The Day We Danced in Underpants

This picture of the book cover makes me smile. Happy October!

The Day We Danced in Underpants is the kind of book I keep on my own book shelf, along with children’s classics Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi and The Gas We Pass: The Story of Farts by Shinta Cho. And here’s a good reason why: “This lesson in kindness and grace changes an embarrassing situation into an adventure,” a very astute review from Tidewater Parent.

Talk About Joie de Vivre! Written by California-based writer Sarah Wilson, the story is inspired by her grandmother, who taught her an early appreciation for French culture. Indeed! Sarah’s silly descriptions of a cast of characters –including “three wild aunts” – who dance their way across the French countryside to a picnic with the King of France makes for a perfect read-aloud, not to mention a dance-a-thon of your own.

And to do it all in underpants?

Award-winning illustrator Catherine Stock‘s hilarious watercolors literally paint the picture of “a wild party that finds even the stuffiest nobles getting down in their unmentionables,” as the book’s synopsis tells us.

When one of my friends posted a picture of the book on Facebook, I couldn’t resist starting out a new month by telling you about it. As he says, “Oh, I do that all the time!”

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Love, Linda

Fashion meets health with kids being the winners.

After working in the entertainment industry for many years, Linda Brukman Brown pursues her love of knitting, selling her own knit designs during her lunch breaks to stores on trendy Melrose and Montana Avenues in Los Angeles, California.

Later, with products in over 150 stores nationwide –and a love of books and book art- Linda decides to re-launch her line as Love, Linda – The Art of Reading, curating unique children’s illustrations by fine artists from all over “to bring their creative imagination into your homes.”

Made in the USA. The Oak Park, CA-based company, now in their twenty-second year, produces a full line of tees, one pieces and more designed with art from children’s book illustrators such as Mary Jane Begin, Jennifer Goldfinger, Daniel J. Mahoney, Amy Schimler and others. Her newest collection is a line of Allergy Awareness clothing.

Imagine walking into a school knowing that about 5.9 million children under the age of 18 have a food allergy such as dairy, egg, peanut, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy. This is the world Linda found herself in when she began to research why she was having bronchial infections and other related illnesses that have plagued her for almost 12 years. Frustrated that doctor after doctor could not help her, she turned to an Acupuncturist who is trained in both Eastern and Western medicine. The doctor suggested giving up dairy, focusing on other types of food allergies as well, which led to not only immediate relief and subsidence of Linda’s symptoms, she began a quest for information and a passion to give children, especially those too young to advocate for themselves, a way to tell others about their allergies

“My hope is that no child or parent will have to fear going to school or a play date and worry that their allergy will turn their day upside down,” Linda says. Her Allergy Awareness collection features kid friendly designs and slogans, as well as a line of stickers to adorn lunch boxes.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

moriko

Little seats for little peeps.

One look at Seattle artisan Bruce Hanamura’s whimsical-yet-modern chairs perfectly proportioned for children will have you wishing for a smaller behind, perhaps … just so you, too, could enjoy sitting on the soft, smooth surfaces he creates from solid Mahogany, Western Maple, Walnut and Birch.

You’ll have to be happy to let your kids dream of a forest where magical animals frolic and play – while they sit on a moriko. In fact, the name moriko means, “forest child,” and the children’s furniture line includes little seats that resemble a rabbit (usage), fox (kitsune), beaver (biba) and squirrel (risu) –all uniquely hand-crafted, heirloom-quality solid wood seating that is Made in the USA. Currently moriko’s ship in three to four weeks.

Each chair evokes the personality and character of the animal it represents, and is a loving and unexpected detail for any child’s play space.

Not to worry. Bruce also designs custom furniture for adults (and the size of their behinds) through his company The Design Pallet. He likes to use reclaimed and local lumber giving it a second life as desks, tables, chairs, headboards, night stands – anything your adult imagination can dream up!

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

TrailHoppers by Cozey7

Introducing the first performance blanket for your little explorer.

Perfect for an Errand or Adventure. In a world of multitasking, everyone could use an extra hand – especially parents. TrailHoppers are a hands-free way to keep your little ones bundled up, cozy-warm, while you walk the dog, carry the diaper bag or push a sibling on a swing. Made from warm, breathable, recycled Polartec,® TrailHoppers are an extra layer to keep the chill away, but they don’t blow away or get run over by the stroller! TrailHoppers integrate with all baby gear and fit between the buckles of car seats, strollers, backpacks, front packs and swaddlers, plus kids can wear them over a diaper or snowsuit.

