Calico Critters Announces Annual “Critter of the Year” Contest Winners

Parsippany, NJ (June 22, 2007) – Everyone at Cloverleaf Corners has been thrilled to receive so many “Critter of the Year” entries from dedicated Calico Critters fans. Many Critters were nominated and the Grand Prize winner in the 5 years-old and under category is Maggie, from Fort Thomas, KY, and her critter nominee, Sophie Snowbunny. The winner in the 5 years-old and over group is Maya, from Bedford, Nova Scotia, and her critter, Chip Hawthorne.

Each year Calico Critters fans nominate their favorite critter for the “Critter of the Year” award. Fans send in a picture taken with their critter, a drawing of their critter, and a narrative explaining why their critter deserves this coveted award.

Maggie drew her favorite critter, Sophie Snowbunny, complete with a tiny pink bow, which was the final touch that set her drawing apart from the rest of the entries.

Maya chose to draw a picture of Chip Hawthorne Hamster, part of the Hawthorne twins set. Maya’s work was so original and creative that it stood out among the hundreds of entries received.

The cute and cuddly Calico Critters are wholesome, classic toys that never go out of style. These adorable flocked mini critters (1 ¼” to 3” high) are poseable with jointed arms and legs and heads that turn, and feature removable clothing. The Cloverleaf Corners community features life-like homes, detailed furniture environments and ready to-play sets that are wholesomely realistic and encourage children to share their own experiences and values as they play.

To meet more of the families from Calico Critters of Cloverleaf Corners and to view the full winning submissions, please visit: www.calicocritters.com.

About Calico Critters
Calico Critters of Cloverleaf Corners are timeless, classic toys that delight children and promote wholesome family values. These award-winning miniature creatures and their life-like environments have inspired the imagination and creativity of countless children, while promoting healthy physical and cognitive development through pretend play. Calico Critter families are just like real families, and every mom, dad, sister and brother plays an important role in the Cloverleaf Corners community. More information on the individual characters, their stories, roles, relationships and environments can be found at www.calicocritters.com

About International Playthings, Inc. (IPI)
Since its inception in 1967, IPI has excelled in the delivery of innovative and entertaining products with integrity, superior play value and child developmental qualities to consumers. Over the course of its 40-year existence, IPI has grown to become one of the largest and most respected suppliers of quality products to the North American specialty industry. A subsidiary of Grand Toys International, Limited, (Nasdaq: GRIN), IPI offers a comprehensive range of proprietary and distributed brands comprising a wide variety of award winning play things including games, infant toys, preschool toys, dolls, educational toys and activity toys. Additional information on IPI, its brands and individual products can be found at www.intplay.com

About Grand Toys International Limited
Grand Toys International Limited, (Nasdaq: GRIN) is a leading developer, manufacturer and distributor of toy and toy related products throughout the world. The company’s Hong Kong and U.S. operating subsidiaries, which include Playwell International, International Playthings, Inc., Hua Yang Holdings Co., Ltd. and Kord Holdings, Inc, have been in continuous operation for approximately 45 years. In addition to its toy-related operations, Grand prints and assembles books and specialty packaging; and develops, manufactures and distributes party goods. Additional information on Grand and its subsidiaries is available at www.grand.com, www.huayangprinting.com and www.kordparty.com


# # #