude Cats. The cats will be sporting marabou tails and angel wings in addition to phrases like 'star' and 'diva' stitched playfully on their soft bodies. The Cool Cat Plush Boxes are an extension of the line and meow when opened. They are covered in soft fur. Plush photo frames complement the boxes. Water Animals, shaped as wacky, squeezable globes, are highlighted by a palm-sized frog with bulging eyes.

Aquatoy takes on water

Since the Frisbee first appeared way back in 1958, water sports enthusiasts have been searching for a watery equivalent. Now, after 42 years, Bay area manufacturer Aquatoy is launching two throw-toys that finally take the fun of Frisbees to the water.

AquaDisc and AquaSkimmer are two new creations from Aquatoy that use the science of hydrodynamics to take the throwable-disc to the water. Swimmers of all ages may discover a whole new world of fun with these brilliantly innovative products. But that's not all. Instructors, divers and others may also learn about their usefulness as fun training and exercise tools.

All cylinders firing for Classic Metal Works

One of the premier manufacturers of precision die-cast vehicles debuts a line of 1:160 scale vehicles. Each auto or truck features die-cast bodies and chassis.

Classic Metal Works introduced Kalifornia Kicks Custom Rod die-casts last October and will add to its 1:24 scale Precision Mints line. A 1958 Chevrolet Impala and 1969 Camaro SS 396 were just two of the new 1:24 replicas introduced in November.

Radica has Girl power and Tiger Woods

Radica Girl Tech line will return this spring with Girl Tech HearSay (ages 8 and up, SRP $14.99), a portable wacky word game with three different modes of play and skill level, and Girl Tech Personology (ages 8 and up, SRP $14.99), a personality profile game that girls program using a combination of psychology, history, numerology, tarot and astrology. The hand-held game is protected by the user's personal three-digit code.

The tiger is still on the loose with Radica's Tiger Woods Ultimate 18 hand-held golf game (ages 8 and up, SRP $20). The game's unique, scrolling, color film mechanism gives a real overhead view of 18 challenging holes, while directional aiming and swing controls maximize the power behind each shot.

The company's Mini NASCAR Racin' may get a boost from Fox Sports' brand new coverage of the high-speed sport. The game features eight different tracks and sound effects. Mouse Basketball and Mini Bass Fishin' round out Radica's hand-held line.

Nikko hits the road

Nikko's full selection of vehicles includes Hummers, jeeps and the largest variety of RC boats. The company's line of RC vehicles includes both licensed (Jeep, Dodge, Chevy and Ford) and unlicensed items. Nikko's new PT Boat features a water-squirter.

BRIO takes on young engineers

With a focus on toddler play, BRIO bows BRIO Friends, a wooden and plastic railway collection of developmental toys for infant and preschool children. The oversized vehicles and plush characters are designed for small hands with sets named for Billy Blue, the engineer, Starla and Freddie Clown.

Each set includes a battery-powered engine with a miniature yellow light that runs when the character is pushed down in the engine cab. The characters have embroidered faces and are hand-washable. A large-scale track allows the vehicles to run and be connected by a magnet feature that won't frustrate little fingers.

The new 25-piece Mountain Action Figure 8 Set features a two-way, battery-operated engine with auto-stop and start function, wagon with removable magnetic load and poseable character. Stop and Go track and a scenic mountain with contemporary graphics complete the set. The Treasure Chest comes in a durable tub to store its Adventure Tunnel, Stacking Supports and track. Three new rescue vehicles, an ambulance, fire engine and police car offer realistic sights and sounds with warning lights and sirens.

New Engine with Tender is an eight-wheeled steam engine with coal tender connected by magnetic couplings with two or three pairs of wheels, depending on the color. Connecting pieces highlight four new playscapes. The Goods Terminal has a baggage carousel that moves, while the Fire Station includes a working fire door. The Stop & Go Shed has an auto stop and start feature and the two-level Platform with Elevator allows a poseable figure to go up and down.

BRIO's licensed The Busytown Figures 3 Pack features Benny Baboon, Harry Hyena and Wolfgang Wolf. The BRIO Builder System is a 12-piece set that includes a robotic head that squeaks when pushed plus painted graphics that reveal its inner workings. The Airplane Set has a moving propeller and painted graphics on the fuselage.

On the infant and preschool front, BRIO has added a soft Mirror Ball that rattles, a Sounding Shapes sorting and stacking toy, Stacking Pals with magnets, and Character Blocks with printed facial features.

With the purchase of Ambi Toys, BRIO debuts three new infant toys: Bouncy Bouncy Teether, Roly Max Poly terry cloth dog and Taxi Ted soft teddy bear. Large-scale trucks designed for both indoor and outdoor play include Farm Cultivator with grooved tires, the Semi Truck with BRIO Logo, and the Dump Truck.

On the wetter side, BRIO introduces a Junior Waterway system of waterslides, waterwheel and bucket, and squirting dolphins. The Bath & Beach line has vibrant colors in its eight-piece Sand Set with Square Bucket, Sand Mill & Truck Set and Spade & Rake Set.

Alkota's lines are from Russia with love

Alkota, a 7-year-old company based in Illinois, brings original Russian folk art woodcarvings to America with its Russian Treasures Collections, a full line of Russian crafts featuring figures, nesting dolls (matryoshka), eggs, ornaments and jewelry hand-made by artisans carrying out generations of technique and tradition. Classically trained iconographic painters from the famous Sergiev Posad crafting center apply uniquely Byzantine-rooted designs to the pieces as well as new, less iconographic themes that express the artist's creative talents. "This (type of versatility) makes it possible for Alkota Studio to commission our exclusive designs for unique creations for the American market," said Alexander Salnikov, president of Alkota.

By acknowledging both Russia's art crafting traditions and today's global market, Alkota is able to provide pieces exemplifying Russian culture, customs and folklore as well as infuse other artistic influences into the pieces to appeal to a wider audience. They can use classic dyes and color palettes or pastel hues that appeal to other tastes. The company's nesting doll, comes with two mini-dolls that fit inside and portrays the Russian folk story, Kolobok, about a gingerbread cookie that escapes from the kitchen to experience a series of adventures. Included on the piece is the cookie's companions, a fox and bear who he meets on his travels. It is handcarved in linden wood and the motif is etched in by burning the wood with a special tool. They're available in 12-, 7- and 1-inch sizes that retail for $350 a set and $150 a set.

Action-packed products

Early 2001 will see a new generation of Space Voyagers action figures from Action Products. Space Voyagers also enters the new year with an impressive facelift for its signature item. Repackaged and bearing the endorsement of one of the greatest astronauts in history, the Buzz Aldrin Signature Series Ultimate Saturn 5 Rocket is ready to touch down in specialty stores everywhere.

Replicating the spacecraft that carried Aldrin and many others to the moon, the Ultimate Saturn 5 Rocket allows children to recreate the famous Apollo missions and imagine their own journeys into space. The rocket features liftoff and countdown sound effects, vibrates to simulate an actual launch, and separates into eight sections corresponding to actual launch stages. The toy also includes an educational Astronaut Training Manual, providing children with the full details of a space mission, from pre-launch activities to splashdown.

The new series of 5-inch tall, hyper-realistic astronaut action figures with extreme poseability are designed specifically for specialty retailers. Each figure boasts 15-point articulation and faithfully reproduces the spacesuits and gear used by NASA astronauts.

The first in the series will be the Apollo Lunar Explorer, complete with gear. The enclosed bonus accessory, a scale model of the Ultraviolet Observatory camera on its tripod, stands nearly as tall as the figure at 4-inches and makes a great display piece.

Space Voyagers action figures are designed specifically for the specialty toy and museum markets, providing an educational alternative to violent, fantasy-based play systems.

And capturing the excitement and adventure of humankind's first visit to the surface of the moon, the Space Voyagers Apollo Moon Mission Mini Action Vehicle set puts all of the components of one of the most historic endeavors in human history in the palms of children's hands. Complete with a Command Service Module with a hatch that opens to reveal the astronauts inside, Lunar Lander with retractable legs, a rolling Lunar Roving Vehicle, realistic moon base and astronaut figure, the set lets kids recreate the past and imagine moon missions of their own.

Other new offerings from Action Products will include Earth Lore excavation activity sets, specifically for the specialty market.

The introductory collection consists of six I Dig Dinosaurs Skeleton Excavation Sets, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Velociraptor and Mammoth skeletons featuring easy, snap-together bones. Three I Dig Dinosaurs Skull Excavation Sets, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops and Velociraptor skulls, and the I Dig Treasures Mysteries of Egypt Egyptian Pyramid, consisting of a molded, diggable pyramid containing a color-changing mummy, death mask, sarcophagus and hieroglyphic tablet, round out the line.

Action Products will also add to its diversified collection of dinosaur, wildlife, insects, and sea life Woodkits wooden activity sets with a new line of five Construction Woodkits, including a Crane, Cherry Picker Truck, Forklift, Frontloader and Steamroller. After assembly, each model features moving parts, such as the working winch on the Crane and fully extended platform on the Cherry Picker Truck. Packaging includes educational facts about each vehicle.

And building on the success of its original window-climbing robot, Climb-a-Tron REX (Robot Explorer) and Climb-a-Tron LASAR (Light Assisted Search and Rescue), Action Products is introducing three new, four-legged members of the Climb-a-Tron family, Walligator, Vertiburg, and Brainizord.

These new Climb-a-Tron robots smoothly walk up vertical surfaces such as windows, file cabinets, and mirrors. Walligator, Vertibug, and Brainizord each sport a moving action feature (Walligator's eyes, for example, scan back and forth, Brainizord's hypnotic brain pulsates), while auto-reverse action keeps robots climbing even after bumping into barriers. Vacuum system and suction cup feet allow robots to easily negotiate most smooth surfaces. Packaging includes historical facts about robots in space.

