List of New Folkmanis Puppets for January 2011

December 26, 2010 New Folkmanis Puppets Due January 2011


Here is a list of new Folkmanis puppets coming in 2011. Some are due in early January. Times are approximate. I have some preliminary pictures but have been asked to not publish them just yet. I will as soon as I can!

• Eastern Chipmunk - due 2011
• Gecko - due Jan 25
• Lion (new style) - due Jan 13
• Lobster - Due Jan 10
• Bunny Puppet Kit - due Jan 13
• Cat Puppet Kit - due Jan 13
• Frog Puppet Kit - due Jan 13
• Frog Stage puppet - due Jan 13
• Cottontail Rabbit - due Jan 25
• Holland Lop Rabbit - due Jan 25
• Rattlesnake - due Jan 10
• Gray Wolf - due 2011
• Bird Monster - due Jan 13
• Blue Monster - due Jan 13
• Jester - due 2011
• Pirate stage puppet - due Feb 9
• Pixie Sprite - due 2011
• Mini Monkey finger puppet - due 2011
• Mini Golden Retriever finger puppet - due 2011
• Mini Leafy Sea Dragon finger puppet - due 2011

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.  We hope everyone has a peaceful and joyous day.

Folkmanis Puppet Prices to Increase in 2011

December 7, 10 Folkmanis Prices Increase in 2011


The prices of many Folkmanis puppets will increase in the new year. It is not an across the board increase, but many will increase. Get you favorite puppet now at the lower price. Read our puppet news to keep up.

Langley Store Open Late Friday and Saturday Through Christmas

The merchants in Langley have gotten together to extend their store hours and offer some specials when you visit their stores this holiday season.  Open until 8 PM on Friday and Saturdays November 26th through December 18.  Take a look at our flyer for Langley Holiday Late Night all the special things happening.

Reindeer Antlers for Christmas Plays

We have a bunch of Christmas hats just in stock.  The reindeer hat is very popular during Christmas for plays and parties.  Don't miss out.  Limited stock.

We have almost a hundred costume hats in stock, so you will find one for most any need.

Smiley Snowman book and Folkmanis Puppets

We just added the "Smiley Snowman" hardcover book to our large list of kids books matched with Folkmanis Puppets.  Small Fox, Little Bear, and Fluff Bunny have a great time building a huge, smiley snowman out of fresh snow. But when they return the next morning, their snowman looks all shivery and his happy smile is gone! What went wrong? Full color. This hardcover book will light up your kids with the glitter covered snow and the little animals that make a snowman.



Disney Tinkerbell Wig in stock



Disney Tinkerbell Wig

 Take flight to Neverland with this officially licensed Disney Tinkerbell felt wig. Perfectly shaped like Tink's famous bun and bangs, just think happy thoughts and never grow up!

• Costume suggestions: Tinker Bell
• Fabric lining
• Elastic size adjuster
• Fits adults and kids 4 and up
• Felt, cotton

Checkout all of our Halloween costume hats. 

Disney Cheshire Ears and Tail just in time for Halloween

We just got in a lot of new costume hats for Halloween.  Take a look a the Disney Cheshire Ears and tail set. This pink striped headband and tail set is made of the finest faux-fur, and is sure to be the perfect addition to your Cheshire Cat Costume. Tail attaches with an easy velcro loop closure. Perfect to wear with a belt or on a belt loop. Item is officially licensed by Disney for the Disney Classics product line.

Costume suggestions: Cheshire Cat

Fits kids and adults

Faux-Fur, Polyester blend

Folkmanis Boy with Orange Hair Discontinued

Folkmanis just sent a new update on stock. The Folkmanis boy with orange hair puppet is now discontinued. The Folkmanis Beagle puppet and Folkmanis small dog hand puppet were discontinued previously.

Puppets that just went out of stock that we still have are the mini field mouse, gray squirrel, pig stage puppet, and the hermit crab. We still have some in stock, but we won't be able to order more until mid October or November. Don't miss out. Get the latest news on Folkmanis puppets from our site or check out each puppet.

Read "A Bookie Gets and Education"

Read Tess' latest blog, A Bookie Gets and Education.

While you are there, check out "The Seals on the Bus" kids book that goes great with several of our Folkmanis seal puppets and even the new Sea Lion finger puppet. Take a look at it in an earlier blog here.

