Jun 23, 2009

Aurora Launches Interactive Website Based on Characters from its Top Selling Line YooHoo & Friends

Pico Rivera, CA – Aurora World Inc. announced today that it has launched an online virtual world inspired by Aurora’s best selling plush line of YooHoo & Friends geared to kids from five to 12 years old. The website’s characters resemble real animals in their natural habitats from all over the world and will educate children about them. The website is free and does not require activation codes for entry. Site users can play games, download wallpapers, calendars and icons, watch previews for the upcoming YooHoo animations, adopt and raise YooHoo & Friends, and learn about each endangered animal.

“According to our research, a child uses the Internet in more than half of the households in the United States alone. We think that the Internet can be a positive force in the lives of children and their parents, especially with our educational components,” says Michael Kessler SVP of Sales at Aurora. “The web site is an added bonus feature to the plush animal itself, and we expect it to drive families to local retailers to collect all the YooHoo & Friends in the line.”

The YooHoo & Friends story is set in a forest called Yootopia, which features the “Tree of Life.” Kids join YooHoo & Friends on magical journeys as they travel around the world to find the lost seeds from the “Tree of Life.” Each story will also encourage parents and their children to value friendship, harmony, honesty, and courage.

Kessler adds, “The big eyes and long fluffy tails have been the keys to the plush line’s success, and Aurora will remain committed to this popular brand for years to come,” Kessler says. The newest editions to the furry, loveable YooHoo line in 2009 are Sugar Glider, Panda, Penguin and Lesser Panda (8″ MSRP $12.99, w/ sound). These cuddly plush characters make a unique and funny sound when you squeeze their tummies. Sugar Glider has pink wings attached to her tiny arms and tail (“whistle” sound). Lesser Panda features a pink and purple striped tail to match his pink button nose and purple body (“boing” sound). Panda makes a “giggle” noise when squeezed, and Penguin makes a “magical” noise when you press his furry white tummy. The YooHoo Pet Carrier (8″ MSRP $11.99) includes a YooHoo (with sound). The signature long, furry, multi-colored YooHoo tail fits through an opening in each Pet Carrier, which is multicolored, just like a favorite YooHoo. Several new YooHoo & Friends are set to debut at the Summer Shows as well as YooHoo “Wanna Bes” (YooHoos dressed as other animals i.e.: pig, frog, etc).

Aurora is committed to providing a safe Internet environment for kids and will never distribute personal information to third parties. For more information, please visit http://www.yoohoofriends.com, email info@auroragift.com or call 888-287-6722.

About Aurora
Aurora World, Inc. (www.auroragift.com) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of affordable, high quality toys and gifts. Aurora’s name reflects its growing influence in the worldwide marketplace, as well as its international manufacturing, R&D and distribution resources. Low prices, high quality and extreme variety are hallmarks of Aurora’s success. Founded in 1992, the U.S. company has ascended quickly to become the respected leader in the world’s plush and gift industry. The company sells its products via a wide variety of retailers including major zoos (a fast growing market), department stores such as Mervyns and Neiman Marcus, high-end toy stores such as Learning Express, top gift chains such as Hallmark, Claire’s and Cracker Barrel, as well as hospital gift shops, fine florists, candy stores and gift/stationery stores worldwide.