Joining Action Products' Logiblocs Electronic Discovery System in 2001, the Spy Tech Set introduces a digital recording/playback unit, a microphone, amplifier, and speaker blocs that can be used to create a variety of super-sleuth gadgets. The activities in the enclosed Top Secret Mission manual include secret messages, alarms, a lie detector, and an electric eye designed to provide many fun learning adventures.

The Logiblocs Electronic Discovery System teaches children the basics of computer logic as they connect color-coded blocks containing printed circuit boards to create all kinds of electronic inventions.

Warren debuts wacky word game

Whatzit? is the batty wordplay game from Warren Industries. Its mischievously clever puzzles challenge players to find a familiar phrase, name or saying in the quirky arrangement of letters, symbols, numbers or pictures. All it takes to play is a little common knowledge and a dash of twisted thinking. Whatzit? was was originally launched in the United Kingdom in 1987 under the name Dingbats and became very popular.

Warren will also release a LEGO Racers Board Game (in which kids can build their own race cars) and an extensive line of iGames. Warren makes Tic Tac Toe, Chess, Chinese Checkers and more portable with its various play-as-you-go iGames.

LEGO-mania still feverish

The LEGO legacy lives on stronger than ever, as the company launches a line of its most innovative sets yet for children (and grown-ups) of all ages.

Four of LEGO's five Bob the Builder sets (ages 2 to 4, SRP $5.99 to $29.99) collectively feature most of the characters in the new television series including Bob himself, of course, and other building pals such as Wendy, Muck and Scoop. The fifth set is a lunch pail filled with Bob's building bricks that look like the real deal.

Who else has the world been waiting for? Harry Potter, of course. LEGO will be ready with 11 sets based on the winsome wizard. Look for Harry and his Hogwarts chums on CD-ROM as well as part of the LEGO Software collection due out this fall.

The first step in the LEGO system of play, LEGO Baby is a complete array of oversized toys with smooth rounded edges and colorful pieces, easily grasped by tiny hands. New for 2001 are musical, rattling, plush and building toys like the Soft Stacking Hen (6 months and older, SRP $9.99), whose body is made of plush, brightly-colored detachable rings; the Looper, a yellow and green caterpillar with 2 stackable rattling baby blocks (6 months and older, SRP $11.99); and a special big gift box containing an assortment of brightly-colored building blocks (6 months and older, SRP $19.99). All of these bundles of baby fun will be available in June.

Next, LEGO DUPLO brings renowned building fun to preschoolers 1˝years old and up with free-form building sets like the Winnie the Pooh line (ages 2 and older, SRP $3.99 to $19.99, now available). DUPLO bricks are eight times the size of standard LEGO pieces, affording hours of safe fun for young imaginations. For older toddlers aged 3 and up, DUPLO Zooters are a collection of crazy critters in wacky colors using funny shapes and loopy limbs, called Goozle, Tez and Wazo (SRP $9.99 to $12.99, available in June).

The Life on Mars line of exploring vehicles, robotics and spaceships (ages 7 to 12, SRP $3.99 to $44.99) will have kids tackling research and recon missions. The Red Planet Cruiser is a crazy contraption for floating above the rocky surface of the red planet. The Solar Explorer is a solar-powered spaceship that never runs out of power-its shuttle separates from the booster for short space flights, while a land rover roams the planet surface.

Dig into Dino-land with every Jurassic creature from baby Ankylosaurus to Dimetrodon. And no dino-collection would be complete without T-Rex himself. The older set (ages 8 to 16) will enjoy all-new LEGO Studios Jurassic Park theme sets, which bring to life creatures from this year's Jurassic Park III feature film, available this spring.

Sports fans, LEGO Soccer is bigger than ever. Just like Mia Hamm and her teammates, the Women's Team, a collection of six female soccer figures and a practice goal is a great new addition to the Championship Challenge set introduced last year. And there's one for the road, with the Team Transport vehicle, including six more figures, a driver, equipment, kicker and practice field.

The LEGO Technic line (ages 7 and older) once again keeps kids on the move with special precision-action pieces. Kids can perform awesome stunts with Slammer Stunt Bike and Slammer Turbo racer. Four-wheelin' junkies will love Extreme Off-Roader with real tires and a working suspension system, and 4X4 Off-Roader (each available in June), which comes with hydraulic systems and real off-road obstacles. And the greatest rider of all is the new Millenium Roborider, bigger and smarter than the last one. Leading the Technic pack are the Bionicle action heroes, based on quick-build, collectible items accompanied by a rich tapestry of story lines. On the mysterious island of Mata Nui, the Tohunga island inhabitants look to their heroes called the Toa to lift them out of the dark shadow of The Makuta. More mysteries of the Bionicle will be revealed at Toy Fair 2001.

LEGO Mindstorms puts the power of robotics at a child's command with the Robotics Invention System 2.0, featuring the latest technology. With the new version's improved programming interface, kids aged 12 and older can build advanced models like a candy sorter or a robotic arm. This super-intelligent robotics package will be available in September (SRP $199.99).

LEGO hasn't ignored the next generation of media play. Right from the family room floor and onto the hard drive, catch LEGO's line of software including the Bionicle series, (ages 8 and older, $29.95 each, available this fall), and The Brickster's Revenge, the epic sequel to the best-selling LEGO Island, featuring more wild racing, chasing and island-hopping adventures that push skill limits to the max.

LEGO will also expand its Star Wars-based product with such sets as C3PO.

Oregon Scientific goes digital

Oregon Scientific will unveil a line of electronic learning products for young girls this year.

The Barbie B-Book is a laptop computer featuring Barbie's voice and

animated images to interact and guide girls through 50 activities. These include spelling, grammar, vocabulary, math, logic, memory, computer skills and games that are extra fun with Barbie's help.

The Barbie B-Book is designed with Barbie's signature pink and purple hues and has an ergonomically engineered keyboard colored a translucent white. This sophisticated learning computer has dual processors, direct digital sound, a large LCD screen and an expansion SmartCard port for added activities and games. The B-Book includes a Barbie mousepad and mouse.

The vanity-sized Barbie Fun on the Go B-Book is a miniature version of the B-Book, enabling kids to take Barbie-style learning anywhere. It is packed with 25 fun and challenging activities. Targeting girls ages 5 and up, it includes an exciting assortment of word, memory, logic, math and music activities. It is also expandable with optional SmartCards for added play value.

The digital Barbie voice from Oregon Scientific's Barbie Smart Math N' Secrets Tech Bracelet guides girls through a series of question-and-answer math games to decode secret messages. The bracelet also features animations on a high-resolution LCD screen. The Bracelet targets girls ages 5 and up.

Rocket USA launches ahead

Rocket USA will unveil the next wave of toys based on the satirical, animated, science-fiction adventure series Futurama.

The new products will include Futurama Tin Clickers and the second series of die-cast figures, featuring Nibbler, Hermes, Dr. Zoidberg and Amy.

Comic book fans will be glad that Rocket USA has also teamed up with the creators and artists of comic super-figures Dawn and Shi to create a line of limited-edition, lithographed tin figures called Metal Art.

Building on the success of last year's surprise hit, Shoot-a-Loop, Rocket will introduce the Shoot-a-Loop Baseball tin marble game in March.

Kid Galaxy stays flexible

Kid Galaxy introduced 25 new Bendos in January, including Flossy the Tooth Fairy and Fakie the Snowboarder. B. Well the Get Well Bendo and Super Mom and Dad are quirky yet charming additions to the Bendo family.

New Bendos Sport Sets, launching in April, combine Bendos, gear and street or field accessories. The Skateboard Set, for example, lets kids scoot their Bendo down steps, cruise over crates, roll up ramps and ride the rails. The nine sets for spring include scooter, soccer, skateboard, baseball/softball and golf.

Also for the spring, Kid Galaxy will offer several action sets. The Off-Road Racer is a souped-up dune buggy with helmeted Bendo. The Baja Convertible comes in two versions: one in flower power deco with pony-tailed driver, the other in vibrant neons with a laid-back surfer.

Potter makes an All Night impression

All Night Media is making it easy to get stuck on Harry Potter, introducing a Meeting Harry Stamp and Sticker Set, which includes seven foam-mounted stamps, 30 stickers and a washable, nontoxic purple inkpad. The set is based on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone helped millions of kids to read," said Jeff DeFazio, president of All Night Media. "We believe the rubber stamps, stickers and activity kits we have created will help kids develop their creativity and writing skills, while enjoying elements based on the world of Harry Potter."

3DO: now recruiting

Army Men is the video game franchise that has every game developer kicking himself for not thinking of it first. The games pit the Greens against the Tans, a nod to the plastic army men boys picked up in the discount aisle of their local toy store. Many of the games' battlefields are the kitchens and living rooms on which the plastic soldiers fought.

3DO follows up releases in the second half of 2000 in its Army Men series with Army Men: Green Rogue. This third-person shooter for the PlayStation 2 puts players in control of a bio-enhanced super-soldier to take down the evil Tan regiments. The company has released a wide variety of games for the popular series in the past year. Portal Runner is an action-adventure title with Vikki and lion-pal Leo out to rescue a fellow Green soldier. Army Men Air Attack 2 is a helicopter-based battle for air supremacy against the Tans' General Plastro and Baron von Beige. Sarge's Heroes 2 sticks to the basics of 3DO's 'real combat, plastic men' motif with combat across pool tables, desktops and bedsheets.

LGB on track with product expansion

Exciting things are in store for LGB train lovers. The company's dramatic and cutting-edge new products include another first: a See-Thru Locomotive. Good things are also in store, literally, for retailers that carry LGB product, including merchandising assistance and advertising compensation.

There's also new assistance for LGB collectors. CD ROMs, for both MACs and PCs, offer interactive tours through the world of LGB, including the company's factory in Germany and the LGB garden railways.

LGB is also introducing a MTS Demo CD-ROM that allows collectors to see the LGB Multi-Train System in action. This CD-ROM is a video guide to installing and using LGB's advanced digital control system and includes MTS reference materials.

