Riley here. I’m delighted to share with you seven extraordinary toy concepts that I’ve had the pleasure of working on with LRS artists. As a toy and game creator and agent, I see what’s selling and trending in the market. When I talk with people in the industry, they say this: parents and gift-givers crave unique play patterns, educational value, and standout art and design.

Scroll down to enjoy a handful of art-driven concepts your customers will love. Get ready to think about your next new product release!

Åsa Gilland Jungle safari stacking toy

Kids will practice fine motor skills as they fall in love with this stacking toy from Åsa. All the animals — the elephant, alligator, tiger, dog, and monkey — have such varied personality. It’s all in the eyes. But wait, look at that alligator, shaped like a little table. Kids will get happily lost in the beautiful details! I can see this made of wood and packaged beautifully at retail. Look at that rope tail on the elephant: this could even become a stacking pull toy! Contact me to license this concept or art.

 

Bambi Ramsey Woodland magic matchup   In Bambi’s toy pitch, animals are clad in hats, ties, and sweaters in a beautiful memory match game. It’s loaded with swoon-worthy characters. They would make a great preschool activity or a stationery product. Look at that color palette and design of the snail’s shell! Can you imagine this in your line? Contact me to license Bambi’s game and art.

Trina Dalziel Special delivery game   As Trina and I worked on this game, I fell in love with her delicate aesthetic even more. Her game pitch, Special Delivery, is an adventure through that oh-so-Trina countryside of winding cobblestone roads. Players navigate their routes, make deliveries, and are given surprise detours! This game of chance and route planning is perfect for 6 players ages 4-6. Contact me to see the full pitch or to license Trina’s work.

Mara Penny Munch card game   Mara’s exquisite botanical details, striking animal illustrations, and hand lettering truly set this card game apart, plus it’s a ton of fun to play. Munch has a twist that sets it apart: the game features educational facts about the ecosystem and food chain. Contact me to see the full pitch. Grab it before it’s gobbled up!

Zoë Ingram Repeat, repeat!   We’ve conjured up this beautiful and challenging one-player brainteaser that’s deceptively difficult! Solve all 12 puzzles and you’ll be called a legend. Big bonus: the puzzle game increases visuo-spatial skills. Zoe Ingram’s intricate repeat patterns are mesmerizing. I get lost in the details she draws. Can you spot the tiny violet stars? How many stems can you find? For 1 player, ages 8 to adult. Contact me to see the full pitch. Hurry, while supplies last!

Erin Vanessa you do you-nicorn   The You Do You-nicorns make their debut in this memory match game by our very own Erin Vanessa. This adorable team of diverse unicorns will help children practice their concentration skills as they sharpen their short-term memory. Better yet, kids will see that diversity is the way to play! For one or more players. Contact me to license Erin’s sweet, diverse characters.

One (that we can’t show yet) was just picked up and will be published April 2023!

Editors and Art Directors: Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to see any or all of our artists’ charming and gorgeous children’s book pitches.

Katie Vernon

You’ll love this appealing and witty tale about an eccentric child who is obsessed with arranging absolutely anything and everything, from flowers to people! We’re particularly excited about Katie’s wit and her luscious watercolor illustrations. What’s so good about this book is its important message of accepting and embracing one’s own unique behavioral differences. Full dummy available.

 

We’re incredibly excited about Bambi’s historic tale of a brave pioneer, loosely based on Maria Sibylla Merian, a naturalist and scientific illustrator of the 1600’s who travels to the Amazon with her daughter. We follow along as the mother and daughter search for a very exotic and elusive butterfly with help from indigenous people. Loaded with botanical and scientific tidbits, depicting a touching mother/daughter relationship, this feminist STEAM book is sure to do very well. Full dummy available.