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Curiously intriguing: New Curious George product

By Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 1/4/2006 5:30:00 AM

If you’re curious about Curious George, look no further than the product lineup for 2006. The namesake book, written by H. A. and Margret Rey, was originally published in 1941, Houghton-Mifflin, New York, is now available in 17 languages and has sold more than 27 million copies worldwide.

In line with the Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment film release February 10, George playthings are lined up throughout 2006 as well as product tied to the new Curious George PBS animated series which will launch this fall.

Driver's seat Worldwide licensee, Toy Biz, New York will launch various product based on the feature film. The Tickle 'N Giggle Curious George ($24.99) is a 14-inch plush doll with six tickle spots (one under each of his arms, one on each of his feet, one under his chin and one on his tummy) that make him giggle. He also has a secret tickle spot that encourages toddlers to find each time. His secret tickle spot is random and is never in the same place twice, encouraging toddlers to find that spot each time. Also in the Toy Biz line are 4-inch action figure Adventure Sets, recommended for ages 3 and up ($9.99). The sets will come in four styles: Bi-Plane Adventure with two-speed motorized pull-back-and-go action; Balloon Adventure with balloon-ride action; Space Adventure with light-up action; and Go-Cart Fun with 2-speed motorized pull-back-and-go action. Light and Sound Bump N Go vehicles light up and sound when they bump into one another. The motorized vehicles come in Taxi Train and Fire Truck and retail for $9.99. Themed plush includes a 14-inch George in various outfits and accessories with an exclusive story book or activity book with a matching theme (SRP $14.99)

	Game for George Be curious in the new Curious George game from Namco,Santa Clara,Calif.Ten levels let players explore, solve puzzles and collect items. Players get “curious points” as they interact with each environment that can be used to purchase art and accessories in the museum shop. Loads of mini games are also included. The game is available for PS2, Xbox, Game Boy Advance, PC and Gamecube ($39.99).

The books Houghton Mifflin, Boston, first published Curious George more than 60 years ago. Today, they continue to publish George books each year. This year, Curious George at the Baseball Game ($12.95) and Curious George's Dinosaur Discovery($12.95) are two titles, scheduled for release this spring. A series of four, 12-page books, Curious George's First Words About Animals, featuring Aquarium, Zoo, Farm and Circus (each $3.95) will also be out April.

	Active minds The Wikki Stix activity books (SRP $14.95), One-of-a-Kind Creatables, Omnicor,Phoenix, will be out February at Toy Fair. The three books include: Curious George, A Day at School; Curious George Goes to the Circus and Curious George has a Party! Each 16-page book comes with 72 Wikki Stixs that can be shaped into fun shapes, and features a unique 3-D activity in thetwo-page center spread.Stand the book up and connect the facing pageswith Wikki Six to create a swingset for George to play on, a high wire to walk on andstreamers to swing from.

If you see something you like and contact the manufacturer, please say you saw it at Playthings.com!

To be included in the Product Showcase, Playthings must receive apressrelease with product image of the new and/or upcoming toy. The image must be suitable for the Web and it must be a product shot out-of-box. Be sure to include the product's SRP. What products go into the showcase is at the sole discretion of the editorial staff. Send materials to associate editorTinaBenitez at tina.benitez@reedbusiness.com. We will not accept hard copy; electronic files only.

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