The See-Thru F7A Diesel Loco Collector Edition may be enough to satisfy the most curious of train collectors. It features the F7, which has always been a beauty on the outside, but now it can be seen on the inside. Like all LGB F7s, this model is engineered for indoor and outdoor operation and has twin Bühler motors for remarkable pulling power. Add a matching F7 B-unit for authentic digital sound.

And with the See-Thru F7B Diesel Loco Sound Unpowered Collector Edition, hobbyists can see the sophisticated circuits that make LGB digital sounds so authentic. Sound effects include notch-synchronized diesel motor, bell, horn and brakes. Additional sounds are accessible using the LGB Multi-Train System. This unpowered model is made for use only with LGB F7-A models.

And talk about noise, the new Chicken Dance Boxcar plays the infamous Chicken Dance wedding song. Another noisy offering is the Fire Department TOM Rail Cycle Sound. Watch the lights and hear the siren as Fireman Tom rushes to the rescue. This upgraded version of the original TOM rail cycle includes electronic sound and lights.

LGB also adds to its Steiff collection with Steiff Stainz Steam Loco Limited Edition and two more genuine Steiff Button in Ear bears: Big Bear and Baby Bear. The Stainz locomotive features a Steiff trademark bear at the controls.

Other new offerings include the Christmas Fortuna Flyer, featuring LGB's newest propeller-driven railcar; the Tootsie Pop Boxcar, which looks like a regular lollipop but has a surprise inside: a Tootsie Roll center. The Radio Flyer Caboose, fully furnished with a cook stove, rest room and sleeping quarters, is another new addition.

For fans of Americana (especially history fans of the U.S. Midwest), LGB is introducing the Chicago & North Western Stock Car. The C & NW brought cattle from the upper Midwest to the stockyards of Chicago.

Classic railroading company Union Pacific is also represented among the 2001 offerings. The Union Pacific Tank Car is appropriate for any LGB G-scale layout and has a refillable tank with a drain valve.

Another new car on the LGB horizon is the General Tank Car, which features an opening fill hatch and working drain valve.

Toytrain by LGB, the specialty store G-scale line, also has some new offerings, including Starter Set 90742 that features a locomotive, a blue flat car that carries a Volkswagen Beetle; and a silver-colored caboose. The Dino Transport Car is also new for 2001.

There are also new additions to the Carrera Evolution and Exclusive line of slot cars. LGB distributes Carrera, which was established nearly 40 years ago in Furth, Germany, and has the widest track in the industry. Carrera's 1:24 Mega Tracks run both 1:32 & 1:24 Scale Cars.

Two new additions are the Mustang 25428 and the Corvette 25329. Last year, Carrera introduced a new electronic steering system that provides the consumer with more fascinating play value. The adjustable magnetic traction control is great for beginners or experienced collectors. The line, which gives the retailers an opportunity to build repeat year-round sales, is supported with a large inventory in stock, national public relations and eye-catching POS materials.

Snappit 2001 is another introduction from Europe. An assembly and hobby toy that is geared for children ages 3 and up, these chubby shapes come in bright, primary colors.

Snappit is an innovative European model/activity product that comes with easy-to-assemble pieces that snap together to make "fun-filled" toys. All told, there are over 23 items to choose from, all easy to assemble for little hands and ready for action. LGB offers a scooter, a scooter with sidecar, an elephant and lion set, a donkey with coach, a safari set, an airplane, train, car, bus and tow truck, a tractor and a fire truck.

With Snappit, building is just half the fun as the rest of the play value is in the playing itself. After the toys are assembled, children enjoy playing with these toys as they create their own adventures.

X-Concepts brings back the SWAK

X-Concepts has brought back the slap-on bracelet with its new line of SWAK Body Wraps. Constructed of high quality steel, SWAKS are insert molded with a soft vinyl coating to eliminate any sharp edges and then covered with a chic decorative fabric in over 100 funky designs.

X-Concepts will also release Biker Sherlock Street Luge and Downhill Race Set for its Tech Deck line. It includes two racers and an LCD timer that keeps track of false starts.

Simba goes fishing

Simba's Wooden Fishing Game (ages 3 years and up) is a test of talent and skill for all deep-sea and fresh-water fishermen. Part of the Eichhorn line of wooden toys, it comes complete with two fishing poles, eight colorful fish and fishing box.

A steady hand and gentle touch is required to play this game as the fishing poles have magnets at the end of the lines and the various sized fish have metal on them. The box has different sized holes so getting the fish through the smaller, higher valued holes requires patience, skill and a touch of luck.

Simba's Dolly Soft Doll is an 18-inch rag doll with a friendly face and soft, huggable body. Each doll in the Dolly series (ages 18 months and up) has an embroidered face, yarn-like hair and dress with matching hat. These soft, simple, traditionally-styled dolls are perfect for little hands.

Dolly Soft Dolls are machine washable and will be available in April. The suggested retail price is $9.50. Thirteen-inch and 24-inch dolls are also available.

Evi's Fun Camping is the perfect playset for nature lovers ages 3 and up. It comes complete with a 4-inch Evi doll and a tent for pitching and sleeping. Evi even has her own camping accessories: a lantern, thermos and stove for hours of outdoor playtime fun. It will be available in April.

Simba's Radio Control Tug Boat (ages 4 years and up) actually floats on water and moves forward, backward, left and right for hours of water driving fun.

Available in April, the 23-inch Radio Control Tug Boat is a brightly colored vessel that can spray water for more wet and wild adventures.

The Radio Control Snow Master Snow Plow has powerful wheels and mighty engine to conquer any massive snow fall.

Young minds and hands love to create sounds and stay on the go. Simba's Melody the Musical Elephant is the ideal toddler toy for busy young ones discovering the world around them (ages 18 months and up). The colorful pull toy is an activity play station for mobile infants.

Melody is a friendly-faced, primary-colored, hard plastic toy with a string trunk for toting around. Her back is full of colorful buttons that when pressed, play different musical notes that will entertain young ones for hours on end.

Baby Music School sticks to the classics

Baby School's newly released Baby Music School classical learning kits help babies experience the basics of classical music.

The kit contains a 30-minute animated video, music soundtrack cassette and plush Rhythm Ball, specifically designed to appeal to babies and toddlers at their level of learning.

Baby Music School's original animation presents bright, colorful animals, each represented by their own musical instrument and motif, to introduce babies to the individual sounds of the symphony orchestra. The animated visuals are based on research which identifies what babies prefer to see, further engaging them and setting the stage for an early and active appreciation of music.

The plush Rhythm Ball is a developmental toy specifically designed for the youngest musicians, who can use their new plush percussion as a fun, safe and effective way to jam.

Megatech's RTF crafts

Megatech is turning up the volume with new RC products.

The Airship 1/Area 51 Combo Pack promises to open a new dimension in indoor RC flying fun. This lighter-than-air combo comes complete with a transmitter, triple-turbofan system and both air cylinders.

Either the 48-inch long Airship 1 Zero Gravity MegaBlimp air bags or the 33-inch diameter Area 51 Mega U.F.O. (Unbelievably Fun Object) air bags can be used. Both air bags can be filled with helium and have special coatings with colorful designs on the anti-gravity lifting cylinder.

Propelled by triple turbofan electric propulsion systems, the Airship 1/Area 51 can be flown forward or backward with complete control over airspeed. They can also turn sharply in any direction including 360 degree spins. Glowing anti-gravity indicator lights provide a visual reference of the triple-turbofan unit for night flights or complex maneuvers. Controlled by a hand-held proportional transmitter with a range of over 300 feet, the Airship 1/Area 51 requires one 9-volt alkaline battery and one 3-volt lithium battery

Megatech's B-2 ready-to-fly aircraft spans a 48-inch area and is assembled without tools. A powerful 8.4-volt rechargeable battery pack and convenient 12-volt DC peak detection charger are also included, making the B-2 truly complete. Eight AA alkaline batteries are the only items sold separately.

Megatech's new Merlin Slow-Flyer RTF delivers slow flight with the convenience of a pre-built and ready-to-fly model. Simple to assemble in just minutes, the Merlin features a large 12-inch prop, lightweight battery pack, peak-detection charger and three-channel transmitter. Easily flown in small areas, the Merlin is a great introductory flyer.

Märklin teams with Kruse

Märklin and Käthe Kruse have come together to make a unique carriage set. The Märklin Doll Carriage and the Käthe Kruse Becca doll can be purchased as a set or individually. Märklin's historic doll carriage is a limited edition crafted after those found in the Märklin catalog shortly after the turn of the century. Käthe Kruse's baby doll, Becca, can sit or lie in the carriage, as her stockinet body features a padded wire framework allowing her to be posed in almost every position.

Märklin's new Z-gauge American Freight Train Starter Set is lettered for the Burlington Route and includes a Chicago, Burlington and Quincy 'Mikado' steam locomotive. Märklin's Illinois Central Railroad locomotive 382 is a limited-edition set based on the train Casey Jones crashed in 1900.

Intex's new vehicles and inflatibles

Intex's new Intoyz line consists of seven ball toy items, four Jump-o-lenes and two toddler items for children under 6.

Intex offers three vehicle products, the Kidz Sub, Police Chopper and Choo Choo Train. All come with 100 balls and have moveable components. The Kidz Sub has clear walls with lush aquatic designs and a periscope that moves up and down. The Police Chopper has moveable rotors on the back and on the top.

Intex's Curlz 'n Cubes consists of two play cubes connected by an inflatable coil. The item can be configured in many different ways to maximize play value. Intex's Soft-Sides My First Gym is an inflatable play area for toddlers under 18 months. Squeakers built into the floor and hanging toys add to its play value.

Quirky fun with Foluck

Foluck's Mirage Light pens light up as you write. They are available in a variety of colors and designs. Foluck's Bulging Bug Eyes are squeeze toys with goofy eyes to freak out friends and siblings.

Blue Box's Grrls just wanna have fun

They're into surfing the net, shopping the malls; they love music, sports and e-mail. When it comes right down to it, they're Just Grrls.

