5 comments about Breyer Animal Collector's Guide - Identification and Values.

1. I have gained a lot of information from the descriptions, the lists of models names, dates of production, and especially from the great photos of the models.



2. If you're looking for a non-specific information book, you've found it! While the values are not up-to-date, each model is shown and given dates made as well as color variations. A very nice book to have!



3. My 11 year old granddaughter collects Breyer horses and asked for this as a gift. We purchased it from Amazon and she
   was so excited once she opened it. In most Christmas pictures she is holding it in front of her.



4. I gave this book as a gift to my father who has a collection of several hundred Breyer horses. He loves the book and I found it to be a great and easy to use resource for all Breyer animal products.
   
   The first pages describe various aspects of the Breyer horses, molds, materials, and other items of interest for collectors. After the first pages, it is all color pictures and descriptions of every single Breyer animal ever produced.



5. I sell Breyers on Ebay so this is a "must have" for me. In fact this is my second one. I have just about worn the first one out. I am saving the new one so when All the pages have finally fallen out, I won't be without. It is a look up reference that I can't do without. With collectibles you need to be accurate. I don't know if they will come out with a new one, for after 2007,but this is perfect for old ones that maybe very valuable. The colors are pretty accurate too. This is definitely a five star book

5 comments about Warman's Bean Plush Field Guide: Values and Identification.

1. I had one before - I gave it to my child - he submerged it in water - I replaced and will keep for my self



2. Warman's Bean Plush Field Guide (2nd Edition) is a big must have for collectors. Its got all the facts in it needed for evaluating beanies and other selected beanie like items. Its small size makes it great for a trip to the flea market etc. The only draw back I could find is that it end with 2007. I sure hope they do an update soon.



3. This is the best little book ever, (Tool for us collectors) can take it with you everywhere, compact and neat. 4 x 5". Use as a resource manual. I got into beanie baby collecting in 2006, buying Holiday beanies. Love to look through and see which ones I want to purchase, search for, or verify which one I actually have. I will not tell my age, but its over the age limit for beanie collectors, but I am addicted. The pictures are bright and they are referenced by Name*****. So easy to use, may purchase several copies due to wear already.



4. While this book doesn't include every beanie ever made, it does have 1,200+, with a clear color photo for every one listed. About 70% of them are Ty, which makes sense because that's by far the most popular maker. And the photos are big enough to easily identify the beanies. It's got the best photos of beans and Ty tags that I've seen in a beanie book. It's not an exhaustive manual, but it does have a lot for its size. After all, it's a pocket field guide, not an encyclopedia.
   Also, it has a lot of information and tips on how to buy and sell beanies on eBay. While the prices are lower than secondary store prices, they're right on for eBay. Overall, I'm really pleased with it and I definitely think it's worth the price.



5. I bought this book today because I'm an avid Ty collector. There are so many Beanies not listed, and hardly any of the various other types of Ty products. Also only a few pages of each of the other brands of plush when I know there are so many products. This is just not a very complete book. If you want a much better, although still not perfect Ty collector guide, go to Bangzoom Press and buy the Beanie Babies Value Tracker from them.

3 comments about Sock Monkey.

1. I was embarrased when I opened the box with the sock monkey, it's tail looked just like a penis! I threw it away! It was a good laugh!



2. This little book is packed with a huge amount of character and creativity. The sock monkeys have a loveable humor and sincerity that comes from the hearts and fingers of all the many people who sewed them. The pictures are nice on the eyes because the colors are rich and beautiful and the textures of the yarns and fabrics are touchable. This book is being loved by everyone in my entire family. It's a great book.



3. The photos of the sock monkeys are like colorful portraits of relatives and friends; my six-year-old is convinced that one of the photos is of his big brother's best friend, Calder. He's also sure that another photo of a somewhat stern looking monkey is absolutely and unequivocally our (meanish) neighbor down the street. Our 15-year-old is entranced with the outlandish outfits that some of the monekys are sporting. The book is a perfect size and has the look and feel of a marvelously kooky schoolbook from my childhood.
   I tried to get the 2008 sock monkey calendar by Arne Svenson and Ron Warren, but it was sold out by the time I ordered. This time I didn't wait. I just bought multiples of the book and am putting them away as fun gifts for the holidays.

5 comments about Sock Monkeys.

1. This book was purchased as a gift and was received quickly and in mint condition even though it was listed as used. No damages were there at all. Delighted with the product and the recipient of the gift was happy as well.



