Grab These “Scoob!” Toys Just in Time for the Digital Launch

by Jennifer SwartvagherMay 13, 2020

Scooby dooby doo! The new animated feature Scoob! debuts digitally on May 15 and families can bring the excitement home with a new collection of toys, home goods, pet products and Scooby snacks. The collection launches exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com this month just in time for the premiere.

From Basic Fun, Playmobil, Funko and more, the Scoob! toy collection includes: Scooby-Doo figurines ($ 2.99- $9.99), a Mystery Machine vehicle ($19.99) with lights and sounds, and huggable plush toys, even a new character from the movie called puppy Scooby ($7.99), Funko POP! Collectibles ($9.99) and more.

Home goods and fashion: With the giant Scooby cuddle pillow guarding them, as well as a colorful bedspread and soft throws, kids will sleep soundly at night ($9 – $30). Converse sneakers in adult and youth sizes feature classic Scooby and the gang sayings like “Ruh Roh” and “Zoinks” ($70 -$110).

Outdoor: As the weather heats up and families head into the backyard to play in the pool or sprinkler, kids can wrap up in a Scooby towel with hood ($10.98). For Scooby snacks and drinks on the go Igloo’s Playmate Elite cooler ($49.00) is the perfect size for family picnics.

Food: Scooby loves his Scooby snacks! A variety of snacks worthy of Scooby’s and Shaggy’s appetites include graham cracker sticks shaped like dog bones, fruit snacks and candy.

Pet Products: A BarkBox with Scooby chew toys, plush squeak toys, and dog snacks is available through Amazon.com and the BarkBox website (price varies). A Mystery Machine Pet Carrier from Buckle Down ($59.99) looks just like the Mystery Van!

Scoob! will be available for a 48-hour rental via Premium Video On Demand for $19.99, or premium digital ownership for $24.99, beginning on Fri., May 15.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy Warner Bros. Consumer Products

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Thomas & Friends Celebrates 75 Years with Star-Studded Specials, Book Readings & More

by Jennifer SwartvagherApril 28, 2020

Prince Harry will introduce a special Thomas the Tank Engine special airing on Netflix next month to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the beloved children’s brand. The special pays homage to the show’s British heritage and features animated versions of his grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen and HRH and his father, The Prince of Wales as a child. In the episode, Thomas travels to London for the first time on a mission to take Sir Topham Hatt to Buckingham Palace.

Harry, The Duke of Sussex - Thomas the Tank Engine

Actress Rosamund Pike voices a new character, Duchess of Loughborough, and said it was “an absolute honour” to guest star in the 75th anniversary special.

“Since the beginning, Thomas & Friends has celebrated friendship and teamwork through storytelling which has cultivated fan love across generations. In this milestone 75th year, we are releasing more storytelling content than ever before to engage the next generation of fans,” said Chuck Scothon, SVP and GM of Infant and Preschool, Mattel.

Actor and singer Kevin Jonas joins in the celebration which also includes exciting partnerships, engaging apps and e-books, brand-new music plus new episodic content and specials.

Jonas is teaming up with Mattel and video app Caribu to read classic Thomas & Friends books to celebrate the iconic children’s books. Jonas will be releasing new videos each week throughout the month of May, with the first story available starting Apr. 28.

On May 4, Mattel is collaborating with Calm to offer kids a new way of engaging with Thomas & Friends through mindfulness. The content will be available for free for the month of May on the Calm app, with two more new content releases coming later in the year.

In addition, extreme action sports group Nitro Circus, will be releasing an epic Thomas & Friends train adventure for a Life-Size Toys episode on Quibi May 25.

For more information on Thomas & Friends 75th anniversary activities, please visit Thomasandfriends.com.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Mattel

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A Talking Plush Baby Yoda Is Coming & Here’s Where You Can Pre-Order Yours

by Erica LoopDecember 13, 2019

Disney+’s Mandalorian has one new character that’s getting major attention—The Child. The super-popular “Baby Yoda” is suddenly popping up everywhere. From ugly Christmas sweaters to t-shirts, this adorable alien is all over new Disney merch—and now Hasbro has a talking plush toy.

The Star Wars The Child Talking Plush Toy ($25) would be the perfect addition to your kiddo’s holiday wish list. Sadly, the popular plush is only available for pre-order right now.

photo: Amazon

The new “Baby Yoda” toy officially debuts May 18, 2020. If you want to make sure you get your hands on one (before they sell out), you can pre-order the Mandolorian merchandise on Amazon, from Target, at ShopDisney.com or from other fave retailers.

The Child plush, which is age-graded for children three and up, comes with 10 sound effects, poseable arms, a bone broth bowl and a Sorgan frog.