But this new line of 8-inch bendable dolls from Blue Box Toys is not just another glitzy fashion doll, they are lifestyle related.

Katelyn, for example, is the outdoor sporty type, while Trinity is the techno-gal. All told, there are four dolls, each come complete with her own accessory locker.

Also new from Blue Box this year is a line of licensed Hello Kitty product. They include a sing-along Karaoke cassette recorder, light-up crystal castle, scan and count cash register, sno-cone maker and carry around mini-doll house.

Blue Box's new Penny Racers are part of a retro line of tiny collectable vehicles. Penny Racers have a high energy pull back and go feature that drives the vehicle some distance. And with the simple addition of a penny to the slot provided in the back of the vehicle, Penny Racers can perform wild stunts.

The line will include a variety of designs ranging from sports cars to hot rods to trucks to wacky racers.

A 12-inch action figure based on former Survivor star Rudy Boesch will appear this month from bbi, a division of Blue Box Toys.

On safari with Enesco

The Precious Moments Fun Club by Enesco offers a Treasure Search Safari-themed kit complete with treasure hunt game and safari animals.

Enesco's new Flower Power series features the Betty Boop character decked out in the hippest clothes from the '60s. She sits atop the Betty Boop Peace Sign Bank, stands alongside the Betty Boop Flower Power Photo Frame and sits on the Betty Boop Peace Sign Covered Box. Each brightly colored earthenware item will be available in April.

Enesco's Rhythm Collection has transformed the art of African-American artist Ty Wilson into six graceful resin sculpts. The sculpts are elegantly attired in the fashions of the time period in which their style of dance was popular. They include: Tango, Rhumba and Samba figurines.

Made from Scratch is Enesco's line of sculpted miniature gift cakes. The collection features 3-inch resin cakes that are richly colored and meticulously sculpted. Each cake comes specially packed in a traditional string-tied bakery box with an attached gift card.

Aeromax blasts off

The countdown begins with Aeromax's Jr. Space Explorer. Kids can activate an array of sound effects including blast-off and thruster noises. The Aeromax Jr. Space Explorer is targeted for preschoolers through age 7 and is made with specially designed, heavy-duty cardboard. The Explorer's dashboard has a mock instrument panel including a compass and large printed numbers with which younger children can follow along with the countdown sound effect. The Explorer also has a detachable plastic steering wheel with built-in buttons that activate its sound chips. Aeromax even included a headphone jack for sensitive parents.

Bots undergo transformation with Mega Bloks

In addition to its expansion of its Xtreme sports line (Xtreme Sports Skate City debuts in March), Mega Bloks will offer Transforming Blok Bots Legends in May. These centuries-old warriors come with their own battle-beasts and include: Ninja with Dragon, Knight with Wolf and Gladiator with Lion. They transform into a helicopter, jet and tank respectively. The Command Center (due out in June) serves as the Blok Bots headquarters. It includes six miniature figurines and a power module that triggers factory lights and sounds.

It's all in the game at Briarpatch

Briarpatch is pouring on the honey following the successful launch of the Cheerios line of preschool games and puzzles last spring. The company will introduce Honey Nut Cheerios Spelling Bee Game Show. The game features a spelling bee contest with a game show twist and is designed to develop children's spelling and presentation skills. It is scheduled to hit stores in the spring of 2001.

Briarpatch will add a board game based on the new Harold and the Purple Crayon television series narrated by Sharon Stone.

The Eloise Balance Your Stuff Game will be added to The Classic Eloise Collection. In the game, children work together to balance all of Eloise's toys and other possessions on the 3D clothes tree included in each box. Once everything is neat and tidy again, everyone wins.

Hello Kitty fans will be happy to hear that Briarpatch has added a brand new line of Hello Kitty products to its collection of children's licensed games and puzzles. They include the Hello Kitty Best Friends Game and the Hello Kitty What's Your Sign? Rummy Card Game.

Earth, air, fire and water are all key card elements in the Hello Kitty What's Your Sign? Rummy Card Game. Players try to meld and match compatible combinations of the zodiac-inspired Hello Kitty cards.

Younger girls like Hello Kitty, too, and two puzzle and coloring projects for ages 4 to 7 are included in the new product offerings. Each Hello Kitty puzzle play set includes a brightly illustrated 63-piece puzzle, a miniature Hello Kitty coloring book and four crayons. The new sets are Hello Kitty's Room Puzzle Play Set and Hello Kitty's Backyard Puzzle Play Set.

Briarpatch's Hello Kitty line will be available in March 2001 at toy and game specialty stores.

Gum ghouls popping up at Ford

The second part of a series, a new trio of ghoulish Popitz gum dispensers (SRP $1.99) will be popping up in time for Ford Gum to take advantage of the strong gum and candy sales during the Halloween season.

Frankenstein, pumpkin and skull push-button, refillable dispensers each come with six standard size gumballs in assorted flavors. When the button is pushed, one piece of bubble gum emerges through the character's mouth.

Pamela Drake carves out more Woodkins

Some popular children's characters including Madeline, Raggedy Ann and Andy, and PBS's Arthur are joining Pamela Drake's Woodkins "sandwich board" puzzle toys (ages 2 to 6, SRP $13).

Now with clothing shapes and figures more detailed than the original Woodkins, Madeline boasts a real coat shape with collar and scarf as well as an interchangeable hat. The additions of Pepito and Arthur will appeal to the boys as much as the girls.

Joining these familiar characters will be three other "siblings." The Puzzlekins (SRP $16.99) will build on the sandwich board design concept by providing interchangeable limbs. Seasons Puzzlekins, for instance, will feature scuba, rain and winter attire, while the Party puzzle takes Woodkins characters from formal wear to barbecue duds.

When nature called, Pamela Drake answered with new Woodkins Puzzles. The layered puzzles, with three to six wooden puzzles atop one another in dimensional birch frames, feature animals and scenes like ducks, rabbits and cats for the farm, and camels and elephants for the zoo, as well as ocean life sets (ages 2 and up, SRP $6 to $10).

Plush with whimsy from Mary Meyer

A colorful rainforest toucan and deep-sea octopus join the ultra-soft, award-winning Mary Meyer Cotton Club toys this year.

Splish Splash, a 15-inch octopus, features big eyes and eight long floppy tentacles that sport shoe laces. The funky, lanky, 15-inch OneCan Toucan features long legs, big feet, little eyes and an enormous beak.

Cotton Club toys are safe for all ages and are machine washable.

Mary Meyer is also introducing Fancy Flops, fantasy animals made of soft modulated fabric.

The Fancy Flops, which are safe for all ages, include 14-inch Diana Dragon, Isabella Unicorn and Paulina Pegasus.

Play dolls Get Real

A new line of dolls that encourage girls ages 6 to 12 to "be their own role models" will make an appearance at Toy Fair. Six "real-life" 11.5-inch dolls offer girls a new play and adventure experience.

The Get Real Girl line sets a precedent by modeling the first realistic, athletic proportions for doll figures. They encourage girls by inspiring self-esteem and personal initiative through real-world adventures. Get Real Girls also establish unfolding personal stories for each character-stories that evolve and expand not just through the dolls and accessories, but via an online playground that comes to life at GetRealGirl.com.

Get Real Girl represents diversity of ethnicity, interests, life experiences and adventures. Each doll is modeled after athletic, adventurous, college-bound teenage girls. The first Get Real Girls are Claire, a scuba diver; Corey, a surfer; Gabi, a soccer player; Nakia, a basketball player; Nini, a backpacker and camper and Skylar, a snowboarder.

In developing and bringing several of the characters to life, Get Real Girl co-founder Julz Chavez was inspired by close friends: professional surfer Candace Woodward, Olympic cyclist Stephanie McKnight, U.S. Rafting Team member Sue Norman and competitive basketball player Karen Stroud.

Joining the adventurous Get Real Girl cast in 2001 will be two additional Get Real Girl characters, Tia, the volleyball player and Zoe, a skateboarder. Additionally, the first two Get Real Guys also will make their debut. They are Piersin, a skateboarder, and Jack, a shortboard surfer.

The first Get Real Girl accessories also will be unveiled, including the Adventure Seeker Jeep.

Action inspires new K'NEX offerings

K'NEX this year is debuting the Screamin' Serpent Roller Coaster, a new addition to its Family Fun Line. The Screamin' Serpent set builds a huge (over 6.5-feet long) replica of a modern steel roller coaster, complete with sound, motorized action and a wild track of twists, turns and loops.

The Screamin' Serpent, which will be available this summer, comes with a battery-powered motor that pulls the coaster cars up the incline. Included is a motion-activated sound module that features real roller coaster noises, including the screams of the excited kid figures as the coaster flies down the track. The module also makes a "click, click, click" noise as the cars climb back up the incline. The brightly colored coaster cars are modeled after actual roller coasters and feature realistic wheels that keep the cars on the track. The kid figures have poseable arms and can be snapped into the roller coaster seats. Flag stickers and graphic panels are included to provide the finishing decorative touches to this family project.

K'NEX signed a multi-year license agreement with FASA to build a line of Mech Warrior Construction Toys. Due out this fall and based on the table-top wargames and PC game series, The Mad Cat high-end set comes complete with poseable pulse-laser arms, a twisting torso, and moving legs for a battle-ready stance.

Curiosity in a kit

Curiosity Kits will get the best of craft makers with its new Curious Baby line, a group of five craft kits that make unique shower gifts.

Curious Little Ones projects are designed specifically for little hands with just a bit of help from an adult. The first of the Curious Little Ones activity kits for this year include Mix-N-Play Scented Clay, My Own Band and Sock Hobby Horse.

Tiny Love's music in motion

A specialist in soft developmental toys for babies up to 2 years old, Tiny Love will launch its new Symphony-In-Motion Mobile.

After several years of research and development, Tiny Love hopes the new mobile will successfully address all aspects of baby's first year of development by encouraging babies to rely on multiple senses. Through the fusion of the circular, horizontal and vertical movement of the mobile, babies learn eye coordination and muscle control. Symphony-In-Motion is battery operated and features strong, bright colors.

