Take Home Your Own Cuddly Olivia -- and more!

As you're working your way through your holiday shopping list this year, please note that besides fabulous books for kids, we also have some delightful plush characters from children's books that could be just the ticket for your younger gift recipients. We've got characters from all sorts of popular children's books, including Olivia (my personal favorite), Otis the Tractor, Rocket (who learned to read), Llama Llama, Pete the Cat, Ladybug Girl, Penny (and her song), the polar bear from On the Day You Were Born, and Stillwater the panda from the wonderful Jon Muth books. Last, but not not least -- or maybe least (Roberta made me do it, really) -- Walter the Farting Dog. These lovely soft characters range from $10 to $18 and are made by MerryMakers.

MerryMakers was founded in 1993 with the goal of providing carefully designed dolls and toys based on the very best children's books, museum collections, and other characters. Their products meet the recently revised safety requirements and will still be deemed Safe For All Ages under the new regulations.

Quantities of each are limited, so come early for the best selection!