2. Arne Svenson and Ron Warren, Sock Monkeys (200 out of 1,863) (Ideal World, 2002)
   
   Ron Warren collects sock monkeys. And like any obsessive collector, when he sinks his teeth into something, he does it right. At the time this book was printed seven years ago, Warren had collected 1,863 sock monkeys (and I've no doublt that number has grown in the half-again-as-long time he's had since to continue). Arne Svenson conceived of a project that would have him photographing the monkeys in classic portrait style, and every once in a while grabbing a famous person to tell a particular monkey's tale. It's a fun little conceit, and I have to say it works. Especially when the writers you tab are folks like Neil Gaiman, Penn and Teller (each get a separate monkey), Isaac Mizrachi, and others along those lines. The monkeys range from comforting to disturbing (and having Neil Gaiman or Penn Jillette writing about them will not help you overcome the latter by any means), but Svenson treats them all with equal dignity. Svenson's introduction makes it sound as if this is the first in a series that will eventually encompass all of Warren's collection; I sincerely hope that is the case, because this first book is pure gold for sock monkey fans. *** ½



3. I loved this pictorial book about a Sock Monkey collection...just their pictures and a few speculatve stories...No two alike, and each has their own personality...Great gift for almost anyone...



4. What an incredible partnership between the collector and the photographer. These photographs are beautiful. The images capture the whimsy and personality created by anonymous hands. I have collected books of photographic images since the late 1970's and sock monkeys since the early 1990's. This is a wondrous book!
   I hope they consider a new edition with more of the collection.(They also have a terrific box of note cards from images in the book)



5. what a crowd pleaser! I gave this to my friend for Christmas and it was such a hit. its unexpected and charming and some of the pictures just make you laugh out loud. its a great coffee table book. they have such personality, and you can tell that some of them have been really loved over the years. I recommend this book to anyone that has ever been a child....

5 comments about Ty Beanies Tracker Third Edition.

1. This (Ty Beanies Tracker-2nd Edition) is a great collectors guide book. It has pictures and information on all the beanies thru 2003--the only draw back. There has been an updated edition on the stands-Great!! The bigness part of this edition is the free software program for cataloging your beanies--really great for large collections. They also are great customer service-just call.



2. Bought for a friend who has found it invaluable to help her identify and value her vast collection of TY's. She particularly appreciated the excellent photographic illustrations and written descriptions.



3. I decided to sell my collection of Beanie Babies but first wanted to make sure I could price them correctly. This book gave me all the information I needed and then some. I recomend it highly.



4. This is a gr8 book, started collecting beanies in 2006 Holiday only, purchasing here and there, not realizing I had so many. Never saw any books for sale on them so one day I typed in beanie books and was amazed at what came up. Researched for a bit and discovered the Tracker was the most complete of all. Purchased and like any good book sat down and read it cover to cover, with trash and paper wrapping still in my lap. Found out so much about my crazy new collection. The Tracker organizes by name, makes it easy to identify and verify the one you actually have, no skipping around.



5. Wonderful book. Helped me catagorize and date all of my Ty Beanies and I was so happy with the accuracy of the book. Would recommend to Ty Beanie Baby collectors.

5 comments about The My Little Pony G1 Collector's Inventory: an unofficial full color illustrated collector's price guide to the first generation of MLP including all ... and accessories released before 1997.

1. I have over 300 my little pony's. There are a lot that aren't in this book but it doesn't seem to matter because this book has still helped me a ton with the ones I have. Giving me facts and keeping organized. I love it!



2. This has to be the best book for My Little Pony collectors. It has a full color picture of every single pony from this era, along with a detailed list of every item the pony came with. Absolutely a requirement for anyone trying to organize & sort out their collection. I have already bought her G3 (generation 3) book & the one that followed. Summer Hayes is now at the top of my "favorites" list!



3. This book has lots of pictures and is well organized, I have enjoyed reading it and use it to reference which ponies are out there!! Great job!



4. My wife loves this book: "The best G1 collectors book ever, clear full color pictures of ponies,playsets and stickers. It is nicely organized by year of release, it even includes Petit Ponies, Dream Beauties, Little Litters, and My Pretty Pony product lines."
   As a note to anyone connected financially to a Pony Enthusiast. Next to every picture there is a little note of how much the pony is worth. So giving this book as a gift might mean something like. "This will help you complete your collection, so start looking on Ebay"



5. The guide is beautifully done, with clear pictures and fantastic organization. There is clearly a lot of research and work that has gone into this labor of love, and it shows. This book is just brimming with valuable information.
   
   It's a great resource to have on hand. For those of us with extensive collections, it really makes all the difference when trying to organize and inventory ponies and accessories.
   
   As someone who owns both of Summer's books, I highly suggest getting one of your own--it's a great investment!

5 comments about Boyds Tracker Plush: Value Guide, Second Edition, Vol. 1 of 2.

1. My Boyd's Bear's book arrived very quickly and it was in excellent condition. Thank You!



2. I have been looking for a collector's guide for the last several years and stumbled across this. As soon as the book arrived I could not wait to check the secondary prices for all my "friends".
   
   This book will be a wonderful help in getting an extra rider on my homeowners policy to cover my friends should anything happen to them.
   
   The pictures and descriptions in the book are outstanding and the supplemental information is invaluable. I have several friends that have multiple looks and it helped me to distinguish between the bears that have the same name but slightly different looks.
   