Toymax gets creepy

Toymax will expand its Creepy Crawlers Bug Maker line with Creepy Crawlers Creator Packs (SRP $14.99). They include everything kids need to make Creeple People, pencil topper characters using new eye-popping colors of official Plasti-Goop Compound. Creepy Crawlers Mold Packs including Roaming Reptiles, Scary Spiders and Bad Bugs are also available.

The new Laser Challenge Gotcha Extreme Mini Mayhem home laser game features a compact design with smaller, lighter blasters and tethered sensor vests, a 150-foot firing distance, blast shield and team select mode.

Ideoplastos nails a new activity

Color them crazy. Young glamour girls ages 8 and up can give each other wild manicures with Ideoplastos' new Mixology Nail Notions Kit (SRP $14.99).

The kit comes with special Nail Notions press-on nails, adhesive, nail finishes in assorted colors, decals, silver glitter and nail file/buffer.

A band of merry-making dolls

MerryMakers, a leading designer of book-related dolls, brings to life the era of chivalry and castles with new Knight, Maiden and Unicorn dolls.

Other new book-based characters will include Madlenka from the Peter Sis title tale, Wemberly from Kevin Henkes's Wemberly Worried, and Charlotte from the beautiful tale Charlotte in Giverny.

Infantino's new mobile-ity

Infantino's The On the Go Mobile features a suction cup that will attach to many temporary locations, including the car window and the play room wall in Grandma's house. It comes with a quiet rattle sound and colorful, dangling fabric bugs.

The Wall Mobile is designed to attach above the changing table and features a big mirror and lots of decorative toys.

The Crazy Bugs Play House is an innovative plush shape-sorter toy with circle, square and rectangular windows and doors for the rattling, squeaking and crinkling creatures that live inside.

Funrise hits heart through stomach

Building on its collaboration with Hasbro, Funrise is introducing real Easy Bake kitchen appliances including Easy Bake blenders, hand mixers, smoothie makers, milkshake mixers and more. Easy Bake product comes loaded with mixes and accessories for snack-making fun right out of the box.

Funrise is also adding to its G.I. Joe offerings. The G.I. Joe motorized attack Hummer is ready to roll with motorized turret and cannon sounds.

Other four-wheel offerings will include a Tonka Fork Lift, Cement Mixer, Lights and Sounds Hummer and Conveyer Truck with Trailer.

The motorized cement mixer has controls that activate forward/reverse, while the power shovel scoops and the mixer rotates. The truck includes buttons for lights and sounds.

Finally, Funrise takes a page from the electronics aisle with its new Totally Techno cosmetic line. Resembling real electronics, these brightly colored cases are full of cosmetics and designed to surprise. From the Cosmetic Computer, a make-up case that looks like a laptop computer, to the Calling Compact, a lip gloss compact that looks like a cellular phone, these unique containers are sure to catch the eye of girls everywhere.

Hanover dresses up pumpkins

The Great Pumpkin might have heard Charlie Brown had he used Hanover's new Great PretendEars for pumpkins due out for Halloween this year.

These kits broaden the horizons for jack-o-lantern artists. Cat, rabbit, scarecrow, pirate, witch and braid ears come with matching glow-in-the-dark face stickers.

In conjunction, Hanover will release Great PretendEars Masks. These plush-covered cat, rabbit, lion, reindeer, tiger and puppy plastic masks fit over the wearer's nose.

Dragons, mustangs and vipers invade Irwin

Preschoolers who have latched onto their 4-year-old counterpart Caillou on television will go for Irwin Toy's Caillou line of dolls, doll accessories, board games, puzzles, toys, crafts and activities.

Irwin will also unveil a dramatic extension of Dragon Ball Z action figures, vehicles and play sets which feature the most popular characters from the Cartoon Network show: Goku, Gohan, Vegeta and Trucks.

Beyond TV-land, new Blazin' Key Cars (ages 5 and up) miniature vehicles will have kids racing at competitive speeds with their Mustangs, Corvettes, PT Cruisers and Vipers, among other models.

Team Concepts tunes up

Team Concepts is music to a baby's ears.

The company's new Lucky the Ladybug (18 months and up) offers quite a few sound effects, including speech and music. Lucky teaches toddlers counting and direction. When he bumps into an object, a sound effect plays comments like "oops!" and "uh-oh!"

Magical Symphony (12 months and up) is another toy for infants and toddlers that lets them explore and learn how different instruments sound individually, in combination or with a complete orchestra. Its simple picture-coordinated controls, LED lights and on/off switch make it easy to operate. Magical Symphony includes six different symphonies by famous composers.

Team Concepts' new electronic Teaching Time Tutor is geared to the older child who is ready to learn how to tell time. The two-sided clock is analog on one side and digital on the other. Teaching Time Tutor encourages learning with interactive features and funny statements like, "Hey! Get up, lazybones!"

Another new offering meant for pre-schoolers is Alphabet Artie. An electronic learning toy, Artie teaches the alphabet, numbers, words, counting, with 28 double-sided tiles on his body that also play fun sound effects and some nursery rhymes.

Preschoolers get a change of pace with Team Concepts' new I Can Do It! Workshop, a tabletop electronic workshop that lets kids build virtual houses, boats, planes, cars and more. The set comes with 3-D building tools including a screwdriver, hammer, power drill and saw. Kids view their progress on an LCD screen.

Mattel revs up for 2001

Matchbox and Hot Wheels products are gearing up for Mattel's 2001 lineup, and some new play sets make their debut this spring.

The Matchbox Basic Car Collection (ages 3 and up; sold separately, around $1 each; gift packs $4.99 and $9.99) will contain 75 different die-cast vehicles, including 35 first-time models, and features all new police cars, fire trucks, tow trucks, ambulances and other rescue vehicles, many of which come with realistic opening doors, turning propellers and extending ladders.

Matchbox Playsets 2001 is a turnout of high-flying rescue assemblies and energetic action packs. With the Sky High Rescue play set, kids can launch five rescue vehicles to put out fires, catch bank robbers, and other critical missions (ages 3 and up, $18).

To keep collections looking show-room spectacular, Mattel has created the Splash 'N Dash Car Wash play set, featuring real foam, rinse and dry mechanisms (ages 3 and up, $10).

And the Matchbox Build 'N Bash Construction (ages 3 and up, $15) play set lets kids make with a wrecking ball to tear down a factory, a large dumpster for cleanup and a cement mixer for the new highway.

Did somebody call 911? Matchbox is big on rescue vehicles this year, evidenced in the Rescue and Adventure Vehicles 2001 collections (ages 3 and up, $3.99). No road is too dangerous for the Rescue Net All Terrain Vehicles. This collection of rough-riding auto motion vehicles includes a Police SUV, a Mountain SUV and a Mountain Rescue ATV.

The Rescue Net Emergency Force collection can handle any crisis kids can dream up, with police, fire rescue and tow truck vehicles, each with its own unique features.

And the sky's the limit with the Rescue Net Helicopter (ages 3 and up, $7.99), which comes with realistic lights and sounds, motorized propeller blades, and a cargo/medical bay that opens for emergency operations.

Big wheels keep on turning with Mattel's spring collection of Hot Wheels. The basic car assortment ($1.19 each), including 12 new themed five-car gift packs ($5.99), features 36 newly-tooled First Edition cars, 12 Treasure Hunt vehicles and 12 new Segment Series, (12 cars per series).

This spring's Innovation division reveals the new Shogun Racers (ages 3 and up, $10.99), three large-scale motion release vehicles inspired by Japan's Anime and Tuner-style cars.

The new SpiderSlam Starter Set (ages 5 and up, $19.99) lets kids race their Hot Wheels at top speed over 6 feet of track with high-banked curves, super-fast straightaways, and a giant loop.

Collectors must have the genuine article, and 100% Hot Wheels ($7.99-$19.99) rises to the occasion. The collection includes scale assortments for Ferrari, Honda, Cadillac and Corvette, as well as the Cool Collectibles line, which features highly detailed and authentic vehicle models from the 1948 Ford Woodie to the 1970 Firebird.

Special collectible sets for all ages feature two of the most famous entities/icons of our time. In honor of the King of Rock-N-Roll's extensive collection of vehicles, Matchbox will unveil five detailed 1:64 scale vehicles taken directly from the Elvis Presley Automotive Museum. Each vehicle is parked before a miniature Graceland and comes encased in a plastic collector box. Fully authorized by Elvis Presley Enterprises, the collection includes some of the King's favorite rides from a 1957 T-Bird to a Jeep.

Celebrating the many faces of Coca-Cola, Matchbox has created Coke Around the World, a collection of six 7-inch small tractor trailers with authentic Coca-Cola graphics from around the globe, each featuring a flag of the country it represents on the cab. Countries represented include the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France and China. These vehicles are fully authorized by Coca-Cola. Both the Elvis Presley and Coca-Cola collections will be available in July.

Mattel's Tyco RC spring line-up includes some returning favorites like Mini Xtreme Cycle (ages 5 and up, $29.99), a mini-version of the original TMH-powered Xtreme Cycle, and Canned Heat (ages 5 and up, $19.99), which features some of the world's hottest new vehicles like the BMW Z8 and Chrysler's PT Cruiser. New for Tyco is The Sharkinator (ages 5 and up, $3.99), a battery powered fully inflatable pool predator.

If you can see it in the movies, Mattel will probably have it this spring. Just in time for the release of the Disney Film, Mattel Entertainment will launch a complete collection of vehicles and action figures from the lost world of Atlantis, including two Battle Builders vehicles (ages 4 and up, $19.99 and $20.99), an assortment of Battle Builders play sets (ages 4 and up, $7.99 each) and the Crystal Princess Kida figure (ages 4 and up, $15.99), the heroine fashion doll with a blue power crystal.