Folkmanis Mini Fawn Finger Puppets

The Folkmanis Fawn finger puppet was released in late August 2010. This finger puppet is all brown with black eyes, nose and feet. There are some white spots on the mini fawn finger puppet. These finger puppets are 6 inches long, 3 inches wide and 2.5 inches tall (15.2 x 7.6 x 6.3 cm). If you want the fawn hand puppet, then we have that too.

Folkmanis Alpaca Stage Puppet

We have the new Folkmanis Alpaca Stage puppet in stock. It is all white with fluffy fur. This alpaca puppet has a moveable mouth and is 15 inches tall, 9 inches long and 6 inches wide (38.1 x 22.86 x 15.2 cm). The head is solid so you can move the lower lip using one finger. See all of our new puppets and get updates from us on Twitter

New Folkmanis Baby Dragon in Stock

We will have the new Folkmanis Fawn finger puppet, the seal lion finger puppet and the Baby Dragon puppets in stock on Friday.

The new Folkmanis Baby Dragon puppet is great to be getting in. The discontinued baby dragon puppet was very popular because of its size and the price point. This is an improved version of that puppet. The mouth is moveable as well as the two front legs. The new puppet is 11 inches long, 8 inches wide and 8.5 inches tall. Keep up on the latest Folkmanis puppet releases and the great kids books we match with them.

More New Folkmanis Finger Puppets Due this Week

We are expecting several more of the newest Folkmanis puppets: baby dragon hand puppet, mini fawn, and the mini sea lion finger puppet. Being on Whidbey Island, we love to get in sea creatures. The mini sea lion shown to the right will complement the walrus finger puppet that we already have.

The mini sea lion finger puppet is 5 inches long and 4 inches tall.

Folkmanis Mini Raccoon Finger Puppet in Stock

We also got in the new Folkmanis mini Raccon in Can finger puppet. This Folkmanis finger puppet is 3 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 5 inches tall (7.6 x 7.6 x 12.7 cm). The raccoon finger puppet is inside a silver colored garbage can with a lid so the finger puppet can pop up and down in the can. You move the puppet from underneath the garbage can.

Read all about the new Folkmanis puppets at Act II Books and Puppets.

This is a mini version of the large Raccoon in Garbage can hand puppet.

Folkmanis Turtleneck Turtle Puppet is Very Cute

We just got in several new puppets this week. One is the Folkmanis Turtleneck Turtle puppet. It has a moveable mouth and two front legs. The picture shows the turtle standing up, but it does not stand up by itself. If it could stand, then it would be 12 inches tall, 8 inches wide and 5 inches long (30.5 x 20.3 x 12.7 cm). This cute green turtle has a gray/green shell and a yellow turtle neck and underneath.

We have bunches of different turtles.

A Bookie is Born

Ever wonder how Tess got started in the book business and how she relates the books with Folkmanis puppets? Read her blog on "A Bookie is Born."

New Folkmanis Red Squirrel Finger Puppets

Another new Folkmanis puppet arrived today. The Folkmanis red squirrel finger is 5 inches tall and 5 inches long (12 x 12.7 cm). It has a bushy tail and fine whiskers. Released in August 2010.

This is a cute critter that joins the rest of the squirrels.

New Folkmanis Garden Snail Puppet in Stock

We just got in the new Folkmanis Garden Snail puppet. This neat. The shell is more realistic than the current large snail puppet.

The Folkmanis Garden Snail puppet is a hand puppet and is 10 inches long, 7 inches wide and 6 inches tall (25.4 x 17.8 x 15.2 cm). This snail puppet has a moveable mouth and retracts into the shell.

You can put two fingers in the eyes and move them or move the mouth really easily. The head and neck can retract into the shell and is very flexible for great puppeteering.

Released August 2010.

New Folkmanis Snail Puppets

Folkmanis Puppets is releasing the new snail finger puppet and the new garden snail puppet in about a week.

The new Folkmanis snail finger puppet will be in stock in mid August. It is a replica of the larger snail puppet that has been so popular. The mini snail is 3.5 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide (8.9 x 8.9 cm) The shell is brown with a light tan snail.

The garden snail puppet is much larger at 10 inches long, 7 inches wide and 6 inches tall (25.4 x 17.8 x 15.2 cm). This snail puppet has a moveable mouth and retracts into the shell.

