Warm fuzzies
A good book plus a temptingly tactile experience
By Karyn M. Peterson -- Playthings, 7/1/2006
Don't judge a book by its cover—or do! Take a look inside these charming, cute and sometimes downright cuddly new offerings that bridge the gap from book to plaything. From puppets to plush to purses, publishers are always striving for new and novel ways to market books to kids and parents alike. And whether you're a bookseller or a toy merchant, the strong appeal and tangible fun of these colorful 3-D titles make them at home on any shelf. —Karyn M. Peterson
The Tale of Peter Rabbit book and toy set brings the beloved children's character back to stores with a soft, huggable Peter Rabbit plush paired with a smaller, though still original and authorized, edition of the Beatrix Potter classic. The packaged gift set will be available in October. ($14.99) Penguin Young Readers Group, New York
This unique Duck book and purse set debuted in February along with Bunny, both sweetly illustrated by Jill McDonald. The titles each combine a softly covered board book with a silky pocket for kids' treasures, and handles that are ideal for small hands. ($5.99) Scholastic, New York
The Let's Play Elmo Says interactive cloth book is sure to get parents and even the youngest kids playing and reading together. The latest in a series of interactive Elmo titles, Let's Play features an attached soft puppet with which to act out each activity found in the pages of the book. It debuts in August at bookstores and mass-market retailers. ($12.99) Softplay, Chicago
Matthew Van Fleet's Monday the Bullfrog, which debuted in February, aims to introduce preschoolers to colors, days of the week and more with a hungry hand puppet and textured pop-up book in one. As they turn each page, kids will delight in guessing, then revealing, what's next on Monday's menu. ($16.95) Simon & Schuster, New York
Pooch's New Raincoat board book set, by Jane Gerver and illustrated by Michelle Berg, is the tale of a puppy's journey to the park on a rainy day. As his friends help him adorn his raincoat along the way, kids can do the same with the plush pooch and enclosed sheet of stickers. The set will be available in August. ($12.99) Little, Brown and Co., New York
