Leading social online games developer Mind Candy, publisher of global kids phenomenon moshimonsters.com - which now has over 34 million users worldwide - today announces that the first ever Moshi Monsters toy range, unleashed onto UK shelves in mid-Jan, will make its stateside debut this Sunday as leading global toy manufacturer Spin Master unveils the new products at NY Toy Fair (Booth 2249, Level 3).

The new Moshi Monsters toy range from master toy partner Vivid launched to a remarkable reception within the UK. Early indicators reveal the range is set to be the smash hit of 2011 with all key retailers selling above initial expectations and rushing to place re-orders in a bid to meet demand.

Michael Acton Smith - CEO of Mind Candy, commented, "We couldn't have hoped for a better start for the toy range - the reaction in the UK has been phenomenal, we now hope to replicate that success within the U.S." Michael will be speaking about the Transmedia growth of Moshi Monsters at the Engage Conference during Toy Fair (Javits Centre - 11:30am, Feb 16th) and also at the Kidscreen Summit (Hilton NY - 11:30am, Feb 18th).

Spin Master are the U.S. distribution partner for Moshi Monsters and will be representing the brand at NY Toy Fair, where it will be unveiled and presented to the U.S market.

David Colebrook, VP Marketing at Spin Master commented, "We're excited to be representing Moshi Monsters within North America and really encouraged by its UK success. The brand continues to build momentum worldwide and we're sure the range will be a smash with U.S kids."

Half of all UK children aged 6-12 have adopted a Moshi Monster and the U.S is catching up with one-in-five a proud monster owner. Of its global fan base, the U.S is the biggest territory accounting for around a third of the site's registered user base (approximately 11m users). The free-to-use site has been likened to a cross between Facebook for kids, Tamagotchi and Brain Training as it combines nurturing virtual pets with social online gameplay and engaging educational puzzles for both boys and girls aged 6-12.

The Moshi Monsters range being unveiled at the show includes soft toys based on the six key monster characters, Poppet, Katsuma, Diavlo, Zommer, Furi and Luvli as well as collectable figures based on the highly collectable ‘Moshlings' (Pets of pet monsters). Many of the products incorporate special codes, which unlock cool extra's within the site, adding value to users and enabling 360 engagement with the brand.

Moshi Monsters is leading the way for web-based children's entertainment brands with its successful foray into physical products. A growing number of Moshi Monsters products are now on UK shelves, including: Moshi Bandz, Membership Cards and Gift Packs (Produced in-house), Trading Cards (Topps), Top Trumps (Winning Moves), Calendars (Danilo), Posters (GB Eye) and Books (Penguin). Following the toy launch within the U.S, Mind Candy will drive its North American licensing program throughout 2011 and beyond.

Check out the Moshi Monsters toy range at the Spin Master Booth (2249, Level 3)