New Folkmanis Baby Chimpanzee Puppet

We just got in the new baby chimpanzee puppet. It is cute with a mouth that can be moved. It is 5 inches long, 8 inches wide and 15 inches tall (12.7 x 20.3 x 38.1 cm).

Buy it for only $15.99.

The Facts: Internet Sales Tax and the Streamlined Sales Tax Project | eBay Main Street - Public Policy and Breaking Ecommerce News

The Facts: Internet Sales Tax and the Streamlined Sales Tax Project eBay Main Street - Public Policy and Breaking Ecommerce News

Folkmanis Red Squirrel Puppet in stock

The new Folkmanis red squirrel puppet is a great addition to the squirrel puppets we have -- the gray squirrel, gray squirrel finger puppet and the cute little chipmunk finger puppet. The Folkmanis red squirrel has a moveable mouth and two front legs. 12 inches long, 5 inches wide, 6 inches tall (30.5 x 12.7 x 15.2 cm)

Also arrving on Monday is the new small harp seal pup puppet. It is a smaller version of the large harp seal puppet that was very popular with its all white body and black eyes.

The Folkmanis harp seal puppet has a moveable mouth and arms. Your hand enters from the chest to move the mouth. 18 inches long, 7 inches wide, 6 inches tall (45.7 x 17.8 x 15.2 cm)

Three New Folkmanis Puppets

We are getting in three of the new Folkmans puppets being released this Summer. The Dachshund puppet shown to the right is 12 inches long.

• T2878 - Dachshund Puppet


• T2879 - Harp Seal Pup Puppet


• T2880 - Red Squirrel

Other new puppets coming this Summer/Fall are

T2885 - Alpaca Stage Puppet - due Aug 14

T2877 - Baby Chimpanzee - due Aug 1

T2886 - Baby Dragon Puppet - due Sep 1

T2884 - Black Faced Sheep Stage Puppet - due Sep 1

T2882 - Garden Snail Puppet - due Aug 10

T2883 - Horned Lizard Puppet - due Sep 14

T2875 - Owlet Puppet - due Sep 14

T2876 - Red Fox Puppet - due Aug 17

T2881 - Turtleneck Turtle - due Aug 17

T2733 - Fawn Finger Puppet - due Sep 1

T2728 - Firefly Finger Puppet - due Oct 4

T2730 - Raccoon in Can Finger Puppet - due Aug 17

T2735 - Red Squirrel Finger Puppet - due Aug 10

T2734 - Sea Lion Finger Puppet - due Sep 1

T2729 - Sitting Dog Finger Puppet - due Sep 14

T2731 - Snail Finger Puppet - due Sept 1

T2732 - Turtle Finger Puppet - due Aug 17

A Bit Behind on the Blog

Well, we have been working like crazy on redesigning our website and have not had time to update the blog for a couple of months. A major sin, I know. I had starting writing our web pages by hand in 1995 so all of our pages were hand written. No database - which was very time consuming when I wanted to make a change to any of the 1300 pages on our site. We have consolidated everything into one big database on only one server.

You will find search easier and more complete and much more graphical. We show many more related items than before. I was amazed at how many kids books Tess had matched with puppets that I hand never had time to add to the web.

The shopping bag will display on the right side of the page when you have an item selected and can be changed easily. You can get shipping costs for the US on the fly as you shop and can see the running total.

While we are mostly done, I am sure we will be making a few more minor changes here and there as we find the need.

If you have been in our store in Langley WA, then you will find that the online experience on the redesigned site reflects much better the depth of our selections of children's books to match with Folkmanis puppets.

So, having that done. I can get back to working on my blog. I have fixed a few of the picture links in this blog and will do more soon to correct the web address.

I have a list of new puppets due out staring in July and will post that tomorrow.

- Richard

Easter Bunnies Taking A Rest on Easter

Well, we have been pretty busy this week in the store with Spring Break and Easter on Sunday. We will be open today and Friday, closed Easter Sunday, then open after that our normal hours from 11 AM to 5 PM.

Of course, you can order online at any time. http://www.kidsbooksandpuppets.com/

Folkmanis Mozart Puppet Just Released

The Folkmanis Mozart puppet was released in February 2010. "Delightful two-handed piano puppet allows for animation of keys while your second hand operates the removable Mozart hiding inside the grand piano. Designed in sumptuous velvet fabrics, this piece is gorgeous just sitting there but enchanting when puppeteered!" Mozart puppet can be removed from the piano but it does not stand up by itself.

