PREVIEW KAHOOTZ TOYS Spirograph Shapes, from Kahootz Toys, features 12 shaped gears and three rings that allow aspiring artists to create new Spirograph designs. Designed for kids ages 8 and up, this set’s pieces work with all other Spirograph design sets. Spirograph Jr. makes it easy for young artists to create Spirograph designs. Made for kids ages 3 and up, the portable design station features a built-in Spirograph ring that works with the included wheels. The chunky designs make it easy for young kids to move the pieces, and the built-in storSpirograph Jr. age makes clean up easy. Rotodraw is a classic dial-a-doodle drawing toy. The secret stencil wheels create surprise pictures as kids trace. Designed for kids ages 8 and up, the Fashion Plates Superstar Deluxe Set lets kids expand creative possibilities with more than 30 pieces. Kids can mix and match the plates, then rub with a crayon to create their own fashion designs. The Travel Fashion Plates design set is a portable set that features mix and match travel-themed Fashion Plates. The take-along set also includes crayons, paper, and a built-in storage compartment. Kids can create unique fashion combinations with the Fashion Plates Mega Set. This four-in-one set features four themes of Fashion Plates—sports, glamour, campus, and casual—and 50 pieces for fashionistas to mix and match designs.
WICKED COOL TOYS Alchemy II Inc. has named Wicked Cool Toys master toy partner for Teddy Ruxpin, a best-selling toy from the ‘80s. The relaunch will include a comprehensive toy line with episodic content, merchandising, and licensing for next fall. The new Teddy Ruxpin will have its original features and play pattern with modern enhancements designed for preschoolers. Ruxpin will read stories to kids with a motorized mouth. Additionally, it will feature Bluetooth technology, LCD eyes with multiple expressions that are synched to the stories, and touch sensors in its hands that allow kids to start, pause, and fast-forward through the stories. At launch, Ruxpin will include 10 stories, three of which are included with the purchase of the plush while the rest are digitally downloadFPO— able. There are two play modes—with image is not final or without the free app. The app allows kids to read along with the story Teddy is telling in-sync with the bear, flipping the pages as he reads. The built-in stories allow kids to play with Teddy without the app.
44 THE TOY BOOK | September/october 2016 | TOYBOOK.COM
PLASMART PlaSmart’s Messmatz Ultimate Creativity Mats are nontoxic, food-grade silicone creativity mats that protect surfaces while confining kids’ messes, spills, crayons, and small items such as beads. Measuring 24 by 18 inches, Messmatz protect surfaces and hold up to 32 ounces of spills. They are firm enough for kids to write or draw, with flexible soft edges that offer comfort and less slip. With PL-UG Build Your Own Fort Kits, kids can attach the PL-UG to walls, furniture, windows, and trees to build a fort. The kits are available in three versions: the introductory Fort Kit, the mid-range Canopy Kit, and the Ultimate Kit.