—Erica Loop

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Here’s Where to Get All the New Baby Yoda Merch, Including an Ugly Christmas Sweater

by Erica LoopNovember 29, 2019

There’s no doubt that one character from Disney+’s new The Mandalorian has quickly become a fan fave. Baby Yoda, a.k.a. “the Child,” has skyrocketed from a series surprise to a Star Wars super-celeb—and now the oh-so-cute character has its own merch line!

Reportedly the merch line, which is set to include everything from accessories to apparel, will hit stores as soon as Friday Nov. 22, 2019.

photo: Amazon

So where can you snag baby Yoda gear? According to CNBC, the merchandise is coming to retailers across the nation, such as Target, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Hot Topic and Box Lunch along with online e-tailers such as Amazon and Zazzle.

As a Disney franchise, it’s likely the new character’s products (including toys) will also hit the Disney Store, ShopDisney and Disney Parks stores soon.

If you just can’t wait, this Baby Yoda Decal Vinyl Sticker is already available on Amazon for $6.99 or you can get in the holiday spirit and snag this O Come All Ye Forceful Baby Yoda Ugly Christmas Sweater Shirt ($27-$33).

—Erica Loop

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Hasbro’s New Ms. Monopoly Game Is Dedicated to Female Trailblazers

by Shahrzad WarkentinSeptember 11, 2019

The top-hat wearing Mr. Monopoly is making way for a brand new mascot, Ms. Monopoly in the first version of the timeless board game that celebrates women’s achievements.

Not only does the new Ms. Monopoly game feature a new character, but the game itself has changed. While Mr. Monopoly is a real estate mogul, Ms. Monopoly invests in innovations all made possible by women throughout history. Instead of buying Park Place or a Railroad, players can invest in inventions like WiFi, solar heating and even the all-important chocolate chip cookies.

photo: Courtesy of Hasbro

To celebrate the launch of this new twist on a family favorite, Hasbro awarded young, female inventors and entrepreneurs with $20,580 in real money––the same amount of Monopoly money featured in the game. These prizes were given to young inventors between 13 and 16 years old to help complete their projects, all of which are intended to help others. For example, one recipient, Gitanjali Rao, a 13-year-old from Denver, created an easy to use device which helps detect lead in drinking water.

“Through the introduction of Ms. Monopoly and the money these young women have received to invest in their future projects, we want to recognize and celebrate the many contributions women have made to our society and continue to make on a daily basis,” said Jen Boswinkel, Senior Director, Global Brand Strategy and Marketing, Hasbro.

Ms. Monopoly, which is priced at $19.99, will hit stores nationwide in mid-September. You can pre-order it now at Walmart.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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“She-Ra” Is Returning for Season 3 with a Very Special Guest Star

by Shahrzad WarkentinMay 14, 2019

By the Power of Grayskull, She-Ra is coming back for a third season this summer and you’ll probably recognize the Oscar-winning actress lending her voice to an important new character.

Netflix has revealed that the third season of She-Ra and the Princess of Power will feature Geena Davis as Huntara. The third season will feature Huntara as the de facto leader of the Crimson Waste who is forced to form an unlikely alliance with She-Ra, Glimmer and Bow to take on a quest.

Season 3 of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is coming to @Netflix August 2nd! AND Oscar-winning actress Geena Davis will be joining the voice cast as Huntara! #SheRa @GDIGM pic.twitter.com/SeFEgPAsuR

— She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (@DreamWorksSheRa) May 10, 2019

She-Ra and the Princess of Power season 3 will debut on Netflix on Aug 3. The first two seasons are currently available to stream.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Courtesy of Netflix

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There’s Another “Toy Story 4” Teaser Trailer & June 21 Can’t Come Soon Enough

by Erica LoopApril 19, 2019

As if waiting for Jun. 21 isn’t already hard enough, Pixar has released yet another Toy Story 4 teaser trailer! This time, you’ll catch Woody and the gang gearing up for an adventurous road trip, with Little Bo Peep playing center stage.

The 30-second teaser shows some familiar faces, along with the Key and Peele’s new characters, Bunny and Ducky. See what the lovable characters are up to in the trailer below!

If you missed the first teaser trailer, fear not. You can catch up on the initial release that came out last November and left us wanting much, much more.

The first teaser was released and despite not sharing many details (i.e. plot line) it was a welcome reminder that our fave characters are coming back for all kinds of animation awesomeness—in what is reportedly their last appearance together (for real this time). And, according to Tim Allen, the voice of Buzz Lightyear, we’re going to need lots of tissues for the last Toy Story movie.

Set to Judy Collins singing Joni Mitchell’s dreamy “Both Sides Now,” the teaser features some our oldest and dearest friends, including Woody, Buzz, Jessie, the Potato Heads, Slinky, Rex, Hamm and a Little Green Man. Oh, and a talking spork.

New character Forky is voiced by Tony Hale and adds a whole new angle to the idea that toys are ready-made objects for children. When Bonnie (from Toy Story 3) turns a regular ol’ plastic spork into her new toy Forky…well, we’ll just have to wait until next summer to find out how it all turns out!