Other stars of Mattel's stage include the Totally Angelica Deluxe Doll from the Rugrats gang (ages 4 and up, $14.99, now available) and the spring Harry Potter line-up, complete with Collector Character Diorama (ages 8 and up, $19.99) with display cases, the Chapter Games Assortment (ages 8 and up, $9.99 each) based on the first volume, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, a Runes Collectible Game (ages 8 and up, $9.99) with 125 runes to cast spells, and the Mini-Puzzles Assortment (ages 8 and up, $1.99 each).

Other Mattel action figures for 2001 include the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots (3 years and older, $9.99 each, available in November), each with unique mobility features, and a limited retro issue of the Masters of the Universe series for adults ($11.99, now available), including He-Man, Skeletor, and Tri-Klops.

This year's new games feature the television-based Survivor-The Australian Outback Card Game (ages 18 and over, $4.99) complete with Tribal Council Voting and Immunity idol, and *NSync UNO (ages 7 and up, $8.99) designed especially for fans of the popular boy band and featuring a promotional CD.

The new year's puzzle collection includes a 550-piece photography series featuring the images of John Post from around the globe (ages 10 and up, $3.99 each), and a 550-piece Arts for the Parks Series (ages 10 and up, $3.99 each) that highlights and financially benefits national parks throughout the United States.

Learning Resources makes pretend real play

Kids can pretend to go grocery shopping with Learning Resources' Pretend and Play Fruit and Vegetable Food Basket. With this 13-piece set that retails for $16.95, kids can fill their colored plastic shopping basket with realistic looking plastic vegetables.

To add up those purchases, the Pretend and Play Calculator Cash Register Deluxe with Talking Scanner comes with play coins and bills, a pretend Citibank credit card and activity book. The register is solar powered and holds real money. An LCD display shows the amount of the pretend purchase.

For the picnic crowd, there's Pretend and Play Picnic Play Food Basket that includes everything but the ants. The plastic picnic basket with carrying handles contains an ice cram cone, potato chips, corn-on-the-cob, a hamburger, a watermelon slice, a pear, a roll, chocolate cake, a chicken leg and a red-checkered plastic tablecloth.

New Gearbotics Sonic T-Rex lets kids 3 and up build a ferocious prehistoric pal with this 28-piece building set that includes gears, connectors, dinosaur pieces and a motor with T-Rex sounds. Gearbotics Sonic Space Station is a 104-piece building set that lets kids build an alien space station, spaceship and lunar rover with two motors, robotic claw, radar dish, gears, a spaceship and aliens. The battery-operated set is for children ages 6 and up.

Learning Resources also bows four new 90-card game sets-Math: Multiplication, Spelling & Reading: 3 & 4 Letter Words, Phonics & Reading: Word Families and Math: Addition/ Subtraction. Each set will retail for $9.95 and will be available this spring.

Spelling with a twist

Who said models aren't bright? New York fashion models Derry Watkins and Matthew Garel are challenging that stereotype.

This month, their company, Anomaly Games, will launch Coodju Spell With A Twist? Pronounced 'could you,' Coodju is a new board game that puts a fun twist on spelling.

Coodju is like Twister, but for spelling, contorting words, not limbs, into a variety of 'poses.' So instead of spelling everyday words like 'crystal' forward, players may have to spell them backwards, by skipping a letter or in a host of other bizarre and crazy ways, including from the outside to the inside (which is 'crystal' spelled 'c-l-r-a-y-t-s'). Players compete in a team format to score the most points by spelling the most words correctly.

ALEX walks on the wild side

ALEX will roar into Toy Fair 2001 with a line of activity kits and wooden toys that will let kids walk-and ride-on the wild side.

The Go Secret Diary (ages 7 and up, $11) and the Go Wild Night Light (ages 7 and up, $13) go hand in hand-kids can decorate their own savage-looking keepsake with furry trim, as well as a feathery pencil, and light their way to secret twilight entries with their animal print night light.

It's a regular jungle with Hobby Hoppers (ages 3 and up, $20 each) ALEX's wooden crafted giraffe, dinosaur and zebra. And ALEX introduces the Rocking Horse (ages 3 and up, $80) of the millenium, featuring bright colors and contemporary designs, including a tail of wooden beads.

Infogrames' new nightmare

Fresh off its acquisition of Hasbro Interactive and long-term licensing agreement to develop and publish games based on current and future Hasbro properties, Infogrames will debut Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare this spring for PlayStation, Dreamcast, Gameboy Color and PC.

Edward Carnby, paranormal investigator, returns this time to probe the death of friend and colleague Charles Fiske on Shadow Island. A sinister, supernatural evil is there to greet him in this fourth installment of the classic series. Inspired by the macabre literature of H.P. Lovecraft, Carnby must discover the secrets of the island to stamp out the horrible creatures.

Stunt GP, for Sega Dreamcast, delivers daredevil stunts, loops and ramps in this gravity-defying racing game. Players can upgrade their cars to challenge the computer racers or up to three of their friends.

Also look for Independence War 2: Edge of Chaos later in the year.

Larami takes Nerf to a new level

What started out as a small collection of toys touted for safety and indoor fun has become a whole new ballgame.

The Super Bowl's got nothing on backyard play-offs, and Nerf is here with three new footballs for quarterbacks of all ages.

The newest edition to the well-known line of foam footballs, the Nerf Vortex Spin Devil (ages 5 and up, $9.99) is a colorful high-flying football that features a two-part spinning tail and Payton Manning's signature.

The Nerf Vortex Ultra Grip Football (ages 5 and up, $9.99) has a super-grip design that makes it easier for kids to learn to throw and catch.

The new Nerf NFL Football features this year's top NFL teams and is available in different sizes for different ages and playing skills. It also includes a tee for kicking off and displaying.

This year Nerf has expanded its line of dart blasting toys to include the Whiptail Scorpion (ages 6 and up, $9.99), which blasts darts from its tail when the trigger is pulled.

Older kids can rev up the Nerf Gyro Strike Crossbow (ages 8 and up, $24.99), using the dual gyro motors to launch four super-sized foam missiles.

New SuperSoakers like the CPS 1-3-5 will cool everyone down afterwards.

EA to launch breakthrough game

Majestic, Electronic Arts hopes, will be the game that plays you as much as you play it. Played entirely over the Internet, the episodic mystery thriller will interact with players via chat, e-mail, voice mail, phone and fax.

EA began its EA Sports online subscription last month featuring exclusive online content such as NASCAR Web Racing and Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf.

Great American Puzzle's new licenses

Two new 30-piece puzzles from Great American Puzzle Factory are based on Nelvana's Elliot Moose. Big Day pictures Elliot's first day at school, and Emergency has Elliot mending a boo-boo. The company also captures Maggie and the Ferocious Beast in two colorful 36-piece puzzles. Great American includes 3D glasses in its 100-piece 3D jigsaw puzzles, Space Race, 3D Undersea and Bikes, Boards, Blades and Scooters for ages five and up. The company's Rescue Squad 4-in-1-Shaped Floor Puzzle includes a helicopter, police car, fire truck and tow truck. Extra-large piece sizes and wipe clean surfaces are ideal for little hands.

Hasbro offerings build on brands

From action-packed adventure to music to interaction, Hasbro is building on the popularity of its traditional favorites in developing new launches for 2001.

Music plays a major role in Hasbro's line-up this year.

Hasbro-owned Tiger Electronics did, after all, move the music store into the toy department with its HitClips. This year, the company extends the line with HitClips FM Cartridge, which turns any HitClips player into a digitally-tuned FM radio by inserting the cartridge. The FM cartridge puts Tiger's entire HitClips Micro Music System on the air.

Another new addition to the system, HitClips Sound Grabber enables recording from the Web using a four-minute Recordable HitClips chip. Music can be played back on the built-in player or in any other HitClips device.

HitClips Groove Machines allow sing-alongs, while the HitClips Telephone is a real working phone with a built-in HitClips player that plays HitClips while the caller is on hold. Earphone set up and belt clips permit hands-free use. Other new HitClips derivations include HitClips Watch and HitClips Pen Player.

Music has always been a special part of Barney's world, so Hasbro's offerings this year will include the Barney Song Magic Guitar. Toddlers simply "strum" their hands in the center of the guitar to play music. Five different Barney songs can be selected by pressing the Barney button. Stars on the guitar light up and blink as the music plays.

Even infants will get some tunes. This year, Playskool introduces an array of learning products from The Baby Einstein Company, including Baby Bach Touch 'N Play Pipes and Baby Mozart Moving Melodies.

The Touch 'N Play Pipes introduces children to the world of classical music in a baby-friendly way. Two modes of play enable babies to explore musical notes or experience eight of Bach's most popular and enduring works. The first mode allows babies to make their own light and music show by gently pressing on the pipes to play notes. The second mode features simple music play with an accompanying light show.

With Moving Melodies, babies can watch the motion of the orchestrating bear while hearing classical music, or they can create their own music. To add their own special melody to the music, babies can press one of the four colorful keys to add musical notes.

For older kids who prefer a little more action, Tiger is introducing BattleBots, replicating the emerging sport of live robotic combat.

BattlingBots are miniature size BattleBots complete with their own battling arena. Each playset comes with two of the most successful BattleBots direct from the hit TV show. Weapons and armor can be changed between robots.

Six of the BattleBots competitors are available in the form of battling BattleBots Keychains, Mechadon, Minion, Diablo, Vlad the Impaler, Ginsu and Biohazard. Electronic sound effects add to the awesome battling action.

Micro Battler BattleBots feature full-function table-top remote control, but they are fully customizable. Each Micro Battler comes with additional parts to allow further customization, and every Battler is compatible with all the others.

The Micro Battlers Playset features additional weapons and parts to add to any other Micro Battlers. BattleBots RC feature the same cool customization of the smaller Micro Battlers, only with robust, full-function, 6-volt radio control. These larger-scale Bots are customizable with other Bots in this line, including the chassis, body armor, wheels, tracks and weapons. Each BattleBot also comes with extra parts for greater levels of customization and control.

