Items tagged “Toys & Recreation”

Stories that feature animal characters are so prevalent in the children’s’ book section that in many libraries, they outnumber books with human protagonists. Kids love animals and always have; they tend to be able to connect to these furry or feathered creatures and identify with their curiosity and innocent view of the world. Kids also may find it easier to face fears and work out moral dilemmas when these challenges are seen through the eyes of a friendly non-human character. The Extraordinary Love Story of Aye Aye and Fedor is a heartwarming story that shows kids how “human” animals can be, and how important it is for us to protect them and their environments.

No one wants to get stuck at home all the time, but what are today’s increasingly mobile families to do about transporting baby? Even if a parent simply needs to work in the kitchen or the home office, baby might have to rest alone in her room. Slings and carriers are great, but sometimes, it’s nice to just have a sturdy place for baby to rest… but still be able to be on the move (in style, of course!). Dorte Grau has an innovative solution to the mobility issue that grows with the blossoming child. “The Kidskoje is a revolutionary, patented, new, and innovative sleep, transportation, and game concept,” explains Grau, the mother of two.

I met the President of HABA USA, Lea Culliton, when she first started marketing the German toy brand in the U.S. and she was comparing options for print advertising to the trade. Early on, I could tell that Lea was precise, organized and understood the relationship of carefully-defined marketing budgets, rates and circulation. She was smart, honest and direct in her decision making and was willing to make a year-long investment in advertising. I admired her as an astute businesswoman. After over 10 years, my opinion of Lea has proved constant. We developed a business friendship based on mutual respect. Many others also value her as a leader in the children’s industry.

If a parent had a nickel for every time a child said “I’m bored”, they might be rich. Point those parents away from Pinterest and into an actual book. We know, in this day and age of blogs and social media pitting parent against parent for the most creative craft, a simple book seems revolutionary. And maybe it is. Imagine Childhood: 25 Projects that Spark Curiosity and Adventure is like going off the grid. It’s everything whimsical and magical about the world outside electronics, and forces adults to get into a child’s head.

Based in Miami, Florida, Safari Ltd. has been a leading manufacturer and distributer of innovative, educational toys, specializing in authentic hand-painted replicas since 1982. Beginning with a mission that they would not just sell plastic animals that looked good, they were determined to educate children about the fragile ecosystems and the inhabitants that live there. To accomplish this they provide educational data in five languages and name identification on the undersides of the figures. Their commitment to education is what sets them apart from other replica brands.