TOMY International announced that Jeff Jackson will be joining Fat Brain Toys as Executive Vice President effective immediately. Building upon their success, Jeff will be working alongside founders Mark and Karen Carson to further their vision for growing the Fat Brain brand. Jeff Jackson joins Fat Brain Toys as a seasoned executive in the toy industry. He has over 25 years of progressive commercial leadership experience in eCommerce, marketing, sales, and strategic brand development. Jackson held several leadership positions during his tenure at Hasbro, where he successfully helped reimagine and grow some of the world’s top toy and entertainment brands. He also served as Senior Vice President of Global Amazon and eCommerce, leading the commercial team’s digital transformation. Before joining Fat Brain Toys, Jackson was the General Manager of Hasbro Canada.

The Veterinary Innovation Council (VIC) has announced the launch of new resources to address the nationwide problem of access to veterinary care and new comprehensive services to help veterinarians reach underserved patients. Formed in 2015 by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), VIC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the field of veterinary medicine through innovation, education, and advocacy.

Spin Master’s Toca Boca studio, with its commitment to self-expression and inclusivity in gaming, is entering the multiplayer domain with Toca Boca Days digital game, being released this year beginning this summer. This strategic expansion caters to the evolving needs of kids and tweens by providing an emotionally rewarding and safe multiplayer environment. Over the past decade, Toca Boca studio has been at the forefront of innovative gaming, emphasizing play, self-expression and creativity with more than 60 million monthly active users and awards like Apple’s 2021 iPhone App of the Year. The introduction of Toca Boca Days digital game marks the studios strategic entry into the realm of multiplayer online gaming, a popular and growing gaming category for tweens worldwide.

Clever Noodle, an award-winning startup dedicated to creating engaging educational games, has announced the launch of its phonics-based game, Popped!, in collaboration with world-acclaimed artist Jeff Koons. The dynamic and immersive game is designed to make learning to read an enjoyable adventure, with Koons’ iconic Balloon Dog serving as the game’s visual centerpiece. “Popped!” was co-developed with national literacy experts to make sure it helps equip children with essential reading skills – while fostering a love for learning and art. It leverages the science of reading, an evidence-based approach that addresses the complex process of how children’s brains learn to read and write.

The Horde can delve into the world of deadmau5 like never before with the launch of his toy line with TOYMAK3RS, set to debut at retro5pective—an homage to 25 years of his musical legacy. This ultra-limited, exclusive collectable keychain collection features six unique clip-on plush toys, each granting access to digital VIP experiences using cutting-edge technology that transcends traditional music memorabilia. The toys are available exclusively at deadmau5’ ‘retrospective’ shows in Los Angeles now, May 2 & 3 in New York City, and online while supplies last at www.mau5hop.com.

Children and youth are facing mental and behavioral health conditions at staggering rates (1), and play is a powerful tool clinically proven to help manage and improve children’s mental and behavioral health. Studies (2) have shown play therapy in a hospital setting reduces anxiety and negative emotions, as well as well as helps children express and communicate their feelings and emotions through toys. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, The Toy Foundation (TTF) facilitated an interview between VTech Electronics, a partner of TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program, and MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach (Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital), a 2024 play grants recipient, to discuss how play is a vital tool for medical teams to provide pediatric patients with developmentally-appropriate mental and behavioral health support while undergoing treatment.