The BattleBots Hand-held LCD game is shaped like Mechadon, a stainless-steel spider that stalks his prey. Move Mechadon back and forth to make his legs move and control his movement on the screen.

Hasbro is introducing more action with new additions to Action Man and Mission Masters 3 action figures.

Missile-firing skates allow In-Line Extreme Action Man to power into the thick of things, while Street Luge Action Man races into danger with a pull-back motorized feature that sends him racing up to 20 feet, then fires off a shoulder-mounted missile launcher. Action Man is on the fast track in his high-speed City Racer with cool go-cart styling and corner-grabbing tires. Slam the steering wheel to blast off the hidden grillwork missile.

Batman is prepared for any mission in Mission Masters 3. Batman adventures begin with the following offerings for 2001: Mission Masters 3 Basic Action Figure Assortment; KnightAssault Batman with glider and Batarang Claw; Ground Pursuit Batman with his all-terrain Batsled with Batarang; Inferno Extinction Batman with high-tech rescue pack and extinguisher; and Mountain Pursuit Batman with his launching Batarang hook. Others include Virus Attack Mr. Freeze with Arachnotech assault module, Sky Attack Batman with ultrasonic blast-wing backpack, Gotham Crusader Batman with battle shield launcher, and Quick Attack Batman with Batarang launcher.

Highwire Zip-Line Batman with zip-line attack, Capture Cape Batman with detachable anti-villain cape, Superman with quick-change ability, and Virus Delete Batman with a Circuit-Tech Heat Blaster will be available this summer.

Action and adventure for younger kids will include the Jurassic Park Junior Tracking the T-Rex Playset, which brings preschool-friendly adventure to life and the Jurassic Park Junior Dino Adventure Assortment.

Speaking of animals, hot on the heels-make that paws-of Poo-Chi and Meow-Chi, Tiger is introducing T-Rex Dino-Chi and Pterodactyl Dino-Chi along with other Robo-Chi pets including Walking Poo-Chi, I-Cybie, Poo-Chi Bull Dog, Poo-Chi Poodle and Chirpy-Chi. Information-age gardeners may prefer Petal-Chi, an interactive flower.

And hot on the wheels of the scooter craze, Hasbro is introducing 1-2-3 Skateboard and Li'l Lightning Scooter.

1-2-3 Skateboard has three skill levels and a three-stage learning system that helps children develop balance and coordination. The scooter is specially sized for preschoolers developing their balance, coordination and timing. Hasbro's Playskool also has a lineup of new offerings for 2001 including a variety of Bob the Builder products. They include Bob's Building Yard playset featuring the voices of Bob and his friend Wendy. The playset includes base, Bob figure, Scoop vehicle, Bob and Wendy's houses, and several accessories.

Bob the Builder Electronic Talking Scoop comes alive with an expressive face and 20 different phrases. Whenever the Bob figure is placed on the truck, Scoop and Bob will talk to each other. Other Bob products include Talking Bob the Builder and Bob the Builder Talking Vehicles.

And, of course, traditional Hasbro favorites are back with new additions. For 2001, Hasbro is combining the well-liked formula of Play-Doh modeling compounds and the classic fun of the Easy-Bake Oven with tasty themes and entertainment licenses from Chuck E. Cheese, Nabisco and Bob the Builder.

In August, children will be able to use their Easy Bake Oven to bake Lifesavers cakes. The Easy Bake brand also brings another favorite taste to kid bakers with McDonald's Apple Pie Maker and Pop Tarts Snack Stix bake set.

Children can pretend they are making their favorite pizza with the Play-Doh Chuck E. Cheese Playset, using Play-Doh modeling compound to put toppings on their pretend pizzas and to decorate Chuck E.'s face. The playset features secret places for molding and extruding pizza ingredients, three two-ounce cans of compound, a cutter tool and a serving tool.

New milestones for Imagiix

Riding the wave of the success of last year's Milestones line of child development products, Imagiix is introducing 17 new products into the line for 2001, several of which will be part of the new target age of 36 months.

Timely Teddy (36 months and up, $20) who sports three clocks with moving arms that help children correlate their activities with different times of the day, The Barnyard Sorter (12 to 24 months, $25), a colorful barnyard set with geometrically-shaped animals, and Cuddle-pillar shapes (6 to 12 months, $28 for the set) that allow children to Velcro together three separate, multi-shaped soft caterpillars into geometric forms, are highlights of the new collection.

Last year's wooden Milestones were also successful. Joining them in the new millenium will be the Wild and Crazy Matching Animals set (24 to 36 months, $12), containing 24 pieces, each depicting the front or back of one of 12 different Milestones animals, which kids can mix and match to create their own exotic animals. The Five-in-one Animal Puzzle (24 to 36 months, $15) is a unique, 16-piece double-sided puzzle that can also become four separate 4-piece puzzles.

Imagiix's brightly colored Wooden Airplane ride-on with spinning propeller and turning steering wheel rounds out the company's line of wooden toys.

Scholastic sees red

Television star Clifford the Big Red Dog was unleashed on the PBS KIDS network last year and now will bound into stores as Toy Island introduces Clifford electronic plush, inflatables and stationary items. Additional products are coming from Trendmasters, Warren Industries, Applause, and Rubie's Costumes. Clifford also comes to video this spring in Artisan's first installment of the playful pooch's video collection in the United States.

Promotional support heats up in the first quarter with Subway restaurants highlighting Clifford in its kids meal program. JC Penney will continue to showcase the cuddly Clifford in an extended photography campaign throughout 2001.

Scholastic's Sidekicks unveils new plush inspired by characters from the Clifford the Big Red Dog TV series and will introduce a line of toys and plush based on the Poppleton book series.

Other plans on Scholastic's docket include products based on Horrible Histories, the book and television series that teaches history with edgy humor.

At 50, Fisher-Price is still young at heart

Riding the wave of its 50^th anniversary last year, Fisher-Price will be unleashing a wild assortment of toys for the outwardly mobile tot from scooters and skates to tractors and carriages.

The Roll 2 Pro Scooter (ages 5 and up, SRP $44.99) wheels kids into the scooter craze with removable training wheels, and extra safety details.

Preschoolers can get on the move with My First Skates (ages 2 and up, SRP $14.99) and Roller 2 Inline Skates (ages 3 and up, SRP $23.99). My First Skates feature three settings, ranging from a walking position with one wheel locked to freewheeling freedom as confidence builds, helping kids keep pace with their growing feet and skills. Roller 2 Inline Skates (ages 3 and up) transform from a traditional four-corner wheel base to inline skates in one easy adjustment.

Cinderella had nothing on the Power Wheels Dream Carriage (ages 2 and up, SRP $164.99) which features a battery-charged pony that can gallop up to 2.5 mph as it pulls a bejeweled carriage. After the ball, little girls can set up house with the Go Anywhere Beach House and Country House (ages 3 and up, SRP $14.99 each), miniature dollhouses that come with three figures and complete furnishings. For more life-size fun, Color Me Cutie Dolls (ages 3 and up, SRP $9.99 each) have colored hair to comb and style and outfits that can be designed and washed over and over with special markers.

The company hasn't forgotten the younger imaginations. The Harley-Davidson Lil' Motorcycle (ages 1 to 3 years, SRP $99.99) is a battery-operated cycle custom-built for the toddler biker. It also features classic Harley-Davidson styling and sounds for enhanced roll-playing fun.

Slightly more sedate is the Little People Rumblin' Grumblin' Dump Truck (18 months and up, SRP $19.99) combines the interactive play of Little People characters with the rough and ready working dumper and elevator on the truck.

A returning favorite is the Bubble Tractor (ages 1 to 3 years, SRP $89.99), a mini version of a traditional lawn mower that blows bubbles. It travels up to two mph on a 6-volt battery.

Fisher-Price's new Wild Adventures Singles Assortment is a jungle of animal figures that each feature a collectible talking Smithosonian fact card and life-like animal sounds. The collection includes a tiger, lion, zebra and rhino.

And for those little ones who have yet to crawl before they can scoot, skate and wheel, the Pull-Up Ball Blast (9 to 36 months) is part of the company's Baby Playzone, a line of toys that encourages baby's physical development as well as entertains. This spiral ball drop toy features handles that help baby to climb to a standing position where he can drop colorful balls into the larger globe and watch them spiral to wacky sounds.

Fisher-Price has also been busy building it's Sesame Street products. Sesame Street showcases its fifth anniversary edition of Tickle Me Elmo plush with five ticklish spots under his arms, on his feet and on his tummy but only one that makes him laugh. The spot changes every time so kids never know where to tickle. This talking plush is expected in stores in June.

The Magical Moves Keyboard uses infrared technology with lights, music riffs, animal sounds and different musical styles and character phrases from Cookie Monster, Elmo and Ernie. In three different modes, preschoolers can hone their keyboard skills as they use the infrared sensor to change their songs' styles and tempos. Lights flash when music is playing and when the sensor is activated.

Also for the preschool set is Tune-In TV, a toy that lets kids "watch" one of six channels featuring the animated Sesame Street Muppets on their own TV shows. An infrared remote control that would make dad proud is also part of Tune-In TV, which features a rappin' repeat button that lets the characters say a letter or word again. A new Radio Control Construction Set, due out this spring, has the Sesame Street crew working on a swiveling bridge, with a jackhammer, in a dump and loading area, and with a wrecking ball.

For Blue's Clues lovers, Come Here Blue is an interactive plush dog that responds to kids' demands by barking and bouncing forward to sound effects. If Blue is called a third time, her ears fly up and she dances around to music. Blue's Play & Learn Keyboard teaches kids to read musical notes to create their own songs that can be played back. Blue's Learn to Draw sets use drawing clues that appear on an LCD screen while Steve and Blue prompt the child to draw a picture. All three preschool items will be available at retail in July.

Sing Me to Sleep Pooh and Piglet is a cuddly addition to any child's bedroom. The soft characters and softer music make counting sheep a thing of the past.

