Folkmanis® Puppets Unleashes Handfuls Of Fun

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Feb. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Introducing 21 new items this spring, FOLKMANIS, INC. – Puppets That Inspire Imagination and Play – continues to excite children and adults around the globe. Folkmanis puppets will be appearing at gift and toy shows this spring, including the American International Toy Fair being held in Manhattan New York at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center February 10^th – 13^th where Folkmanis is in booth #2837.

"When I made the first stuffed animal hand puppet over 35 years ago, I had no idea that Folkmanis would become world renown and set the gold standard for modern plush animal puppets. I'm thrilled to have brought some playful awareness and inspired a love of the natural world to children and adults everywhere" says Judy Folkmanis, founder and creative director.

Famous for its full-bodied plush puppets, Folkmanis has introductions this spring running the price gamut from $13-$48 SRP. The collection includes:

ALPACA
Prized for their lustrous, warm fleece, Alpacas grow their long wooly coats to withstand the crisp mountain air. The Folkmanis ALPACA Puppet is as soft and gentle as a Peruvian flower. Its sweet face and ultra-soft micro fiber body plush make this Alpaca puppet irresistibly cuddly. Recommended for ages 3+, measures 19-inches long, MSRP $44.00

GRIZZLY BEAR
Lumbering and sniffing around for a snack, this GRIZZLY BEAR puppet is also hungry for love! Decked out in thick, soft, gold-tipped plush, with soft claws and a movable mouth for chewing or chitchat, the Grizzly Bear Puppet will soon be your huggable companion. Recommended for ages 3+, measures 15-inches long, MSRP $40.00

TUXEDO CAT
Always dressed to the nines, this natty catty is ready to step out on the town. The TUXEDO CAT puppet has a movable mouth and front paws that bring him to life like a real cat—-full of curiosity or seeking a lap for a nap. Recommended for ages 3+, measures 21-inches long, MSRP $34.00

SKY DRAGON
Sculpted fabric enhances the ethereal look of the SKY DRAGON puppet. With rich detailing, this spectacular dragon features a movable mouth, forelegs and velvet wings to take flight. This champion of mythical creatures is destined to guide your journey into realms of fantasy. Recommended for ages 3+, measures 22-inches tall, MSRP $48.00

LONG LEGGED FROG
It's not easy being green, but this LONG LEGGED FROG puppet wears it well.  The gangly legs and big mouth give him the air of a real comedian. Recommended for ages 3+, measures 9-inches tall, MSRP $20.00

GOOSE
Ideal as a Mother Goose, the GOOSE puppet's movable beak and two-handed wing design allow for endless combinations of humorous honking, flapping, singing, snapping, sputtering and storytelling. Her big blue eyes will draw you into any tale! The classic white body has feathery wings, long legs and webbed feet. Invite her to dinner for a honking mad time! Recommended for ages 3+, measures 21-inches tall, MSRP $40.00

MALTESE
The snow-white, cuddly and playful MALTESE puppet has a movable mouth, round black eyes and nose and pellet-weighted floppy ears and paws. This ancient breed and loyal companion will surely plant kisses on unsuspecting faces, wag its tail and bark with your voice. Absolutely irresistible, this is one puppy certain to leap off store shelves, and into the arms of kids of all ages. Recommended for ages 3+, measures 14-inches long, MSRP $24.00

MONKEY IN BARREL
What's more fun than a barrel of monkeys? Well, a MONKEY IN BARREL puppet of course! When you pull the monkey down into the soft microfiber barrel, the barrel lid closes. Guess what kind of monkey business is going on in there—or pop the monkey out for a playful surprise! Recommended for ages 3+, measures 10-inches tall, MSRP $24.00

BABY SEA OTTER
Nestled in your arms, the soulful eyes of this charming BABY SEA OTTER puppet will bring out your nurturing instincts. This playful puppet is flexible and easy to animate. Make him groom his soft fur and whiskers for captivating fun! Recommended for ages 3+, measures 12-inches long, MSRP $18.00

SCREECH OWL
Feathery tan and grey plush mimic the soft, silent feathers of the SCREECH OWL puppet so realistically that they almost camouflage this woodland creature. With the hidden rod, turn his head to fix his watchful eyes on you! Recommended for ages 3+, measures 6-inches tall, MSRP $16.00

LEOPARD SHARK
The perfect accessory to your decor or wardrobe, this shark puppet is sporting a rich fantasy leopard jacquard. His teeth are soft vinyl, so even if he catches you, you'll feel no pain from this sleek but chic LEOPARD SHARK puppet. Recommended for ages 3+, measures 22-inches long, MSRP $28.00

Barn busters from holiday 2012 and making their Toy Fair debut are two award-winning farm buddies: PIGLET and ROOSTER. Both puppets are made with the exceptional care you expect from Folkmanis. When held the PIGLET puppet looks and feels like a real piglet. This is a puppet to fool your friends with! The ROOSTER puppet looks like a classic slice of Americana. Using the perfect blend of feather-like fabrics, the ROOSTER puppet is simply a gorgeous plush creation.

Folkmanis believes imagination is the key to a healthy childhood, encouraging play and discovery to develop the skills necessary in life. The company has been making the most innovative and engaging specialty puppets in the world since 1976, delighting imaginations and winning nearly every industry, child development, and kid-tested award – many repeatedly. Most Folkmanis® Puppets are recommended for ages 3 and up and are available at specialty toy and gift stores, including: science/nature museums, zoo and aquarium gift shops, thousands of independent toy and gift stores, and specialty retailers nationwide and in more than 15 countries around the world. You can also find Folkmanis® Puppets online at www.folkmanis.com. For more information, email [email protected] or go to www.folkmanis.com.

SOURCE Folkmanis Inc.