Fabulous Farm Animals Come to Life As Puppets from Folkmanis
Farm animals always provide children with hours of laughter and this spring FOLKMANIS – the most award-winning specialty puppet maker in the world – gives birth to a barnyard of adorable puppets. New introductions to the company’s core, Stage Puppet, and mini (finger) puppet lines offer so many choices even Old MacDonald would be a happy farmer. These new puppets debut, along with all new Folkmanis Puppets, at all major toy and gift shows, including the American International Toy Fair February 14-17, 2010 in Manhattan at the Folkmanis booth #1833 at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Whom You Know highly recommends the Folkmanis puppets!
“Kids love all kinds of farms animals. They are cute and cuddly, warm and fuzzy,” says Judy Folkmanis, co-founder and creative director. “Our puppets are the perfect way for kids to open their imaginations to the wonder of the farm and explore the world of the animals that live there.”
New to the Folkmanis barnyard in 2010 are: CHICKEN, LAMB, STANDING WHITE RABBIT, COW STAGE PUPPET, WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING STAGE PUPPET, COLLIE, GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPY, and MINI BUNNY RABBIT.
Year after year, Folkmanis wins awards for its clever designs, and this year’s funky CHICKEN is another example Folkmanis’ designers’ wit and charm. Fabulous plush makes this Chicken puppet appear lifelike. Its whimsical, oversized wings can accommodate adult hands. A young puppeteer can choose to operate one wing and the moveable beak solo or join with a friend and have one operate both wings while the other manipulates the beak and head. Guaranteed to be first in the pecking order, this chicken puppet is crazy-fun and has endless combinations of clucking, strutting, scratching and flapping! Chicken puppet stands 22-inches tall and is recommended for ages 5 and up. S.R.P. $34.
The newest baby on the farm is Folkmanis’ 17-inch LAMB. This full-bodied puppet has a moveable mouth, soft-pile fabric simulated fleece, and an adorable baby face. Easily operated by slipping ones hand into his tummy opening, the Lamb can bound around the playroom on his four little legs highlighted with contrasting brown “hooves”. Recommended for ages 3 and up, Lamb has a S.R.P. of $24.
STANDING WHITE RABBIT is 17-inches tall and one of the softest puppets in Folkmanis’ spring line. Made of super-soft white plush, White Rabbit has signature velveteen long ears and heartwarming facial features that come to life with a moveable mouth. Her front paws are also moveable as kids can use their imaginations to have White Rabbit play with pretend carrots from their own backyard gardens. Standing White Rabbit is wonderful for ages 3 and up and has a S.R.P. of $20. We named her rabbit of the spring:
Utterly terrific! Folkmanis’ COW STAGE PUPPET is one of seven new Stage puppets this spring, but one of the most whimsical yet. Cow’s silky soft, brown-and-white hide and moooovable mouth will milk a smile out of everyone. The Stage Puppet is 14-inches and Cow, with her floppy, long tongue and moveable, bulging eyes, will be the cream of your puppet collection, and that's no bull! Cow is designed for ages 3 and up and has a S.R.P. of $22.
This clever WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING STAGE PUPPET is an unwanted visitor on most farms, but with the creative genius of Folkmanis designers Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing is a welcome addition to any toy box. Wolf is made of gray plush with a movable mouth, arms and tongue. It comes with a removable sheepskin disguise that fits on top of its head and down its back. Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing is for ages 3 and up and has a S.R.P. of $26.
A loyal herding dog, the COLLIE has long been at home on the farm, and no one recreates dog puppets better than Folkmanis. This faithful breed is exquisitely rendered in a combination of long and short, rich brown-and-white plush. This 19-inch Collie puppet’s muzzle can be animated. The Collie is full bodied and can be used as a puppet or stuffed animal for ages 3 and up. It has a S.R.P. of $32.
One of America’s perennial favorite dogs is Folkmanis’ newest puppy. The GOLDEN RETRIEVER PUPPY is 17 inches of fun. Soft and cuddly, full-bodied and lovable, this puppy has a moveable mouth and adorable face that you think will come alive and lick your face. Just like its real-life counterpart, this Golden Retriever Puppy is sure to be an American favorite. For ages 3 and up, Golden Retriever Puppy has a S.R.P. of $22.
The littlest addition to the Folkmanis farm this spring is MINI BUNNY RABBIT. At just five inches, Mini Bunny Rabbit is a tiny handful of soft, cuddly fun. Designed in gray and white micro-fiber fabrics with pink ears, the Mini Bunny Rabbit is appropriate for ages 3 and up and has a S.R.P. of $6.50.
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. Folkmanis® Puppets are seen often in film and have recently appeared on television in: “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson”, Cartoon Network's "Robot Chicken" as well as CBS’ "The Young and the Restless", "NCIS," and Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report." Most Folkmanis® Puppets are recommended for ages 3 and up and are available at specialty toy and gift stores nationwide and in more than 15 countries around the world. You can also find Folkmanis® Puppets online at www.folkmanis.com.