Jill Winckler, a mom from Colorado and founder of Cozey7®, found that a regular blanket requires both hands free to keep little ones’ legs and toes covered while out running errands or enjoying a hike in nature. It’s easy to keep them cozy with a sweater, hoodie or jacket, but legs and toes stay cold. So Jill invented this functional blanket that’s easy for parents to use and even easier for kids to wear.

“TrailHoppers are made for life with the wee set. Whether you’re running errands, bopping around the zoo or kickin’ it on a new trail, this blanket keeps your hands free and gives you peace of mind that your little explorer will be ‘cozey’ and stay tucked all day, down to their toes.”

Super Convenient. TrailHoppers’ Polartec® fabric is produced in the U.S. and is the highest quality fleece. The Denier spandex trim has an unbelievable feel and is quick drying, keeping little explorers’ chins from getting chaffed and soggy. The zipper’s anti-jam system makes it easy to zip’em up and off you go. The easy open-toe flap saves you from back-tracking to find a lost sock or shoe or opens to let kids explore.

Made in the USA. “Bringing apparel manufacturing back to the U.S. is a big issue,” Jill says. “A few years back our designers left the U.S. for cheap labor. Young and old were exploited in the factories overseas and at the end of the day, it’s not the best practice. At Cozey7, we have sourced our materials in the U.S. and are manufacturing the TrailHoppers right in Colorado. This has given us the opportunity to build a strong relationship with our manufacturer and see that the production crew is compensated fairly and has a safe work environment.”

Available in a modern array of colors, TrailHoppers are suited for newborns and children up to two years of age. To see the blankets on active toddlers, look through Cozey7’s online picture gallery or Facebook page. Buy on the website or select specialty stores.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Shirts That Go

Vehicle & transportation inspired t-shirts for kids and toddlers.

Bold. Graphic. Realistic. Shirts That Go are designed for kids in motion! A huge hit with toddler boys who love anything transportation or construction related, Shirts That Go can also inspire little girls who have a need for speed!

From the airport to the highway, the construction site to the farm, the railway and even into space – Shirts That Go has ’em. Recent additions are military vehicles and a line of emergency / fire & rescue vehicles, too.

Made in the USA. Shirts That Go come in short or long sleeves (from American Apparel) and are made from soft, comfortable cotton. Owner Nick is a Dad who was challenged to find cool vehicle themed t-shirts for his kids, so he decides to create his own line of tees almost four years ago. He currently has over 32 designs, with new ones added on a regular basis. “You will see in our line that the vehicles are illustrated with careful eye for every detail,” Nick says. “As a boy what I liked (obsessed over) was the fine detail on various machines -from the pistons and hydraulics on construction type equipment to the tracks and small wheels on a tank, it was the details that captured my interest. I see that same interest in my own kids and others that really like the vehicles.”

Custom Packaging Options. Shirts That Go knows how to package up a birthday surprise, too. In addition to great shirts they have available Included on all orders of 3+ tees are full-color shipping boxes that really wow kids and toddlers. These beautiful boxes not only serve to deliver the gift with style but they often live on as a place for kids to keep collectibles. Even the standard packaging included in the price includes a personalized gift note that makes it special.

Even big kids will be impressed!

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

The Man with the Violin

Based on a true story of what happened when a world class violinist performed and almost no one listened.

From picture books to non-fiction, young adult fiction and historical fiction, horror and biography to series books, stories in anthologies and magazines, writer Kathy Stinson has authored a wide variety of material for readers.

“What you read influences what you write. And so does the day to day life that you live.”

-Kathy Stinson

The Ontario, Canada-based mother of two, two stepdaughters and grandmother to five has been inspired by all of the children in her life to write her books … and this one is inspired by children and the fabulous Joshua Bell, telling a real-life tale.

Man with the Violin. Seven years ago on a random January day, the real Joshua Bell takes part in an experiment devised by The Washington Post, performing at L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station in Washington, D.C. More than 1,000 commuters pass his playing and only seven stop to listen for more than a minute. Just seven adults … yet the children are mesmerized, even as they are pulled away by adults on a more important mission –or so it seems. After 43 minutes of exceptional performance, Joshua Bell’s violin case holds $32.17 … as the world continues to pass him by.