—Erica Loop & Karly Wood

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“Peppa Pig”: Everything You Need to Know About the Show’s Newest Character

by Shahrzad WarkentinApril 19, 2019

Peppa Pig is such an influential show, it has even given American kids British accents. And now the show that highlights inclusivity with a cast full of foxes, elephants, pigs and more has just added a new character. Meet the new Peppa Pig character Mandy Mouse.

Mandy Mouse is the show’s first character that uses a wheelchair. Mandy made her debut on the official Peppa Pig Twitter feed. The tweet’s caption read, “Squeak! Giving the playgroup a brief glimpse of the newest member of their beloved show.”

Squeak! Introducing the newest member of the playgroup, Mandy Mouse! 🐭 pic.twitter.com/cwMy8vFuVS

— Peppa Pig Official (@peppapig) April 3, 2019

The video in the post features Madam Gazelle introducing Mandy to the play class. Mandy arrives with her mom and the class welcomes her with a unanimous “Hello.” Twitter users were quick to comment, explaining how much the addition means to kids growing up with disabilities.

Jo Chopra McGowan, Co-founder, Latika Roy Foundation, an organization that supports families and kids with disabilities explained that the welcome that didn’t require much fanfare was the best possible way to introduce a character like Mandy. “They are already there and they don’t have to be introduced”, McGowan said. The fact that there wasn’t much drama about it reflects how kids with disabilities should be treated McGowan explained.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Peppa Pig via YouTube

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LEGO’s New “Toy Story 4” Sets Give Fans More Clues about the Film

by Erica LoopFebruary 20, 2019

The end of an era is almost here with Disney Pixar’s forthcoming Toy Story 4 due out this summer. So far we already know that the fourth installment of the iconic animated Disney flick comes with at least three new characters: Tony Hale’s Forky, Keegan-Michael Key’s Ducky and Jordan Peel’s Bunny. If you’re looking for more info than the teaser trailers provide, these new LEGO Toy Story sets might have some answers.

Even though the film won’t hit theaters until Jun. 21, you can score these awesome building sets this April.

Buzz & Woody's Carnival Mania!

Courtesy of LEGO

The trailer already teased that Toy Story 4 would take us to the carnival and this set confirms it. The 230-piece ($49.99) includes all kinds of fair fare, including new character Minifigures, Ducky and Bunny.

Toy Story 4 RV Vacation

Courtesy of LEGO

Your kiddo's best Toy Story friends are headed out of town—and it looks like we might get a hint at how they end up at the carnival. Pack the gang up and get RV-ing with this set for children ages four and older. The 178-piece set will sell for $34.99.

Carnival Thrill Coaster

Courtesy of LEGO

The second carnival set in this new line includes all kinds of coaster fun. Kids four and up can can speed around the bends with all 98 plastic bricks of this Toy Story set ($19.99).

Woody RC

Courtesy of LEGO

Woody gets behind the wheel with this supercharged set. Set up cones, knock down blocks or just drive this character fave around. The 69-piece set (which comes with a Woody Minifigure) is for kids ages four and up and will retail for $9.99.

—Erica Loop

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This Cool Online Game Teaches Kids About Science—with the Help of Frankenstein

by Erica LoopFebruary 1, 2018

What do you get when you cross a two-century-old sci-fi book with modern technology? The Frankenstein 200 online science game for kids! Way back in 1818 Mary Shelley’s iconic “Frankenstein” delighted readers, treating them to a fantastical world where science intersected with humanity. Well, now researchers at Arizona State University want your kiddo to explore the world of science through this time-tested tale.

photo: Alice Perry/Forbidden Planet

So what is Frankenstein200? It’s a multimedia project funded by the National Science Foundation. While it doesn’t have the fright of Shelley’s scary story, it does use the concept of ‘Frankenstein’ to help teach children about scientific concepts, robotics and bioengineering.

Instead of Victor (Frankenstein), the game follows Tori Frankenstein. Um, who’s Tori? No, she’s not a lesser-known player in the original tale. Instead, she’s a new character who also happens to be Victor’s descendant.

Through the gaming world, kids can enter Frankenstein’s Laboratory for Innovation and Fantastical Exploration (LIFE) and help researchers to solve a science-y mystery.

The game gives players the chance to make discoveries as they dive into the hidden realms of science, watch videos, get emails from the cast of characters, take quizzes and (of course) play games. Oh, and this game doesn’t just live in the virtual world. Frankenstein200 has at-home in-real-life activities for kids to do too.

This isn’t a one time and you’re done kind of game. It takes players 30 days to complete. Yes, 30 days. The free game digs deep into subjects such as scientific ethics and artificial intelligence—meaning it’s not for the ‘little kid’ set. The recommended age range for this online experience is 10 to 14-years.

What’s your child’s favorite science activity? Share their pick in the comments below. —Erica Loop

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