A new RC Goofy Jalopy features shake and jiggle motion that revs up at the turn of the crank handle. While the jalopy is moving forward, backward or out of control, Goofy can be heard saying some funny phrases. New Karaoke Friends lets the little ones warble with Mickey and Minnie with authentic looking microphone, light-up boombox and songbook.

Hoberman's geometrics keep unfolding

The Hoberman universe of Unfolding Toys just keeps expanding-or is it contracting? The tiny Micro Sphere is just one of the new products on this year's horizon at Hoberman Designs, perhaps best known for the original Hoberman Sphere and its smaller companion, the Mini Sphere.

The Micro Sphere boasts the same expanding and contracting geometry as the original Sphere, but on a much smaller scale: it pops open from 21/8 inches to 41/8 inches-a perfect size for knapsack or purse-increasing nearly eight times in volume.

A Micro Sphere keychain will be available from Basic Fun.

And not to neglect the other end of the scale, Hoberman Designs is coming out with a Mega Sphere that dwarfs the original Sphere. On the horizon-literally and figuratively-is the Hoberman Star, a brand-new unfolding geometric shape in metallic and iridescent colors.

Chicco makes education fun

The three-level, Full Service Car Activity Center with light and sound features gives kids the full service treatment in fun from Chicco. With two cars included, kids can go to the repair shop to check the engines or to the gasoline pump to fill'er up, and then to the car wash complete with talking kiosk and electronic sounds. The service center also has a traffic light, flashing lights and ramps to the various levels.

The Chicco Happy Garden is a house shaped like a smiling tomato with working doors, benches, a see-through window and wall mounted blackboard to draw on. Other veggies in the garden include a Folding Carrot Slide, Pumpkin Sandbox, Multi-Swing Bean and Rock 'N Roll Eggplant rocker with backrest and handles for small hands.

The Baby Chicco line adds a two-in-one stroller and car seat with a sun canopy and rocker base. Like the real stroller, the toy features handles that rotate 360 degrees and has a reclining backrest, a folding hood, a shopping basket and front swivel wheels.

Chicco's Pull 'N Go case features a pullout handle and working wheels and holds everything needed to make beaded jewelry. A mirror decorated with a smiling star lets kids look at their bedazzling creations. The Pull 'N Go Hobby Kit contains 13 colorful accessories and opens up to a workbench complete with a hammer, screwdriver and a spanner. A spray gun lets children "spray paint" four different car cards that change color. Electronic workshop sounds add to the toy's playability.

A Fruit 'N Veggie Carousel musical crib mobile has five plush velour fruits and vegetables sporting funny smiling cartoon faces which change expression depending on the angle they are viewed. The Chicco Space Shuttle with lights and sounds has easy-to-assemble building pieces for preschoolers. An astronaut can sit in the pilot's cabin or work in the cargo bay, which can be opened up. New Sing 'N Dance Orchestra uses a keyboard, microphone and lights and sounds for young musicians to create their own melodies. A record and play back feature can store these musical creations, while pre-recorded songs teach children how to play the keyboard.

Lions and Tigers and Bobs for P.J. Kids

One of the king cats of private-label children's furniture manufacturing will introduce two major product lines this year.

Based on the award-winning PBS television series, the Between the Lions furnishings line (ages 4 to 7) features a complete collection of occasional pieces, including a table and chair set, sofa bed, and plush stool as the primary launch items.

Also premiering at this year's Toy Fair will be Bob the Builder furnishings (ages 2 to 5), based on the model animation series that follows the adventures of Bob and his building buddies. The collection includes such unique pieces as a step stool, easel/ play board, foam furniture and a toy box. P.J. Kids expects to have the collection in stores by early spring.

Toy Biz x-pands X-men

After the blockbuster movie and DVD in 2000, the X-Men franchise continues with new action figures and accessories based on the Kids WB! animated TV series, X-Men: Evolution. The 6-inch action figures are capable of various battle actions while Talk Back Mutants let kids talk to the heroes and villains and have them reply with four different verbal commands and 20 different phrases. Mutant Outcasts, poseable action figures with an authentic X-Men costume and a set of civilian clothes, and Mutant Lockers, miniature versions of the kind used by the students of The Xavier Institute, complete the line.

The webmaster, Spider-Man, gets two classic assortments this year. Each fully articulated figure in the first series comes with a base for display and a 32-page comic book featuring a Marvel Spider-Man story. The second set highlights several versions of the webslinger from the comics along with his foe, Rhino. The first Spider-Man Classics collection is available now, and Assortment 2 bows in July.

Golden Books builds with Bob and bunny

Bob the Builder makes the publishing scene with new titles expected out by spring. The HIT Entertainment property will be backed by top-tier marketing and promotional campaigns spearheaded by Golden Books Family Entertainment.

Pat the bunny extends his 60^th birthday celebration with seven new pat the bunny-theme titles introducing two new characters. Eden complements the line with new pat the bunny toys and plush. Golden Books takes pat the bunny international this year with campaigns in the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Australia. The original classic story will be co-published in English and several languages. A full-blown licensing and merchandising campaign is in the works to support the international launch.

Golden Books is also building on its book-based Between the Lions property with promotions slated by Cheerios and other major packaged goods companies and discount retail chains.

Also premiering its own pages based on the new Nickelodeon hit show, will be SpongeBob SquarePants titles, including 3D, activity, sticker, coloring, and coin rub books.

The Pokémon craze isn't over yet. Pokémon 3-D Trivia Challenge series features hidden surprises and secret messages to be uncovered with a special Pokémon pen. There are collectible volumes for 12 different characters.

Activision crowns king

Disney's The Lion King: Simba's Adventure takes PlayStation and Gameboy Color gamers into the head of young prince Simba and his quest to rule the jungle. Throughout the course of the game, Simba will grow from cub to mighty lion, mastering vicious hyenas and stampeding wildebeests.

Little Lionel growing

Lionel's Little Lionel line will debut several new sets for 2001. The Traveling Circus Set features train, circus tent, animal and clown tokens and 14 pieces of track. The Cityscape Set includes train, three skyscrapers, three brownstones, foliage tokens and 12 pieces of track.

Play By Play takes on tweens

In going after the fashion-conscious tween market, Play By Play introduces Hook-Ups, a line of 10 bendable, poseable soft dolls that capture the spirit of today's preteen girl.

Each Hook-Up doll has heart-shaped lips and a 'super hip' specially designed outfit that expresses her individual style. All 10 dolls come with their own color-coordinated clip to hook up to anything. The initial assortment includes hip-hop Harmonie, Roxie, Kat with green hair, Jess with purple hair and ballerina skirt, Britney and Serenity.

Adding to its City Sign Dolls line, Play By Play debuts International City Sign 12-inch soft dolls. The four new dolls represent London, France, Spain and Italy and are dressed in contemporary clothing indicative of the regions. Each doll carries a stylish bag that holds a tour guide of her homeland and a collectible keychain. The dolls can be displayed on individual stands that portray a famous street. International City Sign Dolls will be available at retail stores this spring for $20 each.

For the boys, Play By Play introduces 6-inch Micro Fighters airplane, gun and tank with authentic military designs. Realistic sounds and working lights are part of the action. Each toy has a special base with molded finger holes for kids to go 'directly into battle.' First shipments are expected this spring at major retail stores nationwide.

Axtell Expressions goes ape

The Amazing Apes line by Axtell Expressions makes its debut at Toy Fair as the popular collector editions now are available as 16-inch stuffed toys and 24-inch puppets.

The $400 hand crafted collector apes, currently used in parts of the remake of The Planet of the Apes movie directed by Tim Burton, have gone into mass production and been transformed into less expensive versions but with the same lifelike features seen on the 32-inch latex versions. Chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillas make up the new line and are made of vinyl with bodies constructed of acrylic plush and hands that can grasp objects. The Amazing Apes puppets will retail between $29.95 and $49.95.

Basic Fun has the key

They may be small, but they're basically fun.

Basic Fun takes its miniature toy keychains one step further with three new candy styles-Dubble Bubble, Tootsie Pop Lick O'Meter and Looney Tunes Pez with Sporty Hats-along with 33 new licensed keychains.

The Dubble Bubble Keychain dispenser features classic Dubble Bubble graphics and spring loaded case that holds up to six pieces of gum at one time. Looney Tunes PEZ Keychains have Bugs Bunny, Tweety and Taz sporting baseball hats or bike helmets. With classic tilt back head and slide out tray, each dispenser holds two rolls of PEZ candy. Basic Fun's Tootsie Pop version fits inside the keychain counter and licks are tallied on an LCD readout.

Contemporary designs highlight new Barbie Compact, Barbie Dress Up Vanity and Barbie Shoe Tube keychains. In the Barbie View Master keychain, kids can look through the viewer and advance the images by pushing down the lever to watch the mini reels entitled Barbie Around the World and Barbie Queen of the Prom.

The biggest trend in transportation gets small with Street Scootz Scooter keychains, miniature working versions of the Razor, Schwinn, Xootr and Titan brands. Features include working brake, positional steering tube, fold down handgrips and collapsible steering column.

Connect Four, Candy Land, Hungry Hungry Hippos and Sorry make up Basic Fun's newest series of games keychains while retro games, Battling Tops and Booby Trap, are transformed into keychain versions for 2001.

New Hot Wheels Rally Case keychain has a transparent lid and Try Me! blister card for kids to see a classic, miniature Hot Wheels car continuously loop around the inside of the case. Hot Wheels Retro Packs keychains feature a working miniature car that is removable and interchangeable with Rally Case keychains.

Other additions are keychain versions of Clifford, Fisher Price Corn Popper, Chattering Teeth, M & Ms, Monster Truck, Rocket Power, Pokémon, Rugrats, Super Soaker and Spider-Man. Mr. Potato Head shows his soft side in a squeezable foam keychain. Jelly colored Tic Tac Toe keychains are available in two translucent color combinations and is designed so each square spins to an X, O or blank.

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