Written by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Dušan Petričić, with a postscript by Joshua Bell, The Man with the Violin tells the story of Dylan, a little boy who notices everything, while his Mom speeds through life taking no notice at all. It is Dylan who realizes something extraordinary is happening that day in the subway station, yet he cannot convince his Mom to slow down and seize this incredible moment. Later that day, Dylan hears Joshua Bell playing on the radio and has the grace to point out to his Mom, “‘We should have stopped. We should have listened,'” to one of the finest musicians in the world, playing his magnificent Stradivarius in the middle of the day … just for them. A magical gift, unrecognizable to those who do not see. Hear Kathy and Dušan talk about their vision for The Man with the Violin, listen to the music played in the subway station that day …

To date, here’s a list of awards The Man with the Violin has garnered:

Winner of Digital Book of the Year Award in the Ebook Fixed Format/Enhanced category
Winner of the Eric Hoffer Award in the Children’s Book category
Winner of the 2013 Gold Award in the Children’s Book category of NAPPA
2014 Storytelling World Award
Independent Publishers Award (tied for Gold in the Children’s Picture Book category)
Winner of Next Generation Indie Book Award in the Children’s Picture Book category (tied)
Honourable Mention for the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Picture Book Award
Honourable Mention for ForeWord Magazine’s IndieFab Award in the Children’s Book category
Shortlisted for the 2014 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award
Nominated for the Frances Howard-Gibbon Award
Nominated for a Shining Willow Award
A ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year finalist
An IRA Notable Book for a Global Society
Heather’s Pick (Chapters/Indigo)
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2013
Starred reviews in Kirkus and Quill & Quire
A Canadian Children’s Book Centre “Best Books for Kids & Teens” Selection
A “49th Shelf” Booksellers’ Pick for 2013
A 2013 OLA Best Bet for Children
A Toronto Public Library “First & Best 2013” title

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

PishPoshBaby

Infographic brought to you by PishPoshBaby, one of the most popular online baby shops for baby gear, offering not only high-quality merchandise, but facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents everywhere. PishPoshBaby utilizes Mom Reps – Moms, just like many of you- who help the retailer assist with this special stage of life. Along with personal, live experience comes professional service, immediate shipping, up-to-date inventory and the security of knowing that your purchase is backed by PishPoshBaby’s Satisfaction Guarantee.

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Uglydoll Makes Headlines

Thirteen is a lucky number for Uglydoll and 2014 is a very good year!

As Comic-Con opens in San Diego, CA today – be sure to visit Uglydoll … because there’s a whole lot of exciting things going on in their world these days.

As David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim announced earlier this year that they were heading to their new Asia headquarters in South Korea, home of their flagship Uglydoll retail store in Seoul, the company has been making headlines for itself ever since. In addition to expanding its retail presence and licensing program throughout Korea, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines and beyond, Pretty Ugly™, LLC, parent company of the award-winning Uglydoll® brand based in Green Brook, New Jersey, granted license to Howard Keys to produce keys, key chains and lanyards in North America, Canada and selected International Territories, announced a partnership with Fetch…for pets!, a leading manufacturer of pet products in North America, and débuted the latest original graphic novel release from San Francisco, CA-based VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint, Uglydoll: My Hero? The novel features 10 full-color stories by veteran Uuglydoll writer and artists Travis Nichols, Ian McGinty and Phillip Jacobson, with help from Sun-Min Kim, Theo Ellsworth, renowned pop culture artist/writer Junko Mizuno, and two talented design teams from Japan -Mad Barbarians and Devilrobots.

And there’s more … as I say, Uglydoll’s 13^th year is a very lucky one!

In June 2014 alone, David and Sun-Min’s company strikes these fabulous deals:

caseable is now licensee for the latest global line of fun and collectible soft and hard cases designed for tablets, smartphones and laptops, distributed through caseable channels and its partner Hewlett-Packard
A collaboration with CBS Consumer Products on the iconic Star Trek™ characters, set to launch in 2015. Products include Wage™ as Captain James T. Kirk, Ox™ as first officer Spock™, Ice-Bat™ as chief engineer Scotty, Babo™ as Doctor McCoy and Tray™ as communications officer Uhura
A new partnership with Chasing Fireflies to create an exclusive line of costumes for release in 2015
A co-branded collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to create plus based on The Wizard of Oz™ and fan-favorite Uglydoll characters, Moxy™, Wage™, Jeero™, Babo™ and OX™ to follow along the Yellow Brick Road.

Being different and unique is what Uglydoll™ is all about!

Just this month, Uglydoll announces a groundbreaking partnership with 3D Printing innovator MakerBot on collectibles featuring four of the most popular characters, Babo™, Wage™, Ice-Bat™ and Ox™, which can now be 3D printed on MakerBot® Replicator® Desktop 3D Printers. “Taking Uglydoll into the world of 3D printing seems like a natural extension for our Uglydoll characters,” David says. “Sun-Min and I have been fans of 3D printing for a while and we are excited to be working with MakerBot on bringing our characters to life in a whole different 3D world.”

