CONTACT: Elaine Kollias, Folkmanis, Inc.

800.654-8922

elaine @ folkmanis.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FANTASY AND REALISM MAKE FOLKMANIS’ NEW INNOVATIVE PUPPETS SUPER FUN

(EMERYVILLE, CA, July 3, 2002) Known worldwide for its award-winning innovative puppet designs, FOLKMANIS, Inc. introduces its mid-year creations for ages 3 and up and its Baby Folkmanis^® line.

Running the gamut of fun, from a super-soft Baby Folkmanis^® TEDDY BEAR to the imaginative THREE-HEADED DRAGON, this fall’s collection continues the company’s long tradition of putting the best-quality fun at the fingertips of all ages.

“Once again, we are proud of our imaginative designers, who have created superb new additions to our line, for year-round and 2002 holiday fun,” says Judy Folkmanis, company co-founder and creative director.

Here are a few of Folkmanis’ newest creations:

Leading off the BABY FOLKMANIS^® category is a classic, yet creative, TEDDY BEAR PUPPET.  This year is the 100^th anniversary of the Teddy Bear, and Folkmanis, Inc. brings the century-old delight to infants and Teddy Bear fans from birth and up.  This puppet features moveable head and limbs, weighted feet and super-soft, baby-friendly fabric.

Available:  August 25, 2002

AGE APPROPRIATE:  Birth and up

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE:  $16.00

The BASSET HOUND puppet, immediately identifiable by its drooping eyes and long ears, joins the ranks of Folkmanis, Inc.’s other award-winning dogs.  Realistic in form and coloring, he features fabric so soft and cuddly you won’t want to put him down!

AVAILABLE:  Mid-August, 2002

AGE APPROPRIATE:  Birth and up

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE:  $24.00

The BEAR IN SLEEPING BAG and MOOSE IN SLEEPING BAG are puppets tucked deep into their soft sleeping bags that can pop in and out for hours of peek-a-boo fun.  The Bear snuggles in his royal blue “mummy” bag with lime green lining, while the Moose snoozes within the plaid lining of his olive green “vintage” bag.

AVAILABLE:  August 1, 2002

AGE APPROPRIATE:  3 and up

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE:  $16.00

The Folkmanis PORCUPINE features unusual plush, with long tufts that mimic quills.  Unlike his kindred spirit in the wild, this porcupine will show you a softer side with its downy plush coat.

AVAILABLE:  July 25, 2002

AGE APPROPRIATE:  3 and up

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE:  $13.00

Fantasy play has never been so much fun as with Folkmanis’ THREE-HEADED DRAGON.  Standing 10 inches tall, he is made of a remarkable turquoise blue “scaly” velour fabric, has wings, moveable arms and frills down his back.  Three moveable heads means triple the fun!

AVAILABLE:  September 1, 2002

AGE APPROPRIATE:  5 and up

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE:  $20.00

Joining the Folkmanis^® Puppets character family are the two-handed GRANDMA, GRANDPA, BOY WITH CAP and GIRL WITH PONYTAILS.  Grandma has white hair crimped into a bun and wears a calico dress and velvet flats.  Grandpa has snow-white hair, bushy eyebrows and a mustache, and wears a plaid shirt, khakis and loafers.  The Boy’s blond hair peeks out from under his cap and he’s ready for fun in his t-shirt and shorts, while the Girl wears a skirt, tights and a pull-over blouse, and her hair in two playful ponytails.  All four have moveable mouths, arms and hands and make great companions for kids and adults.

AVAILABLE:  Mid-August, 2002

AGE APPROPRIATE:  5 and up

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE, GRANDMA & GRANDPA:  $50.00

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE, BOY & GIRL:  $46.00