Off the bookshelf
By Colleen Bohen -- Playthings, 4/1/2006
As savvy retailers know, staying ahead of the game means keeping a fresh stream of products flowing into your store. Perhaps the best way for today's toy retailers to do so in this big-box-dominated world is to take a cue from the big boys and diversify one's product assortment in order to cater to as many kid-friendly areas as possible. One of the best ways we can think of to do that is to add children's books to the mix. Clearly, many toy retailers have already caught on to this idea, but we've decided it's time to make a point of focusing regularly on this area for potential profits. This month, we're easing into our children's book coverage with titles that have a certain “play value” attached, books which would likely be great complements to any retailer's toy selection and an ideal way to get one's feet wet in the book biz.
AlternaCrafts, by Jessica Vitkus. Recycling enthusiasts will likely appreciate the craft projects in this book that revolve around taking old clothing or household items and transforming them into something entirely new. ($19.95) Stewart Tabori & Chang, New York.
In-Jean-uity by Ellen Warwick and Bernice Lum. This book gives tweens a plethora of new ways to jazz up an old pair of jeans. Who knew denim could be so versatile? ($12.95) Kids Can Press, Tonawanda, N.Y.
Build-A-Bear Workshop: Let's Have a Tea Party! This interactive kit comes with everything kids ages 6 and up need to host a successful tea party, including instructions for making invitations, wardrobe tips and, of course, their own tea set. ($14.95) Silver Dolphin, San Diego, Calif.
Maisy's First Game Book by Lucy Cousins. Preschoolers can use the built-in spinner and game pieces to dash their way through the five board games included in this board book. ($9.99) Candlewick Press, Cambridge, Mass.
Make Your Own Twinkly Tiaras. Princesses ages 4 and up can now accessorize in a fittingly royal style with this new book that includes three foil tiaras and a variety of gems for decorating. ($12.95) Klutz, Palo Alto, Calif.
My Own First Coloring Book by Eric Carle. This set for ages 2 and up features a carrying case which holds a copy of Eric Carle's My Own Very Hungry Caterpillar Coloring Book and My Own Very Busy Spider Coloring Book. It also includes a box of six chunky crayons. ($15.99) Penguin Young Readers Group, New York.
Cranium Books of Outrageous Fun. Each of the four books in Cranium's Outrageous Fun series features activity pages with a variety of things to do and comes with a few small toys to heighten the experience. ($14.99) Little Brown and Company, New York.
|
