The 'Katz' Meow

Now in 3-D! Karen Katz, the renowned children's author and illustrator of more than 30 books, has waited for this moment for a long time—the launch of her first-ever line of infant/toddler toys, available in June from Small World Toys, Culver City, Calif.

"It's a dream for me to be able to take my books and expand my vision to other products," Katz tells Playthings. "Many of my books are interactive and use tactile elements, so moving to three-dimensional products is easy." The line will include games, activity sets, floor puzzles, plush and accessories featuring characters from Katz's books or styled in custom-print fabrics unique to the artist. The first wave of merchandise, which debuted at Toy Fair, includes the 12-inch soft Belly Button Baby doll and Where is Baby's Belly Button? set ($24.99); a set of six puzzles ($14.99) inspired by the same book; fabric learning boxes ($29.99) for squeezing and stacking (pictured); a set of 20 soft building blocks ($39.99); and a Travel Activity Quilt ($39.99) that features a rattle, squeaker, mirror and squares of crinkle-fabric and other textures.

"Our idea was to create some toys that were fun but also enhanced parent-child playtime," Katz says. "The toys are colorful and bright and they use lots of my signature patterns. I can't wait for them to hit the shelves." Katz also calls Small World Toys "a perfect match" as toy partner. "We both believe in products that promote discovery and imagination in children."

Want more? Visit www.playthings.com/katz to read our exclusive interview with Karen Katz in its entirety.