The first wave of characters are in T-pose format, designed to be 3D printed and fully poseable; the second wave are Uglydoll characters in a dynamic stance, posed to enjoy the real world of their owner. A third wave include a 3D printable Uglydoll bus that takes miniature Uglydoll characters on a fun-filled summer vacation; and a fourth wave are 3D printable environments for the 3D printed Uglydoll characters to live in. Jenny Lawton, president of MakerBot and a huge Uglydoll fan, says, “The story behind the creation of the Uglydoll characters by David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim showcase how creativity can positively impact lives. We love the fun, light-hearted stories behind the Uglydoll characters and hope that they will help inspire a whole new generation of makers with their 3D printed adventures.”

How cool is that?

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

Hatch Things

Simple solutions for smart parents.

A city-dwelling Mom to three boys –and an industrial designer to boot- Sonjie Feliciano Solomon founded Brooklyn, NY-based Hatch Things so she could focus her design skills on kids and the stuff that surrounds them. Speaking of designing smart, modern products for urban parents, Hatch Things recently introduced two products to the market:

SureShop™ is a reusable shopping bag with a patent pending design that that won’t let your stroller fall over. It redistributes weight towards the stroller’s center of gravity to keep it standing upright. The bag clips to umbrella strollers, most single handlebar strollers, shopping carts, chair backs, bike handles and more – plus it holds up to 10 pounds on each side. Watch a video:

ColdSnap™ is a coat extender that uses body heat and an optional thermal insert to keep mom and baby warm and dry. The patent-pending, waterproof, draft-proof design clips to the edges of your coat and wraps around either your baby bump (when coats don’t fit anymore) or your new little one. It also comes with a reversible hood, so baby can face inward or outward. Plus, I love the name!

HatchThings got ink! “Since we introduced SureShop in October at ABC Kids, the response has been very positive and momentum is building,” Sonjie tells me. “It has been featured as a great problem-solving product in many online and print magazines including Real Simple, Pregnancy & Newborn, Apartment Therapy, All You Magazine, Stroller Traffic, A-List Moms and MomTrends.” And now, Children’s Retail Today!

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!

PlaqueMaker.com

Moms and Dads everywhere know that one of the best ways to make any day a celebration is to personalize it.

You’ve got a fabulous picture from vacation with grandma? Custom frame it.
Getting ready to celebrate your son’s special birthday? Create a puzzle card.
A beloved kid’s best friend? Memorialize him.

It’s faster, easier and more affordable than you’d think.

PlaqueMaker.com is an online retailer for personalized plaques, signs, trophies, tags, memorials, awards and gifts. The Indiana-based, family-owned and operated business is a wonderful resource for all types of engraved products. From glass and wood to metal and plastic, the custom engraved plaques and gifts are designed in the USA, using materials sourced from all over the world – and for PlaqueMaker, that’s 4 million plaques and counting since 1999!

PlaqueMaker ROCKS! This was my first order with PlaqueMaker and their customer service is THE BEST! The product was gorgeous and when I had a problem, customer service was on it immediately and resolved it with no delays. I was really floored with how quickly they took care of it and how professional they are — these days customer service doesn’t have a lot of “service” in it but not here, they truly believe in customer first! Delivery is another plus — I had my order so quickly I really couldn’t believe it! Love these guys and have already told all my friends, including Facebook, how wonderful they are!

-Kathe Kelly, new customer

Get inspired to make any day a celebration. PlaqueMaker’s graphic designers, craftsmen and customer service specialists help you bring your inspiration to life, no matter what you’re celebrating. Creative types will enjoy customizing plaques and gifts right on the site, and if anyone needs a little help –that’s available too. PlaqueMaker takes the guess work out of personalization by emailing you a digital proof of your design the next business day. You get to see what your creation will look like, customized with your artwork, wording and specifications, before you even buy it – with no obligation! That’s right! Upon approval, 99.7% of PlaqueMaker orders ship within two business days of payment and arrive with a 100% money-back guarantee. How sweet is that? Make sure to check out the PlaqueMaker blog for all sorts of new personalized gift ideas.

PlaqueMaker’s website is easy to navigate and once you’ve submitted your item for a proof they are extremely fast about sending you a proof, and are very open to making changes until it’s perfect. The product itself came JUST as it was in the proof, and the materials itself were perfect. I would highly recommend.

-HPC Hollywood

Children’s Retail Today publishes new articles each week about innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children. Contact me today with your great idea!