About 11 inches long, 10 inches wide, 6 inches high (27.9 cm x. 25.4 cm x 15.2 cm).

Unboxed Weight 10.4 oz (0.65 lb, 295 g)

New Folkmanis Tadpole Frog Puppet now available

The Folkmanis Tadpole Frog puppet was released in February 2010. This puppet is tadpole on one side and frog on the other. The Tadpole and Frog have a moveable mouth and the legs tuck in on Tadpole for Polliwog stage. You can move the legs on the frog side by putting you fingers in the leg first, then in the head. The mouth of the tadpole moves also, but not as easily as the frog. A smaller hand works best. This will be great for teaching biology in class.

About 17 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 6 inches tall (43.2 cm x 20.3 cm, 15.2 cm).

Unboxed Weight 8 oz (0.5 lb, 227 g)

New Folkmanis Sitting Polar Bear Puppet

The Folkmanis Sitting Polar Bear puppet has a moveable mouth and all four legs can be moved. You put your hand in the puppet from underneath into the four legs or put a finger in the head to move the mouth. The fur is slightly off white and has a thicker feel to the coat. His eyes and nose are black and there is a nice paw design printed on his feet. The Folkmanis sitting Polar Bear puppet was released in February 2010. Check out all of the new Folkmanis puppets released in 2010.

About 8 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 9 inches tall (20.3 cm x 12.7 cm, 22.9 cm).
Unboxed Weight 5.8 oz (0.37 lb,165 g)

New Gray and White Folkmanis Bunny Finger Puppet

The Folkmanis Bunny Rabbit finger puppet was released in February 2010. The cute little rabbit finger puppet is light gray and white with pink ears. Darling! You put your finger in the puppet from underneath. Great for a spring or Easter gift.

About 5 inches long (12.7 cm).
Unboxed Weight 0.7 oz (0.044 lb, 19.9 g)

Folkmanis Rat Puppet in stock, Great Price

The Folkmanis Rat puppet was released in January 2010. The Folkmanis Rat puppet is gray with pinkish ears, nose and tail. You put your hand in the body from the back side to put your fingers in the head to move the mouth and in the four legs to move them.

This cute little rat puppet is 9 inches long, 5 inches wide, 4 inches tall (22.9 cm x 12.7 cm x 10.2 cm)

Act II's Price: $ 12.99, Save $3.00 off retail.

- Richard

Robinson Crusoe Audio Book Now Available on CDs

Robinson Crusoe Audio Book now available on 2 CDs. Just $19.99.

"Young Robinson Crusoe has a burning ambition to be a sailor. Paying no attention to his parents' warnings he runs away to sea to embark on an extraordinary series of adventures: struggles with Barbary pirates, a shipwreck, and the extraordinary meeting with Man Friday. Roy Marsden plays the older Robinson Crusoe looking back on a life of recklessness, daring and adventure - and the survival of twenty-eight years, two months and nineteen days on a desert island. Based on the real-life adventures of Alexander Selkirk, "Robinson Crusoe" was one of the very first adventure stories to be published in English literature and it remains as gripping today as it was on publication in 1719."

- unabridged audio book on 2 CDs, BBC Children's Classics

Tales of Beatix Potter Audiobook for 18 stories only $14.39

We just got in the "Tales of Beatrix Potter" by Beatrix Potter on audiobook CDs. This collection of 18 of Beatrix Potter's has the charming stories about Peter Rabbit, Tom Kitten, Mrs. Tittlemouse, and others that continue to enchant a whole new generation of fans.

Let your children share in the tradition of Beatrix Potter and her animal family , a literary treasure for generations to cherish. Her books have been translated into nearly every language and have neve been out of print.

Only #14.39 plus shipping. Check out all of our children's audiobooks.

Jester Costume Hats for Mardi Gras 15% off

Mardi Gras is always a fun time! We are all ready for winter to be over and one of our Jester hats will go great with any celebration. Mardi Gras is Feb 16, 2010. The jester hats sell for 15% off retail and we have a number to choose from. Only $16.98 for this Royal Court Jester hat.

The Royal Court Jester costume hat is purple with yellow diamonds around the head. The three points have a silver bell at the end of each point. It is about 15 inches (38.1 cm) between each of the tri-points on the hat and it is about 6 inches (15.2 cm) high at the center.

- Richard

New Folkmanis White Rabbit Puppet is Perfect for Alice in Wonderland

This new Folkmanis White Rabbit puppet is perfect for you Alice in Wonderland parties. It is pure white, all over except for its black eyes. The Folkmanis Standing White Rabbit puppet was released in January 2010. This pure white rabbit puppet has smooth, silky fur and a moveable mouth and paws. The rabbit puppet is in a sitting position with long perky ears. You can flop them bacak and forth. The rabbit is 10 inches long, 8 inches wide and 17 inches tall (25.4 cm x 20.3 cm x 43.2 cm)

Only $19.99 plus shipping.

Check out all of the new Folkmanis Puppets released so far in 2010.

- Richard

New Folkmans Hermit Crab Puppet

We have the new Folkmanis Hermit Crab puppet in stock. We are glad to get this in because living on an island, we get lots of customers coming to enjoy the beach and take long walks looking for sea shells. A momento from Langley was often one of the hermit crabs that Folkmanis used to make and discontinued. It was smaller than this new Hermit crab puppet.

The Folkmanis Hermit Crab puppet was released January 2010. You put your hand in the shell and crab from underneath to move the crab in and out of the shell and move its legs. The crab does not completely remove from the shell but comes out quite a ways. The puppeteer can really get their hand into the puppet and move it. The design of the shell and crab is very realistic with white shell with stiching and printed designs and the orange crab with quite real looking legs.

13 inches long, 9 inches wide, 11 inches high (33 cm x 22.9 cm x 27.9 cm)

Add the House for Hermit Crab children's book with this puppet.

- Richard

Checkout the new Folkmanis Chicken Puppet 20% off

Have you looked at the new Folkmanis Chicken puppet released in January 2010? This chicken puppet is a fun bird! The orange colored chicken has a red cocks comb, white eyes and moveable mouth and wings. You put your hand in the bottom of the body and into the head to easily move the mouth. Each wing has a glove under the wing for your fingers to move the wings. The legs of the chicken dangle when you hold him up but he does not stand on his own.

Only $27.59 each plus shipping.

The chicken is about 15 inches (38.1 cm) from the bottom of the body to the top of the head or 22 inches (55.9 cm) from the bottom of the feet to the top of the head. 12 inches long and 9 inches wide (30.5 cm x 22.9 cm). Check out the rest of the new Folkmanis puppets.

Folkmanis Collie Just Released Jan 22

We just got in the new Folkmanis Collie puppet. It is very realistic looking with long nose, cute face and brown and white fur. You can move the mouth easily from under the dog. My wife's family used to have a collie years ago. Good old Rebel was a great dog.

The Folkmanis collie puppet is about 14 inches high, 19 inches long and 7 inches wide (35.6 cm x 48.3 cm 17.8 cm)

20% off! Only $25.99 plus shipping. Check out the rest of the new Folkmanis puppets.

New Folkmanis Wolf in Sheep's Clothing Puppet

We are just really having fun with the new Folkmanis Wolf in Sheep's Clothing Puppet. Tess just got in a new book to go with it called "Where's the Big Bad Wolf." I will get that on here in a few days, but for now here is some info on this great new stage puppet.

The Folkmanis Wolf in Sheep's Clothing Stage puppet was released in January 2010. The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing hand puppet has a wolf puppet with white and gray body that is 16 inches (35.6 cm) tall.

The sheepskin over the wolf is removeable. You can move the mouth and the two paws. Here is a picture of the wolf puppet without the sheep skin. He is pretty versatile and has a cute face for such a "bad wolf".

Cost is only $20.99. Grab one now or check out all the new Folkmanis puppets in 2010.

- Richard

New Folkmanis Puppets for 2010

Whew! Where did the last few months go?!





Folkmanis has released 9 new puppets since December. The cute Groundhog finge puppet is just in time for Groundhog's Day. Get yours soon and help bring in Spring early this year.





The other new Folkmanis puppets are:

• Chicken


• Golden Retriever Puppy


• Hermit Crab


• Lamb with brown feet


• Standing White Rabbit


• Tiger Stage Puppet


• Wolf in Sheep's clothing - a new favorite of ours!

More information to come on each puppet. Richard