   If you are looking for the ultimate collector's guide for Boyds Plush - you must get this book!!



3. This is a must for Boyds Collectors. Great pictures and great information. Love the Paw Notes. A vast improvement from the First edition.



4. I have collected Boyds Bears for years and there has been a serious gap in the Price Guide and information Guides for Boyds since Checkerbee went bust.
   This Bangzoom Tracker is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!
   Color pictures, info, tons and tons of stuff I have and want and needed to put in some order!
   This is the way to do it with Sense and Brains!!!
   If you collect Boyds-you MUST buy this Tracker.
   Book or CD-rom; either way you need this to get your stuff organized, catagorized and listed so you know what you have and what you are looking for!
   Great Job Bethy And Bangzoom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



5. This book is an absolute must have for the true Boyds collector. It is the most accurate guide produced in years... a true Boyds encyclopedia. You won't regret the investment of this guide to find all the history behind your favorite Boyds pieces.

2 comments about Cat Made Me Buy It!.

1. "The Cat Made Me Buy It!: A Collection of Cats Who Sold Yesterday's Products" contains some funny, cute, charming, annoying, ridiculous, spooky, and lovely ads, all featuring cats to sell products.
   
   "The Black Cat" magazine was started in 1895 by Herman D. Umbstaetter to publish short fiction by amateur writers. His wife Nelly created the Art Nouveau covers featuring black cats and sold each as a print for one dollar. The publication ceased in 1923. The cover of this book is one of those magazine covers.
   
   How about a gray kitten with a pink nose asleep in a downy bed surrounded by lace and advertising "Sleep like a kitten on Chesapeake and Ohio Lines." The cat was named Chessie, who acquired a husband who also posed for ads for the train line.
   
   "Carter's Kittens" helped sell Carter's nine shades of ink from 1941 to 1957. In one ad a fluffy white Mother Cat hangs her nine kitties in socks. Each kitty is the same color as one of the inks. The ad states that Carter's Ink is as gentle as a kitten in your pen!
   
   How about the Black Cat Fortune Telling Game? Parker Brothers used the black cat, known for its reputation for good luck and/or superstition, to sell this general advice game.
   
   Another seller was the "Wedding in Catland," a puzzle that advertised Hood's Sarsaparilla and Hood's Pills. The Sarsaparilla was made from root, barks, and herbs and was "taken" to purify the blood.
   
   Another famous ad shows a group of cats singing, talking, playing and advertising Clark's thread, or spool cotton thread on white spools.
   
   But the one that is my favorite is Black Cat Enamel Stove Polish that "outshines 'em all." Stove polish? Yes, in the late 1800's and early 1900's pot-bellied stoves were made of iron and had to be polished for protection from water, grease, and rust.
   
   The White Cat advertised the White-Cat Cigar and the Tabby advertised the Tabby Cigar. The Persian Cat advertised Northwest Apples from Washington State. A blonde, curly-haired toddler holding a black cat powdered heavily with talc advertised Vivaudou's Mavis Talc.
   
   There are Black Cat Stockings, White Cat brand underwear, and the Pussy Cat Rag was a ragtime, pre-World War I song. Just for cat alone was the Catnip Ball made and advertised for his "health and exercise."
   
   Well, there it is. I would say, Who'd have thunk it? Well, of course, it had to be thunk--cats in advertising.



2. Lots of color reproductions of cats on labels and in
   advertising from the nineteenth and early twentieth
   century, with discussions of what happened to the
   companies behind each image.
   
   This book would be a delight for any cat-enthused
   graphical-arts type person.
   
   What's it doing out of print?

2 comments about Ty Beanies Tracker Guide.

1. After storing hundreds of my daughter's Beanie Babies for years, I purchased this book to help me decide which ones to keep and which ones I could pass on to others to enjoy. Very helpful.



2. I was very happy that the publisher (Bangzoom) made a second edition of this book. I also own the first edition of this book which was released in 2003, and this second edition picks up where it left off and also includes an additional Ty product line. The first edition included Beanie Babies, Beanie Buddies, Beanie Kids, Beanie Boppers, Teenie Beanie Boppers, Jingle Beanies, Basket Beanies, Punkies, and Pluffies. The second edition updated these lines to include product introduced since the first edition's release, and they've added the Teenie Beanie Babies which were a promotion at McDonald's. Also included are Appendices listing all available Champion Beanies and Buddies, Kanata Beanies, and Issy Beanies. This second edition improves on the first edition by adding space on each page for recording the price you paid for a Beanie and its current value, pages to add new products as they are released, a section for notes, pages to calculate the value of your collection, a checklist, and a Beanie Baby birthday index. Karen Holmes did a wonderful job of researching hang tag generations, tush tag generations, and Beanie information. She also provided the pictures included in the book. I use this book constantly to track my collection and highly recommend it!

No comments about Mecki, Zotty and Their Friends: Steiff-Animals